No. 22 Group (RAF)

No. 22 Group (RAF). It is a major training and support formation within the Royal Air Force, with a history dating to the pre-Second World War era. The group has been responsible for the majority of RAF non-operational flying training and the management of numerous University Air Squadrons and Air Experience Flights. Today, as part of RAF Air Command, it ensures the generation of skilled personnel for the service's global operations.

History

The group was first formed on 1 April 1936 within RAF Inland Area at RAF Andover, initially tasked with army co-operation duties. On the outbreak of the Second World War, it was transferred to RAF Fighter Command and became responsible for controlling the Royal Air Force Regiment and the Balloon Command during the Battle of Britain. Post-war, it was disbanded in 1945 but reformed in 1948 under RAF Technical Training Command, later moving to RAF Support Command. A significant modernisation occurred with the formation of the Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury in 1997, consolidating tri-service rotary-wing training. The group's headquarters moved to RAF High Wycombe in 2007, and it now plays a central role within the modern RAF Air Command structure, having absorbed elements of the former No. 24 Group (RAF) and No. 25 Group (RAF).

Structure and organisation

Headquartered at RAF High Wycombe, the group commands a vast network of training schools and units across the United Kingdom. Key subordinate formations include the Central Flying School at RAF Cranwell and the RAF College Cranwell, which oversees officer training. The group also directs the No. 1 Flying Training School at RAF Shawbury, the No. 3 Flying Training School at RAF Cranwell, and the No. 4 Flying Training School at RAF Valley. It manages the Defence College of Technical Training at RAF Cosford and oversees all University Air Squadrons, the Air Cadet Organisation, and the Volunteer Gliding Squadrons. This integrated structure ensures a pipeline of aircrew, engineers, and support staff for front-line commands like RAF Strike Command and overseas operations.

Aircraft operated

Throughout its history, the group has operated a wide array of training and support aircraft. Early types included the Westland Lysander and the Hawker Hector during its army co-operation phase. Post-war, it introduced jet trainers like the de Havilland Vampire and the BAC Jet Provost. The group currently operates the modern Grob Prefect for elementary flying training, the Embraer Phenom 100 for multi-engine instruction, and the Beechcraft Texan T.1 for fast-jet training. Rotary-wing training is conducted using the Airbus Juno HT1 and the Airbus Jupiter HT1 at the Defence Helicopter Flying School. Support flying for the Air Cadet Organisation is provided by the Grob Tutor T1.

Notable commanders

Commanders of the group have included several distinguished Royal Air Force officers. Early commanders were Air Vice-Marshal Sir John Tremayne Babington and Air Vice-Marshal Sir Leslie Gossage during the Second World War. In the post-war era, Air Vice-Marshal Sir David Lee commanded from 1961 to 1963. More recent commanders include Air Vice-Marshal Gary Waterfall, who later served as Commandant of the Royal College of Defence Studies, and Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot. The current commander, as of 2023, is Air Vice-Marshal Mark Flewin.

Role and responsibilities

The group's primary role is to deliver specialist training to generate and sustain personnel for the Royal Air Force and wider Ministry of Defence. This encompasses all phases of aircrew training, from initial selection at the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre to advanced instruction on operational aircraft types. It is also responsible for technical and engineering training for ground trades, leadership development at the RAF College Cranwell, and providing air experience for the Air Training Corps and Combined Cadet Force. Furthermore, the group supports resilience operations and maintains oversight of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, ensuring a steady supply of capable individuals to units such as No. 1 Group (RAF) and No. 2 Group (RAF).

Category:Royal Air Force groups