PAGE TITLE 3 MILITARY AVIATION STUDIES FOUNDATION DEGREE & BSC PROGRAMME Military Aviation Academy
EARN A DEGREE FLYING WITH THE ROYAL NAVY
LIFE LIFE WITHOUT WITHOUT LIMITS LIMITS
This publication is for guidance only. The facts in it may change without notice and must not be taken to imply any contract. Details of length of service will be explained in the Armed Forces Careers Office and will be contained in the contract. Any bursary or sponsorship money may need to be repaid if you do not enter service, or if you fail or withdraw from training. F/MAS/V2
WELCOME
TO THE ROYAL NAVY’S MILITARY AVIATION ACADEMY PROSPECTUS
Contents The Fleet Air Arm (FAA) is the Royal Navy’s maritime
Welcome 1 air force. Its helicopters and fast jet aircraft provide The Flight Pipeline 4 the Royal Navy with a multi-role airborne capability The Academy 6 able to operate independently at short notice, in all Teaching and Assessment 10 environments, day and night, over the sea and land. A Quality Degree 12 Campus Facilities 14 The FAA Military Aviation Academy provides students Campus Life 16 The Learning Environment 18 with the opportunity to develop the skills and Case Studies 22 knowledge necessary to master these high performance The Next Steps 28 aircraft through the only degree programme of its kind. 2 MILITARY AVIATION STUDIES WELCOME 3
A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
The Foundation Degree in Military Aviation Studies is a fully-funded two-year Open University validated degree programme. As a school or college-leaver, you will be able to gain a Foundation Degree while you train to become a fully operational Observer or Pilot for the FAA.
This means that by joining the Academy straight after school or college you will gain a degree while learning to fly. From the moment you begin your training, right through to the point at which you are awarded your coveted FAA ‘wings’, you will be earning credit points towards a Foundation Degree in Military Aviation Studies. You will also be getting paid a full salary.
On completion of the Foundation Degree, you can choose to study for a BSc Honours Degree – again fully-funded by the Royal Navy.
A REWARDING CAREER
Additionally, life at the Academy will see you taking part in extensive sports and adventure activities, making lifelong friends and enjoying experiences that other people only dream of… setting you up for a truly rewarding career in aviation that will take you all over the world. A unique opportunity We hope that you will find this prospectus useful – it is full of information about our unique degree A REWARDING CAREER programme, excellent state-of-the-art facilities, and insider views from our past and present students. 4 MILITARY AVIATION STUDIES THE FLIGHT PIPELINE 5
OBSERVER PIPELINE 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180 185 190 195 200 205 YOUR FLYING PIPELINE WEEKS Your path to gaining your ‘wings’ and becoming a fully operational Observer or Pilot with a foundation LYNX degree under your belt is extremely RNAS Yeovilton * challenging, but you will also find it 36 weeks FRONTLINE SQUADRON AIR 287 Lynx Mk8 S.R.U Lynx immensely rewarding. G E) BASIC OBSERVER TRAINING Britannia Royal Naval College, DARTMOUTH You will be part of a close-knit team 3 terms - 35 weeks ASaC RNAS Culdrose of fellow students and instructors A L PACKA RNAS Culdrose * Flying Grading & DO Course V I 48 weeks FRONTLINE SQUADRON who will support you every step of 32 weeks Sea King Mk7 the way. So, by the time you have 75 hours 4 weeks + days Jetstream completed the four phases of training
AIRCREW WARFARE COURSE WARFARE AIRCREW ASW (three of which are in the Academy AIR 424 (SUR RNAS Culdrose and account for your degree) you
SMOPS 1 week, AWC 2 week, NBCD5 1 week AWC 2 week, SMOPS 1 week, * 50 weeks FRONTLINE SQUADRON will be more than ready for your first Merlin operational tour.
