InsideAIR

The Finnish Air Force has deployed to Romania on its first NATO Enhanced Air Policing Mission, operating alongside the RAF’s 140 Expeditionary Air Wing. 

InsideAIR sent Air Specialist 1, Victoria Andrews to find out how the operation has been going.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

What does it mean to be ready to fly and fight? Where will that fight be? And why is the RAF changing the way it operates? Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton gives InsideAIR the answers.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

We hear a lot about RAF and general military intelligence, but what do we actually mean when we talk about it?

Who’s involved, what do they do, how do they do it and what happens to all the information they gather? Sqn Ldr Peter Lisney lifts the veil to get the answers.  InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

For more than 70 years, the small Bavarian town of Oberammergau has been host to a NATO School. With 115 courses attended by 11,000 students annually, InsideAIR spoke with an RAF officer currently serving there to find out what the School delivers for both NATO and the Royal Air Force.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Cyberspace is a domain we’re hearing more and more about and its importance to every aspect of what we do, day-in and day-out is growing.

But when we talk about Cyberspace, what exactly do we mean, how far does it reach into our lives, who are the people who can help us navigate through and, what if you think you might have what it takes to join the RAF Cyberspace team?

In this edition of InsideAIR, we're off to Texas for RAF fighter pilot training The RAF sends some of its trainee pilots to the United States to learn to be fighter pilots. InsideAIR's Wing Commander Dylan Eklund headed to the Lone Star State to get the lowdown. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

While scientists and engineers develop the RAF’s sixth generation combat aircraft, a specialist team of aviation and space medicine consultants are working hard to mitigate the effects which flying the aircraft will have on the aircrew’s body.

InsideAIR's Medical Correspondent , Wg Cdr Sarah Charters, went to the centrifuge at RAF Cranwell to meet the team working on this challenge and to find out about the future of aerospace medicine. 

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

As the last forces personnel were evacuated from Kabul in August 2021, two German soldiers were accidentally left behind, leading to an incredible rescue mission, led by an RAF Flight Lieutenant. 

A call from the German Ops centre asked Flt Lt Mark Jenkins to fly back into Kabul. His mission... to rescue the two German soldiers who'd been left behind amidst the chaos. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

In 2021, the Government published a list of recommendations in the Reserve Forces Review 2030. Less than a year later Russia invaded Ukraine. What happened to RF30? How will RAF Reservists be affected? And what does it mean for the wider RAF? InsideAIR spoke with Air Vice-Marshal Ranald Munro, the Royal Auxiliary Air Force’s Commandant General, to find some answers.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

In today’s episode, we take a look around the RAF Centre of Aerospace Medicine at RAF Henlow.

Aircraft rapid decompression and loss of oxygen can be life threatening for aircrew. Knowing what to expect, and how to recognise hypoxia are just some the life-saving scenarios aircrew train for at the Centre. We sent InsideAIR’s medical correspondent, Wg Cdr Sarah Charters, to find out more. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Change, culture, leadership, and the benefits­ of a diverse environment. These are just some of the topics Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall considers as she chats with InsideAIR’s Flight Lieutenant Amy Casey about life in the RAF­­.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

We hear lots about the space domain, but what does that actually mean and how is the UK using it as part of its defence policy?

Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey is the Commander of UK Space Command, based at High Wycombe, and he spoke with Flt Lt Chris Sully to explain what his team does and what it means for the big picture. 

‘Could we hit it?’, ‘Should we hit it?’ Before RAF aircraft can strike a target, these questions must be asked, and it’s down to the targeting team’s Legal Adviser and Policy Adviser to come up with the answers.

In this ground-breaking interview for the RAF, we head to the Middle East to speak with 83 Expeditionary Air Group’s LEGAD and POLAD.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

In the latest episode, we catch up with the Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force, Warrant Officer Murugesvaran Subramaniam.

Warrant Officer Subramaniam has been in post as Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force for the best part of a year now. But what does the role actually mean and what does he hope to achieve?

