Birmingham University Air Squadron
| University of Birmingham Air Squadron RAFVR | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Active | 1941-present |
| Role | Training, Recruiting |
| Garrison/HQ | RAF Cosford |
| Motto(s) | Scientia Dabit Alas (Latin: Knowledge Will Give Us Wings) |
| Equipment | Grob Tutor |
| Insignia | |
| Identification symbol |
One blue, double headed lion rampant |
The University of Birmingham Air Squadron, commonly known as UBAS, is a squadron within the Royal Air Force established in 1942. It is based at RAF Cosford, Shropshire, and flies a fleet of five Grob Tutors. In 2009 the squadron upgraded the aircraft to the Grob Tutor EA which has an advanced avionics suite. The Squadron has four Flights, A, B, C and D; each with a student Flight Commander who holds the rank of Acting Pilot Officer. UBAS is also the parent squadron of 8 Air Experience Flight, who jointly fly UBAS' Tutor fleet.
A Squadron Leader is the Commanding Officer, while UBAS also has several other Qualified Flying Instructors and a Ground Training Instructor. There are some seventy students on the squadron, which accepts members from the University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, Aston University, Coventry University, Warwick University, Keele University, Wolverhampton University and Staffordshire University.
Students volunteer to join UBAS at their university's Freshers' Fair and then undergo a selection process. If successful they are attested and join the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. UBAS activities include flight, sports, military and leadership training, adventurous training, charity and community work and a vibrant social scene. The scope of UBAS, like other University Air Squadrons is to let young people experience life in the Royal Air Force and to develop their skills in the fields mentioned.
...
Wikipedia