Initial Sea Safety Course (ISSC) – 1 week BENEFITS FOR YOU * SERE Course – 2 weeks It is important to note that in gaining a degree by completing Naval flying training straight from PILOT PIPELINE school, you will have entered the Royal Navy earlier than if you had 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180 185 190 195 200 205 WEEKS gone to university first.
LYNX By choosing to study at the RNAS Yeovilton * Military Aviation Academy you 36 Weeks FRONTLINE SQUADRON AIR 287
Lynx S.R.U Lynx will be younger than others (who BASIC ROTARY Lynx Mk8 joined as graduates) when finishing FLYING TRAINING COMMANDO training. This means you could be RNAS Yeovilton * G E) DHFS Shawbury 34 weeks FRONTLINE SQUADRON younger when gaining promotion PILOT ELEMENTARY 24 weeks Britannia Royal Naval College, DARTMOUTH Sea King Mk4 to higher ranks. So you could earn a FLYING TRAINING 80 hours • Squirrel 3 terms - 35 weeks ASW higher salary at a younger age and A L PACKA RNAS Culdrose RAFC Cranwell COURSE WARFARE AIRCREW * have longer in the Royal Navy to Flying Grading & DO Course V I 1wk SPO, 2wk Air Warfare, 1wk NBCD5 Warfare, Air 2wk 1wk SPO, 48 weeks FRONTLINE SQUADRON reach higher ranks. 26 weeks Merlin 4 weeks + days 60 hours • Firefly BASIC FAST JET TRAINING ADVANCED FAST JET TRAINING OPERATIONAL HARRIER This in turn may provide for wider AIR 424 (SUR RAF Linton-on-Ouse RAF Valley – Hawk TRAINING * second career options should you 40 weeks FJ AFT 26 weeks RAF Wittering (20 (R) SQN) eventually decide to leave for a FJ TW 16 weeks 40 weeks Tucano career outside of the Royal Navy Initial Sea Safety Course (ISSC) – 1 week and of course you will have earned * SERE Course – 2 weeks an increased pension for the extra length of service. 6 MILITARY AVIATION STUDIES THE ACADEMY 7
MILITARY AVIATION ACADEMY Royal Naval Air Stations Culdrose and Yeovilton
On completion of Officer Training at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC), you, along with your fellow Observers and Pilots, will enter the Military Aviation Academy. Here you will complete either the Basic Observer Course or Elementary and Basic Flying Training (pilot), after which you will progress to the Aircraft Conversion and the Operational Conversion Phases of your training.
The Academy is split over two main purpose-built sites – Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose in Cornwall, Western Europe’s largest military helicopter operating base, and RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset, one of Europe’s busiest AVIATION military airfields and home to the Commando Sea King helicopters AND ACADEMIC MIX and Lynx aircraft squadrons. OUTLINE PROGRAMME
The Academy makes use of additional The programme utilises a comprehensive ACADEMIC CONTEXT sites at the Defence Helicopter Flying range of state-of-the-art simulation, and You will plan simulated flights in School (DHFS) in Shropshire for computer-based training (CBT). military warfare exercises while Basic Rotary Flying Training and RAF learning and applying meteorology, Linton-on-Ouse in Yorkshire for Basic AVIATION CONTEXT oceanography, radio/radar/sonar Fast Jet Training. Advanced Fast Jet The majority of the programme is theory, navigation, aircraft flight Training is again combined with the conducted in aircraft used in the frontline. and weapon systems engineering RAF at RAF Valley in Anglesey and Whilst some flying is conducted from the as well as military and civil Operational Harrier Training at RAF decks of ships at sea, other flying takes regulatory aspects. Wittering in Cambridgeshire. place over land where civilian aircraft also operate. Everything you learn in the THE FOUNDATION DEGREE classroom will be applied to PROGRAMME practical scenarios which you will The distinctive features of this plan and present to your instructor programme will provide you with and your fellow Aircrew. the attitude, skills and knowledge to be a fully-trained Aviation Warfare Officer, able to fly a sophisticated aircraft in times of peace and war.
