From Gp Capt Matt Barker MA RAF
Commandant No 6 Flying Training School
HQ No 6 FTS
 
6 FTS Air Experience Flying Opportunities
 
As the largest Flying Training School in Defence, the 6 FTS mission is to inspire, educate and attract talent to both Regular and Reserve RAF Service. An integral part of this is the delivery of Air Experience Flying with the RAF Air Cadets and Combined Cadet Force. The ability to offer flying opportunities puts the ‘Air’ in Air Cadets and it provides a fantastic opportunity for young people – as well as playing a significant part in our youth engagement strategy.
 
So why am I writing to you…
 
I’m after your help as we are always in need of more pilots to deliver these wonderful experiences. Last year, we flew 6383 cadets; however, the demand signal is much higher and, as you might imagine, increasing this output is hugely resource-intensive – and our key resource is pilots!
We are currently recruiting AEF pilots through a variety of pathways: current Qualified Service Pilots (QSP), retired QSP, Airline pilots (ex-QSP), and through the Volunteer Reserve Wings pilot scheme which allows civilian pilots with sufficient hours and experience to serve under Volunteer Reserve Training (VR(T) AEF Pilot) terms and conditions of Service.
 
Ultimately, I’m after help from you to advertise this role to your association members, some of whom I hope would be interested in offering their time and skills to help us increase our AEF pilot cadre at any of our flying locations across the UK.
 
In order to qualify for this fantastically rewarding role, an individual would have to fulfil the following criteria:
                 
            a. Be under 65 years of age at the end of training - realistically we would ask that they are 60 or below to ensure a reasonable return of Service [1]
 
                  b. Have a relevant flying CV for review (Minimum of 500 hrs First Pilot) [2]
 
                  c. Pass a suitability interview, which will ascertain the level of commitment to AEF flying
 
                  d. Qualify for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check
 
                  e.  Pass a Medical Board
 
                  f. Dependant on experience, undertake an assessment sortie
 
Once complete, and subject to the requisite Security Checks, applicants will be eligible to fly the future generations of the RAF and a truly inspiring group of young people.
 
If this opportunity is of interest, full details for an application can be found at the following link: Expression of Interest Form (Page 1 of 5). Alternatively, I would be more than happy to speak to anyone personally on 07966 260580.
 
Many thanks for your help with this, I am more than happy to chat anytime if you have any questions.
 
Kind Regards,

Matt Barker
 
[1] Current terms and conditions set the upper age limit as 60 but this is currently under amendment.
[2] For VR Wings pilots, a professional flying qualification, e.g. CPL/ATPL would be required in addition to 500 Hours P1.
 
 

Lancasters over Lincoln by Wg Cdr Mal Grosse AFC RAF (Retired). The original oil painting was donated by the artist to Wickenby and hangs above the stairs leading to the museum there