Aircraft Handler
Encyclopedia
An Aircraft Handler is a member of the Aircraft Handling branch in the Royal Navy
of the UK Armed Forces. Aircraft Handlers are responsible for the safe movement, launching (taking off) and recovering (landing) of all aircraft
onboard ships within the Royal Navy and some of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary
. They are also responsible for aircraft crash rescue fire fighting
duties on board Royal Navy ships and at Royal Naval Air Stations. The Aircraft Handling branch of the Fleet Air Arm
in the Royal Navy
was formed in 1945. Beforehand the duties of Aircraft Handlers were performed by members of other branches of the Royal Navy
, many of whom transferred to the new branch upon its formation.
Some 10,000 men have served in the branch since its formation in 1945, and many of them are still scattered around the country and worldwide. Only about 10% of these are members of the Aircraft Handlers Association. The Aircraft Handlers Association is there for past and present serving members of the branch. It produces a quarterly publication that has articles and news that is of interest to all members of the branch. It also organizes annual reunions and events so members can catch up with old "shipmate
s".
Today the Aircraft Handling branch is made up of around 450 personnel who served on various ships and at Royal Naval Air Stations.
with other Naval recruits at HMS Raleigh
in Cornwall
for 9 weeks. Here they are trained in the basic skills required to serve in the British armed forces
/Royal Navy
. Upon successful completion of basic training all recruits into the Aircraft Handling branch then proceed to RNAS Culdrose
in Cornwall; here they are instructed at the Royal Naval School of Flight Deck Operations (RNSFDO). The training at RNSFDO is around 6 months and covers the two key skills required of an Aircraft Handler. The first phase is fire fighting, which sees recruits learn aircraft crash rescue fire fighting skills, however new recruits also learn skills required for domestic fire fighting, the safe use and control of breathing apparatus, road traffic incidents and various other skills that would be required as would be for the civilian
fire service. The second phase of training is Aircraft Handling which sees recruit
s learning the skills required for the safe movement, take off and landing of aircraft on board Royal Navy ships and at Royal Naval air stations. The training for this role is carried out on a full size mock up flight deck known as HMS Siskin (Dummy Deck). HMS Siskin is largely made up to replicate the Invicible class aircraft carrier
but can also be adapted to the roles of smaller ships such as frigates and destroyers. New recruits are now also able to gain NVQ qualifications in fire fighting skills.
branch. The Aircraft Handling branch is also the Royal Navy's fire service and is known to the Royal Navy as the Royal Navy Fire Rescue Service (RNFRS). The RNFRS, Royal Air Force Fire and Rescue Service and British Army counterparts are now collectively under an organisation known as Defence Fire Risk Management Organisation (DFRMO).
of the branch is a similar design to that of a Naval Air Squadron
. The badge is made up to replicate the two key roles carried out by the branch. Within the badge background is the sea with fire raising from it. In front of this is a Harrier
jet aircraft
with two hands cupped around it.
The motto of the branch in Latin is "Nostris In Manibus Tuti" which translates in English
as "Safe In Our Hands". The trade badge actually worn by Aircraft Handlers on their uniform
s is a plane (Sopworth Camel) with the letter H underneath it. A star above the plane indicates the rate of Naval Airman
, two stars indicate the rate of Leading Airman and a crown indicates the rate of a Petty Officer
Airman and also a Chief Petty Officer
Airman.
All new recruits join as the rate of Naval Airman. Promotion up to the rates of Petty Officer Airman are decided on selection and successful completion of an advanced professional
course and command and leadership
courses. Promotion from Pretty Officer Airman up to Warrant Officer is also decided on selection but no further professional courses are required.
lifting equipment.
Aircraft Handlers also use different equipment when they are based on board ships, such as All Wheel Drive tractors and EN Mechanical Handlers to move aircraft. To carry out their fire fighting role they use fixed fire hose
s from the ships system and other fire fighting equipment like 10 kg CO2 extinguishers and SF 90 foam extinguishers.
or being at a fire station on an air station. Fire stations that Aircraft Handlers are usually based at are RNAS Culdrose
in Cornwall
and RNAS Yeovilton
in Somerset
, but some Aircraft Handlers are based at fire stations at RAF Cottesmore
in Rutland
and RAF Wittering
in Cambridgeshire
. Aircraft Handlers are mostly based on board Royal Navy ships such as aircraft carriers HMS Illustrious
and Ark Royal
(Portsmouth
), amphibious ships HMS Albion
and Bulwark
and the Royal Navy's helicopter carrier
HMS Ocean
(Plymouth
). They can also serve on board various Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship
s (various locations). Some Aircraft Handlers are also attached to Naval Air Squadron
s which are based at Royal Naval Air Stations Yeovilton and Culdrose.
is due to increase the personnel numbers within the branch due to the Government's plans to introduce the new CVF aircraft carriers into service in 2012/15. The new carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth
and HMS Prince of Wales
will require large numbers of Aircraft Handlers to operate the new Joint Strike Fighter aircraft that will also come into service with the new CVF carriers.
