British Atlas force conducts training in Norway

A team of experienced instructors from XXIV Squadron, consisting of a Qualified Flying Instructor and a Qualified Mission Aircrew Instructor, provided support to an LXX crew during one of their first missions operating the A400M Atlas aircraft.

The mission involved a return journey from RAF Brize Norton to Bardufoss in Norway, in support of Exercises JOINT VIKING and AQUILA ENABLER, say the RAF in a news release.

The aircraft transported a team of Movers from the Air Movements Squadron, a pair of RAF Police Dog Handlers with their Military Working Dogs, and exercise freight.

Flight Lieutenant Robinson, LXX Squadron Junior Pilot, was quoted as saying:

“Flying the Atlas into Norway for the first time as a Junior Pilot is an unforgettable experience. As part of the Operational Conversion Unit (OCU), we train for cold weather operations in the simulator. This training is invaluable and makes for a seamless transition from the simulator to flying the aircraft into Bardufoss for the first time. What the simulator does not prepare you for, is how breath-taking the Norwegian landscape really is!”

Upon graduation from initial training on XXIV Squadron, A400M Atlas crews are capable of supporting global air transport operations in their new roles on 30 or LXX Squadrons. As their experience grows, they may receive additional support from XXIV Squadron instructors when operating in challenging locations, to assist in their ongoing development.

This specific mission, say the Royal Air Force, presented the junior crew with an opportunity to operate in an extreme cold weather environment, with icy runways and taxiways, testing their aircraft handling, technical knowledge, and pre-flight planning abilities.

The training provided on this route is invaluable in preparing Air Mobility Force aircrew for future worldwide operations, they added.