Training
Most UAS training is a cut down version of EFT and focuses on training the student to various levels of solo standard.
Successful completion of the Core Syllabus qualifies the student pilot for the award of the Preliminary Flying Badge, or 'Budgie Wings' as they are sometimes called.
For those Officer Cadets who finish the Core syllabus with time remaining on the squadron, an advanced syllabus has recently been introduced consisting of Aerobatics, Formation Flying and Low Level Navigation. There is no specific time requirement as with the core syllabus, as progression in the advanced phase is down to rate at which the student pilot is able to achieve the desired results.
Beyond flying, UASs follow a loose overall training syllabus. Though squadrons generally do not follow the syllabus as a training plan, the majority of subjects are covered at some point through the students' academic year. These can include attending Adventure Training expeditions, both overseas and within the UK, learning drill, undertaking a fieldcraft exercise such as the recent 'Strike' exercises run at RAFC Cranwell, understanding the principles of air power and developing leadership skills.
As the UAS continues to move beyond its former role of providing Elementary Flying Training to RAF Direct Entry students and UAS Students, more and more ground training opportunities are becoming available, making the UASs more suitable for Officer Cadets pursuing careers in the military other than aircrew.
UAS Officer Cadets are required to attend a minimum of one training night a week which usually involves a guest speaker taking a lecture on an aspect of the RAF or the military to develop service knowledge, and a two week period of continuous training in the summer. Most squadrons however also offer camps at Easter, Christmas, and September for Officer Cadets to undertake intensive blocs of sport, flying and adventure training.
Additionally, each student is offered a week long Summer Vacation Attachment at another RAF base, where they are seconded to an active regular RAF unit to learn more about their role.
Read more about this topic: University Air Squadron
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