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
of the UK Armed Forces. Aircraft Handlers are responsible for the safe movement, launching (taking off) and recovering (landing) of all aircraft
Aircraft
An aircraft is a vehicle that is able to fly by gaining support from the air, or, in general, the atmosphere of a planet. An aircraft counters the force of gravity by using either static lift or by using the dynamic lift of an airfoil, or in a few cases the downward thrust from jet engines.Although...
onboard ships within the Royal Navy and some of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary
Royal Fleet Auxiliary
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary is a civilian-manned fleet owned by the British Ministry of Defence. The RFA enables ships of the United Kingdom Royal Navy to maintain operations around the world. Its primary role is to supply the Royal Navy with fuel, ammunition and supplies, normally by replenishment...
. They are also responsible for aircraft crash rescue fire fighting
Fire fighting
Firefighting is the act of extinguishing fires. A firefighter fights fires to prevent loss of life, and/or destruction of property and the environment...
duties on board Royal Navy ships and at Royal Naval Air Stations. The Aircraft Handling branch of the Fleet Air Arm
Fleet Air Arm
The Fleet Air Arm is the branch of the British Royal Navy responsible for the operation of naval aircraft. The Fleet Air Arm currently operates the AgustaWestland Merlin, Westland Sea King and Westland Lynx helicopters...
in the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
was formed in 1945. Beforehand the duties of Aircraft Handlers were performed by members of other branches of the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
, many of whom transferred to the new branch upon its formation.
- "Specialist aircraft handling, crash rescue and fire fighting are required at sea on all ships with aircraft embarked. These skills are provided by the Aircraft Handler ratingNaval ratingA Naval Rating is an enlisted member of a country's Navy, subordinate to Warrant Officers and Officers hence not conferred by commission or warrant...
s who are also employed ashore for fire fighting duties, principally at Royal Naval Air Stations." — MOD (Navy)
Some 10,000 men have served in the branch since its formation in 1945, and many of them are still scattered around the country and worldwide. Only about 10% of these are members of the Aircraft Handlers Association. The Aircraft Handlers Association is there for past and present serving members of the branch. It produces a quarterly publication that has articles and news that is of interest to all members of the branch. It also organizes annual reunions and events so members can catch up with old "shipmate
Shipmate
A shipmate is literally a mate on one's own ship .Typically, in the United States and other countries the term 'shipmate' is used amongst sailors as a generic name for those who are not on a name-to-name basis with each other...
s".
Today the Aircraft Handling branch is made up of around 450 personnel who served on various ships and at Royal Naval Air Stations.
Training
New recruits into the Aircraft Handling branch initially complete basic trainingBasic Training
Basic Training may refer to:* Basic Training, a 1971 American documentary directed by Frederick Wiseman* Basic Training , an American sex comedy* Recruit training...
with other Naval recruits at HMS Raleigh
HMS Raleigh
Six ships and one shore establishment of the Royal Navy have borne the name HMS Raleigh, after Sir Walter Raleigh:*HMS Raleigh was a 32-gun fifth rate, previously the American . She was captured in 1778 by HMS Unicorn and HMS Experiment and was commissioned into the Royal Navy as HMS Raleigh...
in Cornwall
Cornwall
Cornwall is a unitary authority and ceremonial county of England, within the United Kingdom. It is bordered to the north and west by the Celtic Sea, to the south by the English Channel, and to the east by the county of Devon, over the River Tamar. Cornwall has a population of , and covers an area of...
for 9 weeks. Here they are trained in the basic skills required to serve in the British armed forces
British Armed Forces
The British Armed Forces are the armed forces of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.Also known as Her Majesty's Armed Forces and sometimes legally the Armed Forces of the Crown, the British Armed Forces encompasses three professional uniformed services, the Royal Navy, the...
/Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
. Upon successful completion of basic training all recruits into the Aircraft Handling branch then proceed to RNAS Culdrose
RNAS Culdrose
Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose , based in Cornwall, near Helston, on the Lizard Peninsula, has three major roles: serving the Fleet Air Arm's front line Sea King and Merlin helicopter squadrons; providing search and rescue for the South West region; and training specialists for the Royal Navy...
in Cornwall; here they are instructed at the Royal Naval School of Flight Deck Operations (RNSFDO). The training at RNSFDO is around 6 months and covers the two key skills required of an Aircraft Handler. The first phase is fire fighting, which sees recruits learn aircraft crash rescue fire fighting skills, however new recruits also learn skills required for domestic fire fighting, the safe use and control of breathing apparatus, road traffic incidents and various other skills that would be required as would be for the civilian
Civilian
A civilian under international humanitarian law is a person who is not a member of his or her country's armed forces or other militia. Civilians are distinct from combatants. They are afforded a degree of legal protection from the effects of war and military occupation...
fire service. The second phase of training is Aircraft Handling which sees recruit
Recruit
Recruit can refer to:* a recently enlisted member of a military or paramilitary corps, still in training, as in :** Army recruit** Seaman Recruit...
s learning the skills required for the safe movement, take off and landing of aircraft on board Royal Navy ships and at Royal Naval air stations. The training for this role is carried out on a full size mock up flight deck known as HMS Siskin (Dummy Deck). HMS Siskin is largely made up to replicate the Invicible class aircraft carrier
Aircraft carrier
An aircraft carrier is a warship designed with a primary mission of deploying and recovering aircraft, acting as a seagoing airbase. Aircraft carriers thus allow a naval force to project air power worldwide without having to depend on local bases for staging aircraft operations...
but can also be adapted to the roles of smaller ships such as frigates and destroyers. New recruits are now also able to gain NVQ qualifications in fire fighting skills.
Organisation
The Aircraft Handling branch is within the Fleet Air ArmFleet Air Arm
The Fleet Air Arm is the branch of the British Royal Navy responsible for the operation of naval aircraft. The Fleet Air Arm currently operates the AgustaWestland Merlin, Westland Sea King and Westland Lynx helicopters...
branch. The Aircraft Handling branch is also the Royal Navy's fire service and is known to the Royal Navy as the Royal Navy Fire Rescue Service (RNFRS). The RNFRS, Royal Air Force Fire and Rescue Service and British Army counterparts are now collectively under an organisation known as Defence Fire Risk Management Organisation (DFRMO).
Badges and motto
Aircraft Handlers are sometimes known as "Chockheads", which was the name given to them when they first formed by other branches within the Royal Navy, based on some of the tasks that they used to carry out. The badgeBadge
A badge is a device or fashion accessory, often containing the insignia of an organization, which is presented or displayed to indicate some feat of service, a special accomplishment, a symbol of authority granted by taking an oath , a sign of legitimate employment or student status, or as a simple...
of the branch is a similar design to that of a Naval Air Squadron
Naval Air Squadron
Naval Air Squadron was a unit of the Polish Air Force between the wars. The unit was formed in 1920 in Puck. In 1939 it was composed of the:* Long Range Reconnaissance Escadrille...
. The badge is made up to replicate the two key roles carried out by the branch. Within the badge background is the sea with fire raising from it. In front of this is a Harrier
Harrier
-Military:* Harrier Jump Jet vertical take-off and landing fighter/attack aircraft and derivatives:** Hawker Siddeley Harrier—1st generation Harrier** BAE Sea Harrier—Maritime strike/air defence fighter** AV-8 Harrier II—2nd generation Harrier...
jet aircraft
Jet aircraft
A jet aircraft is an aircraft propelled by jet engines. Jet aircraft generally fly much faster than propeller-powered aircraft and at higher altitudes – as high as . At these altitudes, jet engines achieve maximum efficiency over long distances. The engines in propeller-powered aircraft...
with two hands cupped around it.
The motto of the branch in Latin is "Nostris In Manibus Tuti" which translates in English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
as "Safe In Our Hands". The trade badge actually worn by Aircraft Handlers on their uniform
Uniform
A uniform is a set of standard clothing worn by members of an organization while participating in that organization's activity. Modern uniforms are worn by armed forces and paramilitary organizations such as police, emergency services, security guards, in some workplaces and schools and by inmates...
s is a plane (Sopworth Camel) with the letter H underneath it. A star above the plane indicates the rate of Naval Airman
Airman
An airman is a member of the air component of a nation's armed service. In the United States Air Force and the Royal Air Force , it can also refer to a specific enlisted rank...
, two stars indicate the rate of Leading Airman and a crown indicates the rate of a Petty Officer
Petty Officer
A petty officer is a non-commissioned officer in many navies and is given the NATO rank denotion OR-6. They are equal in rank to sergeant, British Army and Royal Air Force. A Petty Officer is superior in rank to Leading Rate and subordinate to Chief Petty Officer, in the case of the British Armed...
