Captain Paul Shawcross Royal Navy handed over command of the Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) at RAF Shawbury this week to Colonel Julian Facer.

Colonel Facer was commissioned into the Army Air Corps (AAC) in 1991 and is an experienced Apache Attack Helicopter pilot. His recently commanded 7 Training Regiment (AAC) at Middle Wallop, where he was responsible for Army flying training. Following completion of the Qualified Helicopter Instructor Course at RAF Shawbury, he has assumed command of the Defence Helicopter Flying School.

The DHFS provides initial helicopter flying training for aircrew of the three Services and Foreign and Commonwealth countries. The School also provides advanced and multi-engine training for RAF and some RN aircrew and other specialist courses for the three Services.

Colonel Facer said:” It is a great privilege to be given command of the Defence Helicopter Flying School, a world-class flying training organisation made so by its people. Helicopter flying training is critical to maintaining the capability of the front-line aviation forces across the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force and we are very lucky to be so well supported by the community in Shropshire and beyond. I very much look forward to the next few years here at RAF Shawbury”.