Can you take a civilian airline pilot, make them an RAF Reservist and have them operate a state-of-the-art military ISTAR aircraft? Well, if the aircraft has essentially the same flight deck, why not!InsideAIR met with Group Captain ISTAR Reserves who aims to do this at scale with X-Flight.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

As InsideAIR reaches its third birthday, our correspondent AS1 Victoria Andrews takes a look back at your top ten favourite episodes from the past 12 months based on the number of downloads in the first seven days after release.  From all the RAF Reservist team behind the podcast, have a very happy Christmas and please stay tuned in 2024! 

InsideAIR goes behind the scenes at RAF Waddington as the RAF's latest Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) makes its maiden flight.

The Protector RG Mk1 will offer a huge leap forward in terms of operability and capability as Sqn Ldr Daz Scales discovers. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

The annual RAF Training Specialisation Conference has just taken place at RAF Halton.

Military Training Specialists are at the very heart of preparing future forces personnel to be able to deliver the capability to 'fly and fight'.  AS1 Emma Kirwan caught up with some of those at the conference to hear about their plans and challenges.

RAF Mustangs are back, but this time in the shape of the RAF’s American Football team.

Our correspondent AS1 Emma Kirwan went pitch side to find out why the sport is rapidly growing in the British Military and to watch the RAF meet the Army in the final of the Inter-Services Championships. "Fly high, strike fast".

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

This is the incredible story of former RAF Chinook Crewman, Liz McConaghy. From pulling the trigger and being shot at, to extracting wounded soldiers from the battlefield, and even a near fatal collision with overhead power cables, Liz's seventeen year career in the back of a Chinook helicopter is one she wouldn’t swap for anything. 

But not all combat injuries are physical, as Liz shared with InsideAIR’s Flt Lt Amy Casey.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

In this week’s InsideAIR, we enter the fascinating world of test pilots, aircrew and engineers.

Find out from the RAF’s Chief Test Pilot why in this synthetic world of AI, machine learning and simulators, real time test and evaluation in the air is just as important as ever.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Protecting the RAF’s secrets is the life-long responsibility of everyone who wears the uniform. Whether that’s online, on a night out or even in your own neighbourhood.

In this frank discussion, Air and Space Commander Air Marshal Harvey Smyth explains the threat could be closer than you think.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

'Move, eat, think and sleep' is a new initiative to help RAF personnel physically, mentally and emotionally both in work and outside.It's a new initiative by the team of PTI's and Training Development Flight at RAF Coningsby and Sqn Ldr Daz Scales went along to see what it's all about. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

The UK's National Military Representative to SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe), is Air Commodore Steve Kilvington.

In this episode, he explains to Sqn Ldr Peter Lisney about the criticality of control of the air, the new NATO Force Model and what it's like to work and live within SHAPE in Belgium. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Scotland plays a significant role in the RAF's defence of the United Kingdom with both Typhoon QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) jets and the Poseidon multi-role maritime patrol aircraft based at RAF Lossiemouth.

Sqn Ldr Peter Lisney talks with Air Officer Scotland, Air Vice-Marshal Ross Paterson, about the Royal Air Force presence in Scotland, the highlights of Highland life, and why once posted there, it seems personnel don't ever want to leave. We’ll also hear about the RAF's lead in this year’s Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the RAF’s involvement in Air Policing Missions over NATO's Eastern flank have taken on a new significance for both those deployed and the host nations. 

Before the completion of this year’s Op AZOTIZE based in Estonia, InsideAIR spoke with 140 Expeditionary Air Wing’s Officer Commanding and a Junior Engineering Officer to see how things had gone.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Which is best, Chinook or Typhoon? That’s the question we asked the Chinook and Typhoon display pilots at the Royal International Air Tattoo.

We also take a look inside the Techno Tent to hear about STEM from astronaut Major Tim Peake and former Tornado pilot, Mandy Hickson.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

How does being behind the wheel of a Formula One racing car compare with taking the controls of a Typhoon jet fighter?