8 MILITARY AVIATION STUDIES 9
You will find that whiLE flying a civilian aircraft has its difficulties, flying a military aircraft and simultaneously operating its complex weapon systems is an altogether different challenge! 10 MILITARY AVIATION STUDIES TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT 11
A varied course where every day is different UNIQUE LEARNING FACILITIES
14 MILITARY AVIATION STUDIES CAMPUS FACILITIES 15
CAMPUS FACILITIES ACCOMMODATION The Military Aviation Academy, Like the best university campuses, covering both Culdrose and Yeovilton, you will have accommodation in the is a purpose-built campus that is in Officers’ mess in either private single reality two operational airbases. rooms or suites, with communal living Tuition takes place in squadron areas for dining and recreation. Or you buildings equipped with classrooms can live in private accommodation in and briefing facilities that are the local area if you wish. replicated by frontline squadrons – the frontline Aircrew will also share Each room has space for a study area simulator facilities. and most are en-suite. Telephones and access to the internet are readily A dedicated school provides available. On campus there are shops, classrooms and ex-military instructors a bank, a hairdresser, a tailor, a for aircraft engineering, friend and cinema* and a café just like any other foe recognition and meteorological university campus. courses. The Officers’ mess has its own State-of-the-art simulators are crucial dedicated day-to-day dining and bar to the learning environment. It is areas, both casual and formal, all at here that mistakes are made and hugely reduced prices. Formal dinners corrected in simulated, world-wide, will be silver service but more generally geographic locations. Similarly, CBT a buffet style applies for most meals in fully equipped classrooms allows with a wide choice of menus. for private study and revision. * RNAS Culdrose only FRIENDS FOR LIFE 16 MILITARY AVIATION STUDIES CAMPUS LIFE 17
SOCIAL LIFE That means that you can call on Our students come from all walks of doctors, nurses, dentists and other life and the social life is great. There medical specialists wherever you are, is always something interesting going completely free of charge. There are on, such as annual seasonal balls, also full-time support staff who will THERE IS EVERY INCENTIVE charity fund raising, gliding, golf... always be able to give you advice and all in all, you are guaranteed to meet guidance on any issue of concern, and AND OPPORTUNITY TO GET FIT AND KEEP FIT groups of like-minded people. our chaplains accommodate all faiths.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES EDUCATION As well as all the social events, there As well as developing your career, are many opportunities to pursue funded life-long learning based on your own interests, from music to educational development is catered photography. We have our own sports for by our dedicated education centres, playing fields and dedicated centres. They provide tutors and sports instructors. So whether you facilities for extra-curricular study and enjoy swimming, windsurfing, you will be supported with annual football or want to go on adventure cash allowances. activities such as snow-boarding, mountaineering or sailing, it is all ADMINISTRATION here. In fact, many students compete You will have personal access to the internationally for the Royal Navy in MOD intranet and internet. This their chosen sport. is complemented by normal office facilities such as photocopiers, fax CULDROSE AND YEOVILTON and telephone plus a comprehensive Once airborne in your helicopter, from graphics organisation. Culdrose you can see both the north and south coast of Cornwall. Students CAREERS ADVICE spend much of their spare time on the Careers advice is available by formal beach, scuba diving the many famous or informal discussion with instructors wrecks, surfing, or simply relaxing and senior management and an ‘open with a bike or a walk along the coastal door’ policy exists. paths. Falmouth, St Ives, Penzance and the surfing capital Newquay are all PAY AND CONDITIONS* within 40 minutes by road. You will find that Royal Navy pay compares well with similar civilian Yeovilton in Somerset is more jobs. Upon promotion to Lieutenant centrally positioned, just two hours (within approximately 5 years) you from London, but still close to the could be earning up to £34,395. Upon sea. Weymouth is just 40 minutes by graduation and getting your ‘wings’ road with Olympic standard sailing you will receive additional flying pay facilities. Attached to the campus is of £4,728 per year. The Royal Navy the famous Fleet Air Arm museum, reviews rates of pay each year and will featuring Concorde and most historic increase your pay if you are promoted. FAA aircraft. The Glastonbury festival site is also nearby. We also offer a good pension scheme and six weeks’ holiday a WELFARE year on full pay. Your welfare is very important to us *As of 2007 - subject to change and all our medical services are free. 18 MILITARY AVIATION STUDIES THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT 19