Airman and also a Chief Petty Officer
Chief Petty Officer
A chief petty officer is a senior non-commissioned officer in many navies and coast guards.-Canada:"Chief Petty Officer" refers to two ranks in the Canadian Navy...
Airman.
Rate structure
- Naval AirmanAirmanAn airman is a member of the air component of a nation's armed service. In the United States Air Force and the Royal Air Force , it can also refer to a specific enlisted rank...
- Leading Airman
- Petty OfficerPetty OfficerA petty officer is a non-commissioned officer in many navies and is given the NATO rank denotion OR-6. They are equal in rank to sergeant, British Army and Royal Air Force. A Petty Officer is superior in rank to Leading Rate and subordinate to Chief Petty Officer, in the case of the British Armed...
Airman - Chief Petty OfficerChief Petty OfficerA chief petty officer is a senior non-commissioned officer in many navies and coast guards.-Canada:"Chief Petty Officer" refers to two ranks in the Canadian Navy...
Airman - Warrant OfficerWarrant OfficerA warrant officer is an officer in a military organization who is designated an officer by a warrant, as distinguished from a commissioned officer who is designated an officer by a commission, or from non-commissioned officer who is designated an officer by virtue of seniority.The rank was first...
All new recruits join as the rate of Naval Airman. Promotion up to the rates of Petty Officer Airman are decided on selection and successful completion of an advanced professional
Professional
A professional is a person who is paid to undertake a specialised set of tasks and to complete them for a fee. The traditional professions were doctors, lawyers, clergymen, and commissioned military officers. Today, the term is applied to estate agents, surveyors , environmental scientists,...
course and command and leadership
Leadership
Leadership has been described as the “process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task". Other in-depth definitions of leadership have also emerged.-Theories:...
courses. Promotion from Pretty Officer Airman up to Warrant Officer is also decided on selection but no further professional courses are required.
Current equipment and vehicles
Aircraft Handlers use various types of vehicles and equipment to complete their fire fighting tasks, most of which is the same as the equipment used by most civil fire services, with the exception of the vehicles. At Royal Naval Air Stations, Aircraft Handlers are employed mainly at fire stations where they will use two types of fire vehicle, these being the Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV) and the Major Foam Vehicle (MFV). They also use other types of equipment such as Drager breathing apparatus, Clan Lucas cutting equipment, various sized extending ladders and airbagAirbag
An Airbag is a vehicle safety device. It is an occupant restraint consisting of a flexible envelope designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision, to prevent occupants from striking interior objects such as the steering wheel or a window...
lifting equipment.
Aircraft Handlers also use different equipment when they are based on board ships, such as All Wheel Drive tractors and EN Mechanical Handlers to move aircraft. To carry out their fire fighting role they use fixed fire hose
Fire hose
A fire hose is a high-pressure hose used to carry water or other fire retardant to a fire to extinguish it. Outdoors, it is attached either to a fire engine or a fire hydrant. Indoors, it can be permanently attached to a building's standpipe or plumbing system...
s from the ships system and other fire fighting equipment like 10 kg CO2 extinguishers and SF 90 foam extinguishers.
Location
Aircraft Handlers may find themselves in a variety of locations such as being on board an aircraft carrierAircraft carrier
An aircraft carrier is a warship designed with a primary mission of deploying and recovering aircraft, acting as a seagoing airbase. Aircraft carriers thus allow a naval force to project air power worldwide without having to depend on local bases for staging aircraft operations...
or being at a fire station on an air station. Fire stations that Aircraft Handlers are usually based at are RNAS Culdrose
RNAS Culdrose
Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose , based in Cornwall, near Helston, on the Lizard Peninsula, has three major roles: serving the Fleet Air Arm's front line Sea King and Merlin helicopter squadrons; providing search and rescue for the South West region; and training specialists for the Royal Navy...
in Cornwall
Cornwall
Cornwall is a unitary authority and ceremonial county of England, within the United Kingdom. It is bordered to the north and west by the Celtic Sea, to the south by the English Channel, and to the east by the county of Devon, over the River Tamar. Cornwall has a population of , and covers an area of...
and RNAS Yeovilton
RNAS Yeovilton
Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, or RNAS Yeovilton, is an airfield of the Royal Navy, sited in South West England a few miles north of Yeovil in Somerset...
in Somerset
Somerset
The ceremonial and non-metropolitan county of Somerset in South West England borders Bristol and Gloucestershire to the north, Wiltshire to the east, Dorset to the south-east, and Devon to the south-west. It is partly bounded to the north and west by the Bristol Channel and the estuary of the...