Mercedes F1 driver George Russell found out when he flew with the RAF’s Typhoon display pilot, Flight Lieutenant Matt Brighty. InsideAIR watched from behind the scenes and brings you the story.

(Photo credit: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team)

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Imagine a world where you can carry out your RAF career management on your phone! That world is coming with the RAF Career Management Nexus.

Air Commodore Nick Brittain is the Assistant Chief of Staff for Career Management and is overseeing the project and other areas. He tells Sqn Ldr Peter Lisney about the changes. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

The world-famous Isle of Man TT Races have just finished for 2023 and Brize Norton-based Cpl Michael 'Jack' Russell was back with a record in mind - to complete all 10 events.

Join InsideAIR as we track Jack's efforts over the two weeks, take a trip around part of the famous course together, go onto the grid with him and hear the thoughts of TT legend (and 23 times TT winner), John McGuinness on Jack's record attempt. Flt Lt Chris Sully has the story.  InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, is approaching the end of his 4-years leading the Royal Air Force

It's certainly been a full-on time with many challenges, successes and frustrations as he told Sqn Ldr Peter Lisney. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Agile Combat Employment (ACE) is bringing a big change to RAF mindsets and working practices. It's all about a state of readiness and resilience.

Air Marshal Harv Smyth, the Deputy Commander Operations for the Royal Air Force, explains what it means for us all. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

King Charles III is now the Commander-in-Chief of the UK Armed Forces, but he started his military career earning his pilot wings in the Royal Air Force.

InsideAIR meets two of his flying instructors and goes for a flight in The Royal Chipmunk WP903, the aircraft in which the young Prince Charles learnt to fly.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

How is the RAF dealing with the risks and threats posed by drones in an increasingly congested airspace? InsideAIR explores drone near misses, air safety and the future of working with UAV's or uncrewed air systems in Defence.  

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

In 2022, the RAF started its transition from Trades and Branches to Professions. Almost a year on, InsideAIR met with team members from the Defence College of Air and Space Operations to find out how the transition was working within the Air and Space Ops Profession and what it means for current and future controllers and operators.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Leadership is a core element of RAF training, but can you really make a leader out of anyone? InsideAIR put this question to Air Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, Deputy Commander Capability and Warrant Officer Mark Willis from the Tedder Academy of Leadership.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

In episode 35 we looked at the work of the Operational Training Centre that prepares the RAF’s Expeditionary Air Wings for operations globally. A year on, the OTC has a new boss, it has adapted to changing threats and is now looking to grow its team of permanent staff and part time evaluators. InsideAIR's AS1 Emma Kirwan went back to RAF Leeming to pick up the story.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

From providing confidential help and support, to lobbying government, the RAF Families Federation is committed to improving the quality of life for the whole RAF Family.

Meet some of the RAF Families Federation team and hear how they've helped with a huge range of issues around the forces world. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Through her roles with the RAF, NATO and Strategic Command, Warrant Officer Sara Catterall MBE has worked with people from many different nations. She passionately believes that we become stronger when we embrace our cultural differences and take the time to learn from one another.

When the pressure of leadership mounts and imposter syndrome sets in, Sara explains, the best thing you can do is be your authentic self.  InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Force Protection has evolved. The RAF Police now comes under Air Security Force and the RAF Regiment now comes under Combat and Readiness Force. Why were the changes needed, what does it mean for personnel, and how will these two forces fit into the new RAF powerhouse that is Global Enablement? InsideAIR spoke with Air Commodore Jamie Thompson to find the answers.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Former combat helicopter pilot and Squadron Leader, Sarah Furness, has translated the lessons she learned under fire into military-grade mindfulness strategies for improved self-leadership. 

Sarah explains that performing under pressure isn’t an instinct, it’s a skill, and we can train our minds to cope in stressful situations at home, at work or at war.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

As InsideAIR reaches its second birthday, we asked our correspondent AS1 Emma Kirwan to tell us your top ten favourite episodes of 2022 based on number of downloads in the first seven-days from release. There’s a real variety of stories and one or two surprises too.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Home nation involvement on the pitch may have come to an end on Saturday, when England followed Wales to the departure gate at Doha Airport, but the UK still has a significant part to play in this year’s FIFA World Cup.

