Defence Helicopter Flying School, British military flying school
The Defence Helicopter Flying School is a military training facility based primarily at RAF Shawbury in the United Kingdom, with a smaller training site at RAF Valley in Wales. The facility uses Griffin and Squirrel helicopters for basic instruction and operates simulator facilities to prepare pilots safely before practical flying sessions.
The school was established in 1997 to consolidate training for all branches of the UK armed forces in one location, after the Army, Navy, and Air Force had previously run separate programs. Since its founding, it has modernized its equipment and was renamed No. 1 Flying Training School in 2020 to reflect its continued role in military aviation training.
The name reflects its core mission of training helicopter pilots for military service across the armed forces. Visitors can observe the black and yellow painted helicopters on the grounds, which dominate the visual landscape and daily training activity. The presence of these aircraft and the organized flying operations show how military helicopter training functions in practice.
The facility is not open for regular public visits but occasionally hosts open days where people from the local area can observe the helicopters up close and learn about the training program. To visit, inquire about scheduled public visit opportunities or special events at the base.
Several notable individuals trained at this school, including Prince William and Prince Harry, who flew helicopters during their military careers. British astronaut Tim Peake also completed flight training here early in his career before traveling to space.
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