, but some Aircraft Handlers are based at fire stations at RAF Cottesmore
RAF Cottesmore
RAF Cottesmore was a Royal Air Force station in Rutland, England, situated between Cottesmore and Market Overton. The station housed all the operational Harrier GR9 squadrons in the Royal Air Force, and No 122 Expeditionary Air Wing...
in Rutland
Rutland
Rutland is a landlocked county in central England, bounded on the west and north by Leicestershire, northeast by Lincolnshire and southeast by Peterborough and Northamptonshire....
and RAF Wittering
RAF Wittering
RAF Wittering is a Royal Air Force station within the unitary authority area of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Although Stamford in Lincolnshire is the nearest town, the runways of RAF Wittering cross the boundary between Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire....
in Cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire is a county in England, bordering Lincolnshire to the north, Norfolk to the northeast, Suffolk to the east, Essex and Hertfordshire to the south, and Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire to the west...
. Aircraft Handlers are mostly based on board Royal Navy ships such as aircraft carriers HMS Illustrious
HMS Illustrious
There have been five ships in the Royal Navy to bear the name HMS Illustrious. The ship's motto is "Vox Non Incerta" which translates as "No Uncertain Voice"....
and Ark Royal
HMS Ark Royal
Five ships of the Royal Navy have borne the name HMS Ark Royal:*Ark Royal , the flagship of the English fleet during the Spanish Armada campaign of 1588., merchant ship, converted to an aircraft carrier during World War I, British aircraft carrier launched in 1937 that participated in World War II...
(Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is the second largest city in the ceremonial county of Hampshire on the south coast of England. Portsmouth is notable for being the United Kingdom's only island city; it is located mainly on Portsea Island...
), amphibious ships HMS Albion
HMS Albion
Nine ships of the Royal Navy have borne the name HMS Albion after Albion, an archaic name for Great Britain: was a 74-gun third-rate ship of the line launched in 1763. She was converted into a floating battery in 1794 and was wrecked in 1797. was a 22-gun armed sloop. She was an ex-merchant...
and Bulwark
HMS Bulwark
Seven ships of the Royal Navy have borne the name HMS Bulwark, after the reference to the Navy as the 'bulwark' of the country:*HMS Bulwark was to have been a 74-gun third rate. She was ordered in 1778 but was cancelled in 1783. was a 74-gun third rate launched in 1807...
and the Royal Navy's helicopter carrier
Helicopter carrier
Helicopter carrier is a term for an aircraft carrier whose primary purpose is to operate helicopters. The term is sometimes used for both ASW carriers and amphibious assault ships....
HMS Ocean
HMS Ocean
Six ships that were built for the Royal Navy have borne the name HMS Ocean. The name Ocean entered the list from which names are selected for British ships in 1759, when the Royal Navy captured the French ship named Océan...
(Plymouth
Plymouth
Plymouth is a city and unitary authority area on the coast of Devon, England, about south-west of London. It is built between the mouths of the rivers Plym to the east and Tamar to the west, where they join Plymouth Sound...
). They can also serve on board various Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship
Auxiliary ship
An auxiliary ship is a naval ship which is designed to operate in any number of roles supporting combatant ships and other naval operations. Auxiliaries are not primary combatants, although they may have some limited combat capacity, usually of a self defensive nature.Auxiliaries are extremely...
s (various locations). Some Aircraft Handlers are also attached to Naval Air Squadron
Naval Air Squadron
Naval Air Squadron was a unit of the Polish Air Force between the wars. The unit was formed in 1920 in Puck. In 1939 it was composed of the:* Long Range Reconnaissance Escadrille...
s which are based at Royal Naval Air Stations Yeovilton and Culdrose.
Future
The Royal NavyRoyal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
is due to increase the personnel numbers within the branch due to the Government's plans to introduce the new CVF aircraft carriers into service in 2012/15. The new carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth
HMS Queen Elizabeth
HMS Queen Elizabeth could refer to one of three ships named in honour of Elizabeth I of England: was the lead ship of the Queen Elizabeth class of battleships, launched in 1913 and scrapped in 1948....
and HMS Prince of Wales
HMS Prince of Wales
Seven ships of the Royal Navy have been named HMS Prince of Wales, after numerous holders of the title the Prince of Wales. Another ship is planned:...
will require large numbers of Aircraft Handlers to operate the new Joint Strike Fighter aircraft that will also come into service with the new CVF carriers.