RAF Syerston is home to 2 Flying Training School (2 FTS) which encompasses both the headquarters and the RAF Central Gliding School, which provides formal training courses for members of the Volunteer Gliding Squadrons (VGS) located at various other locations around the UK.
RAF Syerston has four satellite airfields at RAF Kenley, RAF Kirknewton, RAF Little Rissington and RAF Topcliffe, from which it operates the Viking T Mk 1 glider and Robin DR400 aerotow aircraft.
Group Captain Baz Dale assumed command on 1 March 2019, and is Station Commander / Head of Establishment for RAF Syerston, RAF Kenley, RAF Kirknewton, RAF Little Rissington, and RAF Topcliffe.
Baz previously enjoyed four tours as a Tornado GR1 & GR4 Pilot, Qualified Flying Instructor and Command Instrument Rating Examiner. He commanded 72(F) Squadron, training the next generation of fast-jet pilots at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, and undertook numerous Joint or Combined staff and operational tours over his career.
RAF Syerston, Newark, NG23 5NN.
RAF Syerston initially opened as a Bomber Command station in 1940 operating Wellington, Manchester and Lancaster bombers. Post-war Syerston became a training base, eventually transferring to Flying Training Command and 2 Flying Training School operating Jet Provosts.
Syerston was put on under care and maintenance from 1971 until it reopened in January 1975 for light aircraft and gliding operations. Syerston is currently a station in its own right, having previously been a satellite airfield of RAF College Cranwell.
Since January 2014, RAF Syerston has been the home to 2 FTS HQ, the RAF Central Gliding School (CGS) and 644 Volunteer Gliding Squadron. The Central Flying School (CFS) (Gliding Examiners) also maintains an examining unit at the Station.
