No.1 Flying Training School celebrates 50 years of helicopter training at RAF Shawbury

Personnel from No. 1 Flying Training School (1FTS), based at RAF Shawbury, have paraded through Market Drayton to commemorate the move in 1976 – 50 years ago – of helicopter training from nearby RAF Tern Hill to RAF Shawbury. 

Led by 1FTS Commandant Group Captain Jordan, they marched along Queen Street, past the War Memorial, before turning onto the High Street and Cheshire Street.

RAF Shawbury's role changed significantly in 1976 with the introduction of rotary flying, marking the beginning of its long association with helicopter training.

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The concept of a dedicated Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) came from the Defence Costs Study of 1994.

It led to the formation of a single school at RAF Shawbury in 1997 to provide basic helicopter training across all three services.

The DHFS was rebadged as No. 1 Flying Training School on 28 February 2020.

Originally formed in 1919, No. 1 Flying Training School is the oldest military pilot training school in the world.

Today, RAF Shawbury trains around 900 personnel each year, including members of the UK Armed Forces and personnel from international partner nations.