The Station

The primary role of RAF Halton is to train military and civilian personnel to perform to the highest standard for military operations. In particular this sees the Station deliver the Basic Recruit Training Course which has a throughput of approximately 2300 personnel graduating from the Phase 1 course annually, as well as the delivery of command, leadership and management training for all non-commissioned Service Personnel as part of their Phase 3 development. 

RAF Halton is home to 21 Supported Units across a range of specialities from air activity to defence media operations. The Station also supports 16 RAF Sports Associations as their nominated ‘home’, Wider Defence Tasks, Air Cadet Activity and Senior Leadership Team events.

RAF Halton is one of the largest RAF stations and home to approximately 2,100 personnel from all three armed services, contractors, and civilians.

RAF Halton Mission
 “One Team, Training People for Defence”

Teach, learn, apply

Commander

Wing Commander Peter Seanor

Wing Commander Peter Seanor joined the Royal Air Force in 2000. As a Training Officer within the People Operations Profession, he has spent the majority of his career in training related staff and command appointments and has completed overseas tours in the Falklands, Middle East and Norway.

He took command of RAF Halton in late 2023.

Who's based here

Squadrons

Units

History

RAF Halton’s history stretches back to World War I, evolving with the RAF’s needs over the decades. Originally part of Alfred de Rothschild’s Halton Estate, the site was lent to the British military in 1914, and Halton Camp was established in 1916 to support the Royal Flying Corps’ training operations. By 1919, the RAF formally acquired the site, transforming it into a centre for technical training. The creation of the Aircraft Apprentice Scheme in 1920 was pivotal, producing generations of elite engineers and technicians who helped shape British aviation.

Over time, RAF Halton adapted to meet the RAF’s changing requirements, transitioning from a technical training base to a focus on initial recruit training for enlisted aviators, providing the foundational training for all RAF aviators. Halton also offers leadership and management training for personnel advancing in their RAF careers, equipping them with the skills needed for roles upon promotion. With its longstanding heritage and forward-looking approach, RAF Halton remains a cornerstone of the RAF’s commitment to training excellence, continually preparing personnel for a distinguished career within the RAF.

Key dates

1913  First recorded flight at RAF Halton.

1917  Formation of The School of Technical Training.

1922  First Apprentice Scheme Entry began training.

1947  King George VI signified approval to the award of Colours to the RAF in the UK.

1952  Queen Elizabeth (then Her Royal Highness The Princess Elizabeth) presented Colours to No 1 School of Technical Training.

2017  HRH Queen Camilla (then the Duchess of Cornwall) presented the new replacement Queen’s Colour to the Station.

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