 |
| Learn to fly for FREE! |  |
Who we are...
Manchester and Salford Universities Air Squadron (MASUAS) is one of 15 University Air Squadrons dedicated to the flying training of undergraduate students who have the potential to become officers in the Royal Air Force.
The UAS System
University Air Squadrons are spread throughout the UK, each linked to one or more universities and an airfield. They provide free flying training to university undergraduates. Their purpose is to direct high quality students into careers in the Royal Air Force - as pilots or navigators and as officers in the many other branches of the RAF. On joining a UAS, students become members of the Royal Air Force Voluntary Reserve (RAFVR), and are eligible for attendance pay, travel costs and messing allowances. Each air squadron has full-time RAF staff, including a number of flying instructors. Here is a map of the location of all the UAS's in the country:
Every pilot student, whether sponsored or not, will take part in the same flying syllabus which provides 90 hours flying over three years. Students are expected to fly both during term time and in the vacations. In addition, each UAS holds flying camps at Christmas, Easter and in the Summer; the summer camp usually being held at another RAF station. In the past few years notable camps have included RAF Leeming near York, RAF Colerne near Bath, RAF Leuchars in Scotland and RAF Laarbruch in Germany.
The flying syllabus starts with learning basic handling of the aircraft, followed by circuits (flying a set pattern to land) before going 'first solo.' Once you're over this hurdle, you'll learn the more advanced flying disciplines of aerobatics, stalling and spinning, instrument flying, navigation, and formation flying.
Contacting us:
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our organisation or the content of this page at our postal address:RAF Woodvale
Formby
Merseyside
L37 7AD
Telephone: 01704 872287 ext 7223
Email: Masuas@dial.pipex.com
History
MANCHESTER AND SALFORD UNIVERSITY AIR SQUADRON
‘Learning in the Air’
Manchester University Air Squadron was formed in 1941 under command of Wg Cdr E Rhodes. The Squadron originally rented buildings in Manchester, flying and link trainer instruction was carried out at RAF Ringway. Initially flying was mainly air experience in operational or communications aircraft but, by the start of 1945, regular flying instruction was given to potential aircrew in Tiger Moth aircraft. In 1946 the Tiger Moths were replaced by chipmunks just prior to a move from Ringway to Barton Airfield. Several changes of Town Headquarters ensued, including a short period when a disused cafe was pressed into service as a Mess and classrooms. Strong links were forged with the university. The Squadron badge, approved by the King in 1951, incorporates the serpent from the Manchester University coat of arms. The Squadron moved its flying operations from Barton to Woodvale in 1953 and reequipped with Bulldog aircraft in 1973. The unit was renamed Manchester and Salford Universities Air Squadron in April 1975 to accommodate the new status of Salford University. Originally established for 48 flying students the squadron was downsized under DCS in 1995 to provide training for 38 students from within the universities of Manchester and Salford. The Squadron has no Town HQ but shares facilities with the Manchester and Salford URNU for weekly training nights. The MASUAS establishment includes 3 administrative staff for RAF Woodvale, and the Squadron Commander holds the responsibilities of Station Commander and Designated Officer for the supervision of the civilian contractor who provide engineering, catering, air traffic and security services at Woodvale.