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT have been selected to train as your HELP AND SUPPORT available online. You will receive studies and the practical reality in Just like our graduates, you will instructors. Engineering technical The most experienced student will tutoring five days a week, although the aircraft. We will give you written wear uniforms at work, and a dress subjects are all taught by ex-military normally be nominated Course this is often extended to include responses to all points raised. code operates in the Officers’ mess. civil servant instructors. Leader and will represent students if night-time and weekend activities. Throughout the programme, you will there are any issues to be brought up Finally, you will be asked to send mix with your instructors as you will ONE-TO-ONE with the Course Officer (a member FEEDBACK in a feedback form six months after share communal areas. You will be taught to fly by serving of staff attached to your course). The Informal feedback is always graduating to the frontline. Aircrew on a one-to-one basis. This Course Officer will also let the Course encouraged and you will also During Initial Officer Training and gives us the opportunity to test your Leader know of any information to complete written questionnaires On qualifying and becoming fully Basic Flying Training, you will have skills and see if you have achieved the be passed to students. which will form the basis for operational, after a year of frontline been taught by a mix of non-military specific outcomes needed. It gives you discussion at a formal course review service, you will be awarded a academics and Naval personnel. When the opportunity to ask questions and ATTENDANCE at the end of each phase of training. Certificate of Competence. you reach the Aircraft Conversion perhaps gain extra tuition. Plus your You will be required to attend all Phase and subsequent Operational tutor or Course Officer will always be course classes and exercises. There You will also make use of a Conversion Phase, the simulator and available to advise and discuss issues, is a weekly programme that is Standardisation Log, where you airborne staff are serving Aircrew whether professional or personal. amended daily and this is always can highlight any discrepancies Officers with above average skills who given as a handout and is also between tutors, or between theory 20 MILITARY AVIATION STUDIES PAGE TITLE 21
THIS IS MORE THAN A JOB... IT’S A WAY OF LIFE 22 MILITARY AVIATION STUDIES FIVE CURRENT STUDENT CASE STUDIES 23
Charles Symcox, 23, Trainee Pilot Ben Dando, 21, We asked five of our Trainee Observer “I was interested in joining the Armed Forces current students to from a young age and my taste for flying “The best thing about the Academy is developed as a CCF RAF Cadet at secondary the variety. Since joining nearly three give us their take on school. It was great fun and I found I had years ago, I have served in a number some ability too. of ships and been to countries I never life in the Military thought I would. Life is different on a Aviation Academy... “So I decided to join the Academy – I thought week-by-week basis – keeping things it would be silly to turn down the opportunity refreshing and dynamic. The people of getting paid while training to fly! are awesome and you always meet new people, as well as seeing old “The Royal Navy FAA is suited to people who faces, which is great. want a diverse, rewarding and enjoyable lifestyle – every day is different and always “For me, the most challenging part proves challenging and you are constantly of the programme so far has been encouraged to better yourself. the Basic Observer Course. Without a doubt, this stretched me more than “I would advise potential Royal Navy recruits anything I’ve ever done. It’s a steep to read up on current affairs and practise learning curve and very intensive but their interview techniques in preparation for so rewarding when finished.” entry to BRNC.”
