 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2014) |
| University Air Squadron | |
|---|---|
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Royal Air Force |
| Type | Training establishment |
| Role | Officer Training |
| Size | 15 Squadrons ~ 1,125 students and 105 staff |
| Part of | No. 6 Flying Training School RAF University Service Units RAF Volunteer Reserve |
| Website | Official website |
| Insignia | |
| Abbreviation | UAS |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Trainer | Tutor T1 |
University Air Squadrons (UAS),[1] are Royal Air Force training units under the command of No. 6 Flying Training School RAF.[2] That offers training and flight training to university students, with the goal of attracting students into a career as an RAF officer after university. Primarily its goal is achieved through delivery of this training as well as force development, adventure training and leadership development to its members.[3] These provide a taste of life in the service and to give experience to their members in preparation for taking up a career as an officer in one of the RAF's many branches. Members are under no obligation to continue service after university and may resign at any time.
Members of the UAS are attested personnel of the RAF Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) and are paid for their service.[4] Upon joining students hold the rank of Officer Cadet (OF-D). Some go on to obtain commissions in the RAF Volunteer Reserve while still studying for their degree,[5] Others may choose to seek a commission in the Regular or Reserve forces of the RAF after their degree, while some others choose to stop training with the RAF after leaving university.
On the run-up to World War II the squadrons were an important source of pilots for the RAF during the Battle of Britain. Officer Cadets, who were already members of the RAFVR, were called up for active service in the middle of studying for their degrees.[6]
Many UAS squadrons are parents to Air Experience Flights (AEF) which provide an experience of flying to Air Cadets.
- ^ "University Air Squadrons". Royal Air Force. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ "University Air Squadrons | Royal Air Force". www.raf.mod.uk. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
- ^ "University Air Squadrons". Royal Air Force. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ "FOI 2017/11300 - Air Command Secretariat" (PDF). assets.publishing.service.gov.uk. 1 December 2017.
- ^ "Acting Pilot Officer Workshops". Royal Air Force. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
- ^ Richards, Clive. "THE UNIVERSITY AIR SQUADRONS EARLY YEARS" (PDF). www.comec.org.uk | COUNCIL OF MILITARY EDUCATION COMMITTEES OF THE UNITED KINGDOM UNIVERSITIES.