SPONSORED RESERVISTS HONOURED FOR WORK WITH RAF
A news article from the Ministry of Defence website
dated 27 Sep 12
THREE OXFORDSHIRE-BASED CIVILIAN PILOTS HAVE BEEN AWARDED THEIR 'MILITARY WINGS' IN A CEREMONY AT RAF BRIZE NORTON
A Royal Air Force Voyager tanker aircraft (stock image)
[Picture: QinetiQ 2010]
Iain Cullen, James Davis and Kieran Roebuck have a combined total of almost 30,000 hours on civilian aircraft, having flown with airlines such as BMI, Astraeus and Monarch.
But they are not your usual pilots, they are sponsored reservists, fulfilling a vital role training and supporting No 10 Squadron's operations on board Voyager, the newest and largest-ever RAF aircraft to arrive at RAF Brize Norton. When required, they switch to military uniform and hold the rank of Flight Lieutenant.
In acknowledgement of their experience, the RAF has awarded the pilots with their RAF brevets, commonly known as 'wings', following completion of a shortened version of officer training.
At the presentation on Monday, 24 September, Air Officer Commanding No 2 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Philip Osborn, said:
"The RAF is proud of its world class air mobility capability and the essential role it plays in delivering the UK's defence effort at home and overseas. The Voyager aircraft is an increasing part of this exceptional capability and it is crewed by a unique and highly effective mix of regular and reserve aircrew.
"Our sponsored reserve pilots are subject to the same military law and principles as their regular counterparts and it is our intent that no distinction should be made between sponsored reservists and regular pilots. Therefore today I am very proud to award RAF wings to three of my newest RAF colleagues."
On receipt of his wings, Flight Lieutenant Iain Cullen said:
"I'm honoured; wings are a prized possession and symbolise the hard work and lengthy training it takes to be a military pilot. It is great to be working alongside No 10 Squadron and supporting a vital capability for the MOD."
VOYAGER'S FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE
After the June 2012 Trooping the Colour Ceremony a 10 Squadron Voyager made its first public appearance when overflying Buckingham Palace in salute. (See gallery for larger picture.)
We wonder who took the photo!
The Voyager crew included two of AirTanker’s Sponsored Reservist (SR) training captains, Flight Lieutenant Dave Hall and Flight Lieutenant James Davis, as well as, from 10 Sqn itself, our own
10 Sqn Association Treasurer Flight Lieutenant Steve Sansford.
************************************************
Sponsored Reservists (SR) fulfil a vital role in the Voyager operation. The SR category was established by the Reserve Forces Act 1996 to allow civilians to take on specialist roles that might need to be carried out in an operational environment. What does this mean? The SR is a reservist who is employed by a Company – in this case, AirTanker. They are not the Territorial Army (training and deploying as a unit in support of regular Armed Forces); the SRs will deploy in support of the aircraft. When on duty, under military tasking, they will change into military uniform and operate under military terms and conditions. When not required for military tasks they return to their civilian equivalent role with AirTanker.
The thousands of hours of experience that SR pilots have on the civilian A330 means they are perfectly qualified to conduct crew training for 10 Squadron, as well as support the Squadron’s future operational missions. AirTanker SRs were delighted to take part in this proud occasion.
Airbus A330 Voyager MRTT
Flight International - 23 April 2012 ................... 
Flight Article on the Voyager
Reuters Article - 20 April 2012 ................... CAMERON OFFERED AIR TANKER AS VIP JET
Easter Sunday, - 8 April 2012 ...............
saw the first flight of the Voyager A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) from RAF Brize Norton. It has now been cleared by the MoD for flights in the Transport and Aeromedical Roles.
Take-off Easter Sunday 8 April 2012
The Voyager Has Landed - Easter Sunday 8 April 2012
Trials are still on-going for the Air-to-Air refuelling role and clearance for operation has yet to be announced.
