Junglies In The Mountains

The Commando Helicopter Force enjoys a reputation for high standards of professionalism and flexibility and this is, in no small part, attributable to the exacting and thorough instruction provided by 848 Naval Air Squadron (NAS), or the ‘Jungly Training Academy’ as it is colloquially known.

Based at the Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton the Squadron has a complement of one hundred ratings and thirty officers, the Squadron is responsible for the instruction of up to fifty pilots and aircrewmen each year. Operating the Sea King Mk 4, pilots undertake and Aircraft Conversion Phase that includes handling the aircraft in various emergencies and how to fly with sole reference to instruments - before crewing up with the aircrewmen, taken from Royal Navy Ratings and Royal Marines, to learn how to operate the aircraft in a tactical environment during the Conversion Phase.

The Squadron also trains more than one hundred and fifty helicopter maintainers annually before sending them to the front line. Aircrew and maintainers receive military and amphibious training and individuals are also taught how to operate in the field and from the deck of a ship. 848 NAS is also committed to numerous UK maritime operations and airborne support for the Royal Marines.

To ensure aircrew are fully prepared for future operations in Afghanistan, where their Front Line sister Squadrons 845 and 846 NAS are currently deployed, it essential the students are primed for the mountainous and high altitude environment, which is several thousand feet above sea level. Both squadrons continue to conduct very successful deployments in Afghanistan, operating their Sea King Mk 4 at the edge of their flight envelope with temperatures in the summer reaching 50 degrees and a sand ridden environment that challenges both aircrew and engineers alike. Afghanistan was not a location originally envisaged for the North Sea anti-submarine Sea Kings on which the Mk 4 is based. In the knowledge that these challenges await anyone potentially joining a ‘Jungly Squadron’, 848 NAS continues their task of training both aircrew and support personnel to operate in both maritime and land environments.

For 03/08 course, comprising four pilots and two aircrewmen, this would entail a two week detachment of two aircraft and associated engineering support to the German Air Force base at Landsberg, just north of the German Alps. The objective was to provide the trainee aircrew a taste of operating the aircraft at altitude, in mountainous terrain without the comfortable power margins available at Yeovilton. This would also provide the students with an opportunity to plan and conduct a Continental ‘Navigational Exercise’ in a military helicopter. Exposing them for the first time the irritation for the necessary diplomatic clearances. For some of the Engineers, who are also under training, this would be the first time they have maintained aircraft serviceability away from the well equipped hangars back at Yeovilton.

Fortunately for the instructors and aircrew alike the deployment out to Germany was relatively uneventful, although an unplanned weather diversion to a distinctly surprised German Tornado base was the highlight. Eight and a half hours later the Sea Kings landed in Landsberg.

Sorties in the mountainous terrain concentrated the minds on the vital techniques of valley flying and approaches to pinnacles and ridges with the simulated end result of dropping off troops or stores. This resulted in some epic flying for the students with the seasoned instructor in the left hand seat constantly pointing out all the potential pitfalls that await the unwary mountain flyer. These range from violently down drafting air to wires strung across entire valleys at helicopter height. On completion of their serials the students would have at least six hours mountain flying each under their belts, some of which are solo, all serving as a sound introduction to the ‘bread and butter’ of your front line ‘Jungly’ aircrew.

On the last day of the detachment both aircraft lifted into low stratus and had to transit the first leg of the journey in cloud. This was a steep learning curve for all involved. Halfway across the continent they descended and continued visually under low cloud before refuelling at GAF Norvenich (less surprised this time). The transit continued at medium level into Belgium. The aircraft refuelled and picked up a met update at the Belgium SAR base at Koksijde. The weather was suitable but overcast at 300ft. The resultant decision to launch left two Sea Kings transiting along the south coast at 50 feet before entering a cloud bank near Hastings. A text book formation break in cloud, a rapid climb to safety altitude and the aircraft transited to Yeovilton safely.

The detachment achieved all its aims and was an invaluable experience for the trainee aircrew and engineers alike. Some less flying related highlights were watching the Belgians fit a new tail wheel, to an aircraft that did not belong to them, in 30 minutes flat!! And of course a weekend trip to Munich. Thanks go out to the German Air Force and specifically LTG 61 SAR Squadron for hosting the Detachment. Also to ‘Flannagans’ the Irish Bar in Munich after generously hosting our Aircrew for the entire weekend. After a debrief, Lieutenant K Muari Royal Australian Navy commented:

"The Mountain Flying Detachment to Germany was very valuable, as it was the first time I have operated the Sea King to its performance limits. The high altitude pinnacle approaches highlighted the importance of correct power, good crew co-ordination and accurate flying to get the maximum performance out of the aircraft which will be essential in an Operational environment”.