No. 1 Flying Training School

No. 1 Flying Training School
Unit name	No. 1 Flying Training School
Dates	1919–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	United Kingdom Royal Air Force
Type	Flying training
Command structure	No. 22 Group
Garrison	RAF Cranwell
Garrison label	Based at

No. 1 Flying Training School is the oldest and most senior flying training establishment of the Royal Air Force. It has been responsible for the elementary and basic flying instruction of countless officer and NCO aircrew since its formation in the aftermath of the First World War. Operating from its long-term home at RAF Cranwell, the school has adapted to evolving training requirements, transitioning from piston-engine aircraft to advanced turboprop trainers as part of the UK Military Flying Training System.

History

The school was originally formed on 1 April 1919 at RAF Netheravon, inheriting the legacy of several World War I training units. It moved to RAF Reading later that year before finding a more permanent home at RAF Leuchars in 1920. A significant chapter began in 1926 when it relocated to Netheravon once more, where it remained for over a decade. Following the outbreak of the Second World War, the school was dispersed to various satellite airfields for safety. In the post-war era, it was re-established at RAF Syerston in 1947 before moving to its current and most enduring base, RAF Cranwell, in 1975. Throughout its history, it has been a cornerstone of the RAF College Cranwell commissioning course.

Role and operations

The primary role is to deliver elementary flying training to RAF, Royal Navy and Army aircrew, alongside students from international allied air forces. Its core task is to screen and select individuals for fast-jet, multi-engine, or rotary-wing training streams. The syllabus focuses on fundamental aviation principles, including general handling, instrument flying, navigation, and formation flying. The school operates as a key component of the tri-service UK Military Flying Training System, working in close conjunction with Ascent Flight Training and alongside other training units like No. 4 Flying Training School.

Aircraft operated

Throughout its long service, the school has operated a wide variety of training aircraft. Early biplane trainers included the Avro 504 and the de Havilland Tiger Moth. Post-war, it introduced the Percival Prentice and the de Havilland Chipmunk. For many years, the Scottish Aviation Bulldog served as its primary elementary trainer. In 1999, it transitioned to the Slingsby Firefly. Since 2018, the school has been equipped with the modern Grob Prefect T1, a glass-cockpit turboprop aircraft which represents a significant technological advancement in initial training.

Notable personnel

Many distinguished aviators have served as instructors or students. Notable former instructors include Sir Douglas Bader, the legendary fighter pilot of the Battle of Britain, and Sir Frank Whittle, the pioneer of the jet engine. Former students who rose to high command include Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Michael Beetham, a former Chief of the Air Staff, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge also completed his elementary flying training here prior to advanced helicopter instruction.

Locations

The school has been based at numerous RAF stations across the United Kingdom. Its principal historical locations include RAF Netheravon, RAF Reading, RAF Leuchars, and RAF Syerston. Since 1975, its permanent home has been RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire, where it is integrated with the facilities of the RAF College Cranwell. During the Second World War, it also operated from several dispersed sites including RAF Hullavington and RAF Watchfield to avoid enemy attack.

Current status

Today, the school remains active at RAF Cranwell under the command of No. 22 Group. It continues to deliver the Elementary Flying Training syllabus using the fleet of Grob Prefect T1 aircraft. The unit plays a vital role in the first phase of the UK Military Flying Training System, preparing future pilots for their specialized training on aircraft such as the Phenom T1, Texan T1, or Juno HT1. Its enduring mission is to provide the foundational skills for the next generation of Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and British Army aircrew.

Category:Royal Air Force training schools Category:Aviation training units and formations Category:Military units and formations established in 1919