RAF Coningsby based 12 Squadron are working alongside their Qatari collegues in support of air security operations as part of the massive global event.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Parenting can be a challenge at the best of times, but what's it like to become a parent whilst serving in the RAF?

Flt Lt Amy Casey talks to Adrienne Burgess, joint CEO & Head of Research at The Fatherhood Institute, and Wing Cdr David Lewis, SO1 Employment Policy, about the challenges of becoming a parent and what support the RAF offers to new parents and their partners.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

RAF Astra is all about delivering the Next Generation Royal Air Force. This week on InsideAIR, we go backstage at the Astra Awards to meet the inspirational people bringing innovative ideas to life.

From using Virtual Reality for training to providing dog fostering services for deployed personnel, the Awards celebrate the achievements of the whole force and the impact they’re having on operations in the UK and overseas.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

On Remembrance Day in the UK, serving personnel and veterans might reflect on their time on operations, but is it any different for RAF aviators who are on ops right now?

Our guest correspondent Flight Lieutenant Chris Warr spoke to members of 83 Expeditionary Air Group (EAG) in the Middle East to find out.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

The RAF Police's Project Blueprint uses mobile tech to rapidly respond to any situation, streamline admin processes, go paperless and help secure better outcomes for victims of crime.

InsideAIR found out how Blueprint works and the difference it's making.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Exercises are crucial to ensuring combat readiness and strengthening relationships between partner and allied nations. Last month 6 Squadron, a frontline Typhoon squadron based at RAF Lossiemouth, and an RAF Brize Norton based Voyager aircraft from  101 Squadron, flew to Australia’s Northern Territory to participate in Exercise PITCH BLACK.

Our correspondent AS1 Victoria Andrews was on the detachment and brings you this report.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

It is with great sadness that we bring to you this very special episode of InsideAIR, to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second who passed away on the 8th September 2022.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Music by RAF Music Services. 

Sport plays a crucial role in developing RAF personnel and there are few sports faster, noisier or more thrilling than motorsports. 

We sent Inside Air’s AS1 Anna Harris to Mallory Park Racing Circuit for a day in the pits and on the track with RAF Motorsports.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

When you trust your people and give them backing and investment, the results can be startling. That’s how a small team of aviators from 90 Signals Unit hatched Raven. It’s hardware, it’s software and it’s methodology. InsideAIR asked 90SU to explain.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

The Central Flying School (CFS) has been around for almost as long as powered aviation itself. InsideAIR caught up with the Commandant, Group Captain Mike, to find out how they deliver aircrew instruction today and to hear his vision for the future.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

What are the challenges when fulfilling a NATO operation close to Ukraine while Russia’s invasion continues?

InsideAIR takes us to Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base near Constanta where Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft are providing enhanced Air Policing and enhanced Air Vigilance along Romania's eastern border.    

Our correspondent AS(1) Kirwan reports from Op BILOXI.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

For more than half its existence, the RAF has organised its officers into Branches and enlisted personnel into Trades. However, it has now been decided a new approach is needed for the Next Generation RAF. In this episode, we speak with the team leader responsible for coming up with the replacement - Professions.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Inspired by the resilience of desperately ill children, four RAF pilots swapped their normal cockpits for one in a transatlantic rowing boat. Three thousand miles of sea later, our correspondent Flight Lieutenant Chris Sully found out how they fared during their epic voyage.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

The Platinum Jubilee Pageant was just one of the many events in which RAF aviators took part to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Our correspondent Wing Commander Howard Leader met up with a few of the parading aviators as they rehearsed for this once in a lifetime event.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

For more than a century, the RAF hasn’t had its own hymn. With music being such a core aspect of life in the military, it’s quite fitting that during the year of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this has finally changed. Our correspondent Flt Lt Mark McKinstry spoke with the people who made this happen.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Air shows are back! Later in this episode we’ll hear an RAF photographer’s top ten tips for capturing the perfect air show photograph. But first, we visit RAF Cosford as they prepare to put on the RAF’s last remaining air show.

