What is Forward Air Control?

Due to the close proximity of weapon effects in relation to friendly forces when Close Air Support is used, it is vital that aircrew can communicate with the ground force. The man calling the shots is known as the Forward Air Controller or FAC, who is a qualified in directing combat aircraft engaged in CAS from a forward position on the ground, or in the air. If he is airborne he is known as an AbFAC (Airborne Forward Air Controller).
Again, the facility at RAF Spadeadam is ideal for FAC training and is often used by the Joint Forward Air Control Training and Standards Unit (JFACTSU) based at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire. Over Spadeadam, Gazelle helicopters are used for AbFAC training.