3(F) Sqn Monthly Update

Post by **Danny** » 24 May 2021, 16:38

In order to have a presence on the forum and accepting that prospective new members my not be aware that 3 Sqn are very active both from a training perspective and regular attendees on mission nights, here is out monthly update on progress.

We have a structured training program, starting from the basics and continuing with more advanced serials.

Elementary Flight Training (EFT)

This is primarily designed for pilots with no or little experience of either multi-player, F-16 or DCS, in some cases all 3.
We cover Start-up, taxi, take-off, landings, navigation and introduction to formation flying, aerobatics and High Alpha Recovery Training (HART).

Basic Fast Jet Training (BFJT)

Advanced formation flying, tactical turns, time on target (when available), low altitude flying, instrument flying, night flying and AAR.

Tactical Weapons Course (TWC)

Slick bombs and strafing, Mavericks – AGM-65H, AGM-88 HARM, AGM-65D and CBU’s and LGB's (plus more as ED add them)

Advanced Fast Jet Training (AFJT)

This will be the air-air combat phase, when course notes are updated

We are a true multi role Squadron and have a good cross section of pilots experienced in A-A combat, ground pounding or both.

Since the original Sqn members moved to BMS, leaving only 2 of us in DCS, we have re-built in a relatively short space of time.

We are now in a fairly steady state with 12 pilots, 9 of which are regulars, 1 exchange pilot , and 5 QFI's.

Recently our last 2 pilots graduated from EFT and are beginning BFJT, the rest have mainly completed BFJT and are beginning the newly written TWC.

Tuesday are reserved for group missions
Thursdays is normally a Sqn training night
The rest of the week are ad-hoc 1v1 training serials, agreed between students and QFI's.

Post by **Sapper** » 27 May 2021, 20:42

Had a great evening practicing AAR.

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Post by **Danny** » 13 Aug 2021, 22:09

August Update.

What with the summer holidays, work, grandsons and house moves, June and July were pretty quiet at 3(F). Although we flew group missions, training was pretty slow paced.

Late July and this month have returned to a higher pace. We have 3 new pilots, 2 in EFT and 1 has just completed EFT.

TWC has been completed by the majority of QFI's and this will be our focus in the coming months, alongside the new air to air combat training.

The air to air phase is a latest course and is being led by our A-A expert Grillman. It is still in its infancy and the course documentation is still being written but the early phase has worked well.

We have just qualified a new QFI, to bring us back to six. Congratulations to Jack Joubert.

Recently we have flown 2 training sorties in co-operation with 41(F) Sqn. These have proved a great success and will bring both our Squadrons closer together as a fighting unit, which in turn will allow us to operate more cohesively in RAFAIR group missions.

Post by **Sapper** » 03 Nov 2021, 14:02

3 (F) Sqn practiced ACM last night in a 2 vs 2, guns and Sidewinder only fight at low level around the mountains of the PG map. Many thanks to Grillman for hosting the training and for his sage advice!

Post by **Sapper** » 03 Nov 2021, 14:03

What great fun!!

Post by **Sapper** » 03 Nov 2021, 14:06

P v P

Post by **Sapper** » 19 May 2022, 21:22

Thursday Night Training this week saw 5 of the Squadron practicing close(-ish) formation flying followed by some AAR. Both are very perishable skills so practice makes permanent!

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Looks good.

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Then we changed positions and it got a bit ragged.

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Finally home after an hour or more of serious concentration!

Post by **Sapper** » 23 Jun 2022, 16:41

The last month has seen a great deal of activity across the Squadron. The last 2 RAF Air Mission Nights were both well supported with 6 or more pilots flying in each mission. Last month's formation training is starting to pay off now with marked improvements being seen in station keeping:

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: Formation #4.png (2.23 MiB) Viewed 6048 times

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We have had some interest from new members and we are keen to get them started in Viper School - the 3(F) Sqn training programme, where they will learn how to operate the F-16C as a member of a team and exploit all the new features that Eagle Dynamics is now introducing to the Viper. As ever, the QFIs and QWIs are working hard to stay one step ahead of the others to justify their extra pay!!

Our little jet is just getting better and better now and is a very satisfying weapon system to employ, especially with so many like minded Squadron mates. So if you are bored, want a challenge and are willing to learn in a very helpful, inclusive and friendly environment, come and fly with 3(F) Sqn, RAF Air