RAF take on airline pilots for Voyager 24.09.12

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Published on September 25, 2012 11:15:54 AM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj9IUEd4LDw

Duration: 2:14

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Three airline pilots have made history by winning their RAF wings.

Today's ceremony is thought to be the first time that reservists with no air force history have been welcomed into the service as pilots.

All three are experts in the Voyager - the aircraft that is replacing the Tristar.

Part trooper and part air to air refueller the voyager is based on a converted civilian airliner, the Airbus A330. The planes are privately owned and leased to defence but flown by RAF pilots.

So far just one Voyager in a planned fleet of 14 has been delivered to RAF Brize Norton. The next is expected by Christmas, with a further six by the end of next year.