Sally Lawrence-Archer, 27, Ryan Wotton, 22, Trainee Observer Trainee Pilot
“To the right people, this is the most “I joined the Royal Navy because I Robin Kenchington, 21, fantastic job going – I would definitely wanted a long-term career with good Trainee Observer recommend a career in the Royal pension and prospects. Navy. “I am incredibly proud to have reached “When I left school, I had applied to “It’s quite a thing to think that I’ve “I worked in a number of areas before the stage I am at in the Fleet Air Arm, study Civil Engineering at university. got a multi-million pound helicopter I joined the Academy – but I always at a relatively young age. However, I decided that it would be at my disposal and it’s my job to use it had a desire to join the Royal Navy more beneficial – not to mention as best as possible. It’s not something and I didn’t want to regret not joining “The sport opportunities are great. more fun – to do something different. to be taken lightly, but it’s something later in life.” I’ve been in the Royal Navy’s Under The Military Aviation Academy offered that I savour. 21’s rugby team and I have run me that; the hard work of training competitively at the inter-services balanced by the thrill of flying. “The benefits of being in the Royal Navy are huge – aside from the pay, meetings.” “The best part of training so far has the leadership skills you gain and the been low-level navigation through team ethos is amazing. I’ve made some valleys at high speeds – this is thrilling, incredible friendships that I’m sure will but hard work. You don’t have time to last me for the rest of my life.” admire the view as it rushes past you, but it’s still awe-inspiring. 24 MILITARY AVIATION STUDIES OBSERVER CASECase STUDY Study 25
Mark Gilbert is 23 and works as an Observer for the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm. Mark joined the Military Aviation Academy straight from school. Flying, rescuing people in peril and playing the saxophone – are now all just part of his typical week… “I CHOSE TO JOIN THE ACADEMY OVER UNIVERSITY BECAUSE I WANTED TO GET FLYING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE – IT ALSO MEANT I WAS ABLE TO FURTHER MY EDUCATION WHILE GETTING PAID!”
JOINING THE ACADEMY HIGHLIGHTS helped to save people’s lives. I also GETTING MY WINGS “I’d been thinking about joining the “I also joined the Royal Navy get the chance to fly around Cornish “I was incredibly proud when I got my Royal Navy for some time – my older because I love a challenge. Some of beaches in the summer! Then there ‘wings’. I was presented with them brother was already serving as an Air the operations I’ve been on since I are so many opportunities for further in front of my family and friends at a Engineering Technician. However, became a qualified Observer have education and training. big parade. I was the youngest there I had always dreamed of a job involved evacuating pregnant ladies and, with ‘wings’ on my jacket, was flying aircraft and the opportunities from the Scilly Isles, rescuing a surfer FLYING TRAINING now one of those people whom I had offered to me by the Royal Navy from a cliffbase and winching a “Flying training is a real rollercoaster aspired to be for so many years. made it the perfect choice. I chose drowning fisherman out of the sea; ride – right from the first day of to join the Academy over university picking up an injured crewman from a Officer Training at BRNC. The Aircrew “I have just bought my first house, so because I wanted to get flying as fishing vessel and aiding a dismasted Survival Course in the New Forest is I am spending a lot of time on DIY. I soon as possible – it also meant I was yacht taking part in a race. pretty challenging! We had to survive enjoy running and playing the tenor able to further my education while in freezing temperatures for a week saxophone as well.” getting paid! “One of the best parts of this job while being hunted down by the is knowing that I have genuinely Army, and surviving on minimal food!
On completion of his Search and Rescue (SAR) tour, Mark will need to complete his Warfare Training (ACP/OCP) to complete the Degree Programme 26 MILITARY AVIATION STUDIES PILOT CASEPAGE STUDY TITLE 2727
Andy Johnston, 29, is a Commando Helicopter Force Pilot. He regularly works with Royal Marine Commandos and Army personnel, which sees him spending much of his time in extremely diverse conditions, from the jungle to the Arctic!
He joined the Military Aviation Academy at 25 having already completed “As a civilian I worked with ‘colleagues’ but now a BA (Hons) in French and I tend to work with ‘mates’. Firm friendships are formed very quickly because we spend so much time Italian… together, often in very demanding conditions.”
