Search and Rescue Training Unit

The Search and Rescue Training Unit (SARTU) of the Royal Air Force is located on the southern side of RAF Valley on the Isle of Anglesey, Wales. SARTU operates three Griffin HT1 helicopters to train pilots and winchmen before progression to an active Search and Rescue squadron, which include No 203 Sqn or No 22 Sqn (C flight), both based at RAF Valley. With FBH Heliservices contracted to provide the aircraft, engineers and flight line for the Unit it is often that one of the HT1 helicopters be replaced with a HAR.2. This is a fully SAR capable aircraft that the RAF uses in Cyprus on SAR duties.

Other Training
SARTU is also used as the base for many other air courses. Most notable is No. 60 Sqn, from DHFS, RAF Shawbury send each of their Ab-initio pilots and crewman to SARTU for a 3 week detachment to learn the basic skills needed for Search and Rescue missions and Mountain Flying. For a brief time (2010-2012) the Royal Navy sent ab-initio Fleet Air Arm pilots to SARTU to complete a bespoke SAR training course. During this time 6 pilots gained the coveted Royal Navy Pilot Flying Badge (Wings) at SARTU, with 2 more completing the course having already gained their Wings. Each of these pilots went on for conversion training at 771 Naval Air Squadron, HMS Seahawk, RNAS Culdrose.