A Royal Air Force Air Loadmaster on exchange to the French Air Force has returned to RAF Brize Norton for the day to conduct trials with Number 206 (Heavy Aircraft Test & Evaluation) Squadron and the Joint Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit (JADTEU).
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Flight Sergeant Jamie Edwards made a return trip to RAF Brize Norton onboard an A400M whilst on exchange with the French Air Force for a day of aircrew liaison and trials of potential future capability. French pilots engaged with No. 206 Squadron counterparts during the day to discuss future opportunities whilst JADTEU worked with Loadmasters from the French Air Force along with Flight Sergeant Edwards, trailing the use of new pallets in the rear of the aircraft. It also gave RAF Loadmasters, who operate the A400M, the chance to meet their French counterparts for exchanges of ideas and working practices.
Flight Sergeant Jamie Edwards said:
“So we’ve come for a day visit to do some liaison between our squadrons. The squadron I’m part of with the French Air Force, called the Equipe de Marque Avions de Transport Tactiques or ‘EMATT’ operates somewhere in the envelope of JADTEU and 206 Squadron, so it was an easy transition for me to move from one test and evaluation squadron to another as they have a lot in common. The A400M is all about interoperability between the nations which operate it, and the events of today really demonstrates that”
Flight Sergeant Jamie Edwards
French Air Force Exchange Loadmaster
The visit by the EMATT to RAF Brize Norton comes after 206 Squadron recently visited their base in France, Orléans – Bricy Air Base, the home of the French A400M programme.
Flight Sergeant Edwards added:
“It was definitely a big challenge to move away on exchange for a few years and to be put out of my comfort zone, learning and using a second language on a day-to-day basis. Myself and my family who also moved with me for the experience have been warmly welcomed in France. The reception for us both inside and outside of work has been really great. My children are in local French schools and have been adapting well to that. It’s a pretty amazing opportunity for us and a great adventure”.
Flight Sergeant Jamie Edwards
French Air Force Exchange Loadmaster
Squadron Leader Mark Spector, Executive Officer No. 206 Squadron said:
“The aim of this visit was to continue and develop the open exchange of trials and evaluation experience and professionalism through open discussion, whilst furthering engagement and enduring relationships and this was certainly achieved in a very positive manner. Recent French and UK A400M trails activity and lessons were shared with healthy questioning on how to achieve the most effective and safe delivery of capability. The two test squadrons plan to continue with face-to-face encounters through reciprocal visits to reap the greatest benefits”
Squadron Leader Mark Spector
Executive Officer No. 206 Squadron
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