New pilot training school for RAF Brize Norton (From Oxford Mail)

New pilot training school for RAF Brize Norton

7:36pm Monday 4th March 2013 in News By Joe Nimmo, Senior reporter. Call me on (01865) 425373.

THE government has announced a new £226m specialist training school will be built at RAF Brize Norton.

It is set to benefit pilots and ground crewmen learning how to operate the new Airbus Military A400M Atlas transport aircraft.

The planned facility will house two full flight simulators to train RAF pilots, a specialist workstation to train loadmasters, a cockpit simulator to train engineers and a suite of computer-based training equipment.

The Ministry of Defence hopes its 18-year deal with A400M Training Services Ltd will create and secure up to 300 long-term jobs, principally at RAF Brize Norton.

It is buying 22 of the new transport aircraft to replace the RAF’s fleet of C-130 Hercules, with the first aircraft entering service in late 2014.

Able to carry twice as much as the Hercules, the A400M Atlas can transport 32 tonnes of cargo over a range of 4,500 kilometres.

Flight Lieutenant Chris Aston, a future A400M Atlas pilot, said: “The A400M Atlas programme is incredibly exciting and one I’m delighted to be involved in. These facilities will give both aircrew and ground crew a unique training experience.

“Having access to flight simulators, a loadmaster workstation trainer and cockpit maintenance operations simulator will ensure that we can get the most out of the aircraft.”