L3Harris has been recognised in the New Year Honours List for the success of its Multi-Engine pilot training team, which has delivered bespoke training for over 100 RAF pilots despite the myriad challenges of the pandemic.
The Multi-Engine Pilot Training Team was set up in 2018 to collaborate with the RAF to meet an increased Defence requirement for multi-engine pilots. The team is composed of personnel from the RAF, Civil Service and L3Harris, who have worked together to deliver 86 multi-engine pilots and 15 remotely piloted air system pilots to front-line Operational Conversion Units.
The Covid-19 pandemic caused flying training to be temporarily paused in late March 2020. Despite this and other operational challenges from the pandemic, the training course was completed on time. Flying training resumed at Bournemouth on 11 May following implementation of stringent Covid-19 protocols, ensuring the flow of pilots to RAF operational demands.
Eugene Moriarty, Director of Flight Operations L3Harris Airline Academy, said: “We are proud that our Multi-Engine Pilot Training Team has been recognised in the New Year Honours List. The Commendation is testament to the team’s efforts, over and above the norm, and the positive impact the course has had on the RAF.
It has been fantastic to work closely with the RAF and Ministry of Defence to implement a bespoke pilot training course, at a time of increased demand and reduced supply of pilots.
There is no doubt the Covid-19 pandemic has been challenging for flying training activity, but our commercial pilot training expertise and robust Covid-19 protocols meant we could deliver a safe and high-quality course, to successfully meet the RAF’s front-line requirements. “
The New Year Honours is a part of the British honours system. New Year’s Day is marked by naming new members of Orders of chivalry and recipients of other official honours for achievements and service across the United Kingdom.
Discover more about L3Harris pilot training programmes here.
