The Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) is based at RAF Shawbury. An independent unit within the Station, its task is to provide basic single-engine helicopter training for the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, and some overseas countries.
Single Engine Training
There are two squadrons (660 Sqn and 705 Sqn) equipped with single engine Eurocopter AS350BB Squirrels - 26 aircraft in total.
These aircraft have been modified with twist grip throttles for improved instructor control and are instrumented for both pilots. We also provide 2 Cockpit Procedures Trainers for teaching starts, stops and emergencies. The contract requires 165 pilots trained & 28,690 flying hours annually. We provide 21 helicopter instructors, about 40%; the remainder are military personnel.
On completion of the single-engine phase, the DHFS also provides advanced
twin-engine helicopter training for RAF aircrew, plus other special courses
for the three Services.
Multi-Engine Training
RAF pilots who have completed their Squirrel training move on to 60(R) Squadron at RAF Shawbury where they team up with student crewmen to complete their helicopter course on the Griffin HT Mk1.
The Griffin is a modified Bell 412 EP and is ideally suited for training crewmen and pilots, for whom this is their first twin engined helicopter. They will use the Griffin CPT and Simulator. Our aircraft are fully equipped for IFR flight and have special cockpit and aircraft lighting compatible with Night Vision Goggles (NVG).
As part of heir course all pilots and crewman will detach to the Search and Rescue Training Unit at RAF Valley to learn all the basics of SAR
Simulator
The simulator is housed in a purpose-built building which
includes comprehensive brief and debrief and ground school facilities. The
simulator was manufactured by FlightSafety International and meets all the
requirements of the very comprehensive FAA Level D specification
For further details on our Bell 412 simulator
Support Services
FB Heliservices also provide a range of other services including;
Aircraft maintenance and storage
Air Traffic Control simulator maintenance and training
Safety Equipment maintenance
Ground Radio
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FB Heliservices Ltd