No. 1 Flying Training School

No. 1 Flying Training School is a military helicopter training facility in Shawbury that operates modern Airbus H135 and H145 aircraft for pilot instruction. The facility blends live flying sessions with advanced simulation training to provide comprehensive rotary-wing education.

The school was founded in 1919 at Netheravon and became the world's first military pilot training institution of its kind. It has operated continuously for over 100 years, evolving to meet changing aviation needs.

The school brings together pilots from the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and Army Air Corps, who work side by side during their training. This cross-service collaboration shapes daily life and creates a shared learning environment.

The facility trains around 286 helicopter pilots each year through a mix of flight hours and simulator sessions using modern equipment. As an active military installation, access is restricted and visitors should expect standard security procedures.

The school operates two distinct helicopter models for training, with each type serving specific instructional purposes in rotary-wing education. This specialized fleet approach allows for both fundamental and advanced skill development across different flight scenarios.

GPS coordinates: 54.04647,-1.24775

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:00