No. 15 Flying Training School RAF

No. 15 Flying Training School RAF. This unit was a key advanced training establishment within the Royal Air Force's post-war pilot instruction system. It operated in two distinct periods, initially forming in the closing stages of the Second World War and later reactivating during the Cold War to train pilots on jet aircraft. The school was responsible for producing multi-engine and later fast-jet pilots destined for front-line service with RAF Bomber Command and RAF Fighter Command.

History

The school was first established on 1 April 1945 at RAF Leconfield in Yorkshire, inheriting the role and aircraft of the former No. 15 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit. Its initial purpose was to provide advanced flying training for pilots transitioning to multi-engine types, a critical need as the war in Europe concluded. Following VE Day, the school continued its training mission, moving to RAF Oakington in Cambridgeshire in July 1945, where it remained until disbandment on 1 February 1948. The unit was reactivated over a decade later on 1 September 1959 at RAF Oakington, now tasked with advanced jet training for students destined for RAF Fighter Command. This second incarnation saw the school relocate to RAF Kirmington in Lincolnshire in 1963, renamed RAF North Killingholme, where it operated until its final disbandment on 31 December 1974, its role absorbed by other training units.

Aircraft operated

Throughout its service, the school operated a progression of iconic training aircraft. In its first period, the primary trainer was the North American Harvard, a robust advanced trainer used for pilot instruction. Upon reactivation in 1959, the school transitioned to jet aircraft, beginning with the de Havilland Vampire T.11, which provided the first jet experience for many student pilots. This was later supplemented and then replaced by the Folland Gnat T.1, a nimble and demanding jet that became famous for its role with the Red Arrows display team. In its final years, the school also operated the Scottish Aviation Bulldog T.1 for primary and basic flying training, marking a return to propeller-driven instruction for initial phases.

Locations

The school was based at three main Royal Air Force stations during its existence. It formed at RAF Leconfield, a significant Bomber Command station during the war. Its first and longest-standing home was RAF Oakington, a pre-war expansion period airfield that also hosted transport and bomber units. The school's final base was RAF Kirmington, a former wartime bomber station that was renamed RAF North Killingholme during the school's tenure; this airfield had previously been used by No. 1 Group RAF and the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Role and operations

The school's core role was delivering advanced flying training within the RAF's training pipeline. Initially, this involved converting pilots onto multi-engine aircraft like the Avro Anson for service with RAF Coastal Command or RAF Transport Command. In its jet era, the school provided the final stage of specialist training before pilots were posted to operational conversion units for aircraft such as the English Electric Lightning or Hawker Hunter. Its syllabus focused on advanced handling, instrument flying, formation flying, and navigation, preparing students for the demands of front-line squadrons during the height of the Cold War.

Notable personnel

Several individuals who served with the unit achieved significant recognition. Among its instructors was Squadron Leader John Severne, who later served as Equerry to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and became Air Secretary. Another notable figure associated with the school is Air Vice-Marshal Johnnie Johnson, the Royal Air Force's top scoring fighter ace of the Second World War, who held a senior training post overseeing units like No. 15 FTS. Pilots who trained at the school went on to serve in conflicts including the Suez Crisis, the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation, and operations in Aden Protectorate.

Category:Royal Air Force training units Category:Flying training schools of the Royal Air Force