Quote:
Originally Posted by sic1701
Rainbow Six, thanks for the good information! I appreciate the details.
Another question, if I may...I have heard the term "Flight Sergeant" used in reference to the RAF, but did not know if that meant Sergeants actually fly the aircraft (in the United States military, only commissioned officers and warrant officers fly aircraft) or if what you call a Flight Sergeant is what we'd call a crew chief (i.e. the senior enlisted man who takes care of the aircraft). Can you clarify?
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Hi Sic,
In the RAF only commissioned officers fly aircraft (historically the RAF did have NCO pilots, but this was discontinued in the 1950's). Same for Navigators, WSO's, etc - they're all commisioned officers.
A Flight Sergeant is a relatively senior grade (I think it's roughly similar to US E 7 grade) and can be an aircrew or ground trade. Aircrew trades would include such things as Loadmasters on C130's and helos, winch operators etc . Ground Trade covers a number of roles (to be honest I don't know if the RAF has a direct equivalent of a crew chief who takes ownership of one specific aircraft).
I'm at work at the minute so can't confirm 100% but I think the Army still has NCO helo pilots - when I get home I'll check a couple of books and confirm for sure one way or the other.
Cheers