In the concluding part of this two part special edition of InsideAIR, we re-join Sqn Ldr Sarah as she investigates the work of Tactical Medical Wing.

Hear about TMW capabilities, including mental health and critical care aeromedical evacuation, future developments and the role of RAF Medical Reserves.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

When the UK deploys its Armed Forces around the globe, the RAF’s Tactical Medical Wing is standing by to respond to medical emergencies and bring injured or ill sailors, soldiers and aviators safely home.

In part one of this two-part special edition of InsideAIR, we hear from the Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) and the Deployed Aeromedical Response Team Squadron (DARTS).  

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Before the RAF sends its Expeditionary Air Wings on ops, it makes sure they are prepared to deal with both the expected and the unexpected.

We sent our correspondent SAC Emma Kirwan to the Operational Training Centre at RAF Leeming to find out how this is achieved.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Exercise RED FLAG maximises the combat readiness, capability and survivability of participating units. It's held at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, USA and is now a regular event for the Royal Air Force.

In this episode, you’ll hear from Flight Lieutenant 'Buzz', an RAF Typhoon pilot on his first Red Flag. He talks to one of the experienced United States Air Force ‘aggressor’ pilots he’ll be up against.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Mandy Hickson is a former Royal Air Force fast jet pilot and lived through part of the RAF’s journey to becoming more inclusive.

In this episode, Mandy speaks to InsideAIR about her experiences as a Tornado pilot on a frontline Squadron.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

If you’d like to see what day to day tech the RAF will be using in the future, a visit to the Innovation Hub at RAF Leeming should give you some clues.

We sent our correspondent Flt Lt Chris Sully to meet the RAFX (eXperimental) team and find out about Spot, a four-legged agile mobile robot.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

The RAF plans to achieve net zero by 2040, but for a military service that flies jets, that presents an incredible challenge. From synthetic aviation fuel to biogas, the RAF is working towards a carbon-neutral future, both in the air and on the ground.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

They have four wheels, they’re green and have artificial intelligence – but no driver.

In a great example of how the Astra programme is shaping the Royal Air Force of tomorrow, RAF Brize Norton has been trialling the use of self-driving autonomous vehicles or 'robot cars'.

Find out how they coped with delivering spares and supplies across the RAF's largest station.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

InsideAIR launched in January 2021 and to mark our first anniversary, we thought we’d replay some memorable moments from the top ten episodes so far (based on number of downloads on release day). Which was your favourite episode and did it make the top ten?

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Meet Senior Aircraftman Alan Thomas in this week’s InsideAIR. Just over a year ago, experienced musician Alan decided to trade his comfortable seat in an orchestra for a place on parade in all weathers with RAF Music Services.

We follow Alan as he prepares to perform at one of the Nation’s most important events of the year. Find out how Alan copes with the pressure, what RAF musicians do when they’re deployed and get let into one of their most closely guarded secrets!

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

After 7 months at sea, the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) has returned. HMS Queen Elizabeth sailed into Portsmouth Harbour a day after its F-35 jets arrived home at RAF Marham. A decade in the making, CSG 21 combines the capabilities of the RAF and Royal Navy to support global operations. Find out how the two services have worked together to deliver the Lightning Force and hear RAF personnel share their experiences of going to sea and maritime aviation. 

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services. 

Magic Carpet is an annual exercise that allows personnel from the RAF and Royal Air Force of Oman to work, train and socialise together. This year they were also joined by the Qatar Emiri Air Force. We asked our correspondent Flight Lieutenant Ronan Carey to find out what went on both in the air and on the ground.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services. 

