Ascent opens new infrastructure as UK looks to ramp up pilot training

Among other training devices, the new building extension at RAF Valley will house a simulator for the Texan II trainer aircraft. (Crown Copyright)

Ascent Flight Training has opened new infrastructure at Royal Air Force (RAF) Valley in Wales as the UK looks to increase its pilot training capacity.

The opening of the building extension that will house a simulator and other training devices was announced on 12 June, with Ascent noting it is part of a wider GBP175 million (USD220 million) investment in the UK Military Flight Training System (MFTS) programme.

“Ascent’s industry partners from Babcock International and Kier have extended existing infrastructure to house new simulators, additional instructors, and other facilities for basic flying training, to enable an uplift in training capacity,” the training provider announced. “Alongside this, the existing facility has been upgraded to provide increased mission planning capacity and improved facilities for trainees, instructors, and other staff.”