JOINING THE ROYAL NAVY “Aircrew and ground crew alike are HIGHLIGHTS SO FAR BEST ASPECT OF MY JOB A WAY OF LIFE “I worked in the office of an abattoir trained in advanced military skills “Whilst based in Basra, my duties “I joined the Royal Navy thinking that “I would definitely recommend a for 15 months after university, and like and field craft, essential to cope in included flying day and night tasking flying would be the most satisfying career with the Royal Navy, in fact, many graduates, I wasn’t quite sure challenging environments such as the around southern Iraq, Kuwait and part of my job, but I now find that it’s I wish I had signed up sooner rather about my future career. I wanted a job desert, Arctic and jungle – hence the the northern Arabian Gulf. Highlights those around you that make things than leaving it until I was 25. Had I that would challenge me both mentally nickname – ‘Junglies’. have included, a ‘show of force’ worthwhile. joined the Military Aviation Academy and physically and, after a visit to the low-level flight over Basra with two at 18 and enrolled on the Foundation Armed Forces Careers Office, I was “I am due to undergo Arctic Survival US Apaches as escorts. This experience “As a civilian I worked with Degree Programme, I would be confident my future aspirations lay Training and mountain flying with my was really exciting and very dramatic ‘colleagues’ but now I tend to work on my fourth tour by now with with flying in the Royal Navy. squadron in Norway. This will be an and at just 100ft we felt very with ‘mates’. Firm friendships are much more responsibility, having extremely challenging period and will vulnerable to enemy fire. formed very quickly because we become either a Qualified Helicopter JUNGLIES! be a real test of character. spend so much time together, often Instructor or an Aviation Warfare “The Commando Helicopter Force “Another memorable experience in very demanding conditions. Officer. is unique within the Royal Navy – was setting up Vehicle Check Points established to operate helicopters in and around Basra and Umm Qasr. “Civilian friends are always keen “Flying in the Royal Navy is much in support of the UK Armed Forces. This involved dropping off troops to hear about my work and the more than a job, for me, it’s a way We are a combined Royal Navy/ next to main roads and then picking environment I work in – explaining of life.” Royal Marines force who fly Sea King them up several minutes later. I just what it’s like flying in Iraq can’t help and Lynx helicopters and specialise couldn’t imagine something like that but seem exciting. in amphibious warfare. happening on the M5! 28 MILITARY AVIATION STUDIES
ELIGIBILITY SPONSORSHIP LOCATION We may be able to help with For location details, visit financial support through a series of royalnavy.mod.uk Age 17-26* scholarships and bursaries – find out Nationality British or British dual more at royalnavy.mod.uk/careers citizenship Qualifications See below APPLICATION PROCEDURE The Military Aviation Academy’s Gender Aircrew Officers can Foundation Degree Programme is be men or women your opportunity to learn to fly while studying for your degree and earning * Candidates must be under the upper age limit on the first day of the month of entry to BRNC. a wage.
You can apply for Naval College In the first instance, you should Entry and go straight to Britannia contact the Royal Navy by going Royal Naval College to begin to your Local Armed Forces Careers Officer training. Office, calling 08456 07 55 55 or visiting royalnavy.mod.uk/careers To do this you need at least 180 UCAS points and five GCSEs (A*-C)/ You will be contacted by an Area Scottish Standard grades (1-3)/ Careers Liaison Officer who will help 5 you apply and prepare for the Flying equivalent, including English and 4 maths. Aptitude Test and then the Admiralty 3 Interview Board (AIB). You could also apply for a sixth-form scholarship in the year you take your FUNDING GCSEs. This is a fully-funded degree and on entry to the Military Aviation 2 Academy you will be automatically registered for your degree. 1
List of venues (north to south) •1 RNAS Culdrose, Cornwall •2 RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset •3 RAF Wittering, Cambridgeshire 4 DHFS Shawbury, Shropshire BRNC Dartmouth Culdrose Yeovilton • •5 RAF Valley, Anglesey