Per Ardua Ad Astra - 'through adversity to the stars'. It’s the RAF’s motto, but how does this apply its people, both uniformed and MOD Civil Service? Is social mobility possible in today's RAF and can anyone 'reach the stars'?

Plus, we look into the Chief of the Air Staff’s Fellowship that can fund aviators of any rank through a masters degree or even a doctorate.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services. 

Unmistakable because of its giant rotating dish, the airliner sized E-3D Sentry, also known as AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System), recently flew its final operational mission before retirement later this year. Join us on board to find out what made Sentry so special.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services. 

Operations at the UK’s new Space Command, what future RAF stations will look like, VR to improve fire-fighting training and new tech at the RAF Officer Training Academy. These are just some of the subjects put under the spotlight at the Astra Technology Exposure Day.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services. 

Using mobile apps is part of everyday life for most people, but technology experts believe we’ve only scratched the surface of app capability. The Astra Appivate team focus on the professional, rapid and agile delivery of mobile applications for the Royal Air Force.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services. 

Ceremonial swords are a common sight on parade squares but how would you fair in a fight using a foil, epee or sabre? We asked two Senior Aircraftmen from the RAF Fencing Association what this niche sport means to them and how it transcends social boundaries.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services. 

If you want to know who has the best super power in the Royal Air Force, look no further than the RAF’s military working dogs. Whether it’s protecting people, fighting crime or sniffing out danger, Air Dogs play a vital role today’s high tech Royal Air Force.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services. 

The RAF regularly contributes to NATO Enhanced Air Policing missions in Europe. Currently, Typhoon multi-role combat aircraft are deployed to Romania on Operation BILOXI. Our correspondent Sqn Ldr Steve finds out what we’re up to, how it’s going and what the RAF’s presence means to the people of Romania.    

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services. 

The RAF encourages all its people to get involved in sport, but if you’re good enough to compete at the highest level, you could receive a package of support to help make you a champion. In this episode, our correspondent Flight Lieutenant Chris Sully meets some of the RAF’s Elite and High Performance Athletes.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services. 

It takes years of study and training before an RAF pilot earns their coveted wings and can progress to operational flying.

In episode 15 we looked at helicopter training at RAF Shawbury. Today in episode 17, we visit RAF Valley and RAF Cranwell and reveal the pathway to becoming a multi-engine or jet fighter pilot.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services. 

Working on Operations from desert air bases in the Middle East and Cyprus are the men and women of 83 Expeditionary Air Group. The combined efforts of HQ 83 EAG, its Expeditionary Air Wings and Force Elements are pivotal in combatting Daesh. If you’re in the RAF and haven’t deployed there yet, chances are you will sometime in the future. Our correspondents, currently serving with 83 EAG, are Squadron Leader Mel and Flight Lieutenant Jordan.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services. 

Learning to fly a helicopter is notoriously challenging, so what does it take to earn your pilot’s wings? We asked one of the RAF’s most recent graduates from No. 1 Flying Training School at RAF Shawbury. Our correspondent is Flight Sergeant Gemma Bibby.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services. 

There are more than 3,000 men and women in the Royal Air Force Reserve and they are integral to protecting the nation’s security at home and overseas.

But what motivates a Reservist to balance a full-time civilian day job with a part-time military service, and what does Future Reserves 30 mean to this essential component of the RAF?

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services. 

The cockpit stays in the hangar but the aircraft flies thousands of miles away. We’re talking Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) and our correspondent, Flt Lt Chris Sully, spoke to 13 Squadron to find out more.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Maintaining a high level of fitness is expected of everyone in the RAF. But what happens when an accident, injury and or lockdown gets in the way.

Our correspondent SAC Emma Kirwan spoke with RAF Exercise Rehabilitation Instructors and some of the Service people they have helped return to fitness.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Can you respond to a cyber-attack with force? Do laws on earth extend into space?

InsideAIR's Flight Lieutenant Peter Lisney quizzes Squadron Leaders Kieran and Stu from RAF Legal Services about the Law of Armed Conflict and how it applies to space and cyber.

Also in this episode is 'Reheat'; a catch up on RAF news you may have missed and 'Name That Noise'.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

If you’re serving in the Royal Air Force and found out you’d developed a life changing neurological condition, how would you cope? What would the RAF think? Would you still have a job?

Our correspondent Flight Lieutenant Chris Sully spoke with two service people who have had to deal with this kind of news.

Also in this episode is 'Name That Noise' and a special edition of our news reel 'Reheat'. 

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

When you deploy on operations or exercises around the globe, it’s vital you have the right kit, in the right place, at the right time.

For 55 years, this has been the job of UK Mobile Air Movements Squadron (UKMAMS), and today we hear their story.

Our correspondent is Pilot Officer Amy Casey.

Also in this episode is 'Reheat'; a catch up on RAF news you may have missed and 'Name That Noise'.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

It’s called MACA, or Military Aid to the Civil Authorities, and since the first lockdown, RAF Reservists have been temporarily swapping their civilian jobs to play their part on the COVID Support Force.

Our correspondent, Flight Lieutenant Mark McKinstry, visited RAF Reservists on Operation RESCRIPT as they support the NHS with Covid testing in the North West of England.

Also in this episode is 'Reheat'; a catch up on RAF news you may have missed and 'Name That Noise'.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Can online gaming beat lockdown isolation? Where is the line drawn between gaming enjoyment and gaming addiction and what are the cyber security risks? We asked our correspondent LAC Emma Kirwan to find out more from the RAF Esports Association.

Also in this episode is 'Reheat'; a catch up on RAF news you may have missed and 'Name That Noise'.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

You may be familiar with stories from the RAF’s past, but what about stories from the future? We ask the head of the Royal Air Force and his Warrant Officer why the RAF is talking about the year 2040 and what could be, rather than what will be.

You may wish to read RAF Stories From The Future and the RUSI speech mentioned in this podcast.

You can also find and read the future stories mentioned by Googling ‘RAF Stories From The Future’.

Also in this episode is 'Reheat'; a catch up on RAF news you may have missed and 'Name That Noise'.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

The RAF apprenticeship programme is almost as old as the RAF itself, but what is it like to be an RAF apprentice today? We hear from some of our Apprenticeship Award Winners and from a member of the team that makes sure the programme is still one of the best in the country.

Also in this episode is 'Reheat'; a catch up on RAF news you may have missed and 'Name That Noise'.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Thirty years ago this month, former RAF Tornado navigator John Nichol was being held as a prisoner of war in an Iraqi jail. His aircraft had been shot down following a low-level ground attack.

In this extended and remotely recorded episode, John meets F-35 Lightning pilot, Flight Lieutenant Bally, to hear how RAF ground attack has changed since then.

Also in this episode is 'Reheat'; a catch up on RAF news you may have missed and 'Name That Noise'.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Going on ops can boost to your tan and your pay, but the package can also include stress, danger and physical hardship, leaving you asking yourself some hefty questions.

We spoke with RAF Chaplain, Padre Rebekah who told us how developing spiritual resilience can help.

Also in this episode is 'Reheat'; a catch up on RAF news you may have missed and 'Name That Noise'.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Electronic devices on Earth, in space and even in our pockets constantly generate masses of data. Gaining information advantage by using all this data has become the challenge. We speak with Air Commodore Jez Holmes and Professor Patrick Baker from the RAF Rapid Capabilities Office to find out whether artificial intelligence and machine learning could hold the keys?

Also in this episode is 'Reheat'; a catch up on RAF news you may have missed and 'Name That Noise'.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

Space is an ever-changing domain and in this episode we speak to Flight Lieutenant Ryan Holden, Officer Commanding Mission Tactics Flight at Royal Air Force Fylingdales in North Yorkshire. Ryan explains why everyone should take an interest in space, how nations are co-operating and where space fits into the battlefields of tomorrow.

Also in this episode is 'Reheat'; a catch up on RAF news you may have missed and 'Name That Noise'.

InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.