The instructor, engineering and aircraft efficiencies resulting from the changes brought an increase in the daily flying rate and consequently the number of students trained. 208’s command structure was modified to reflect its enlarged role. Training was divided into the CFS Flight (for all QFI training, staff continuation training, upgrades and initial Hawk conversion training for other instructors) and the Long Course Flight (for ab-initio training). At this time the Squadron had 26 instructors, with a
student population varying between 25 and 40; they planned to fly 19 aircraft at a rate of four times per day. 1999 saw a number of changes at RAF Valley: Flying Wing was reorganized, leading to a change in the command structure on the Squadron and the timing of ‘Wings” ceremonies, the selection process for “Creamies” (first tour QFIs) was changed and there was a significant increase in the Squadrons task, which lead to an associated increase in staff numbers and aircraft. The Squadron had a period of relative stability and, with the improving summer weather, was able to get stuck into their primary task - training fast jet pilots and QFIs.
As result of a reasonable period of good weather during the summer of 1999, the Squadron’ s flying rate increased dramatically and several of the instructors were flying over 50 hours in a month! The flying reached a zenith in the September, when the Wing flew 112% of the required task, compared to the normal monthly average of 80%. However, there was a downside to any good news; the Squadron was being pushed too hard to achieve an unrealistic goal. Towards the end of 1999 and the beginning of 2000, it became apparent that the quality of training given to the students was being affected, with students requiring more extra flying in order to achieve the required standard. After a particularly poor winter - low cloud, strong winds and rain (some would say a normal winter on Anglesey) the Squadron went further ‘behind the line’ and even more flying was required to keep the students current. As the pressure to achieve the training task was maintained, less time was available for instructor training and the quality of instruction was detiorating. Something had to be done to break this downward spiral, as it became apparent that the morale of the Squadron staff and student populations was starting to be affected. To redress the balance Staff Continuation Training (SCT) was back as the number one priority on the flying programme, which improved the morale of the instructors no end! The gradual increase in the size of the Squadron meant that it was re-organised with a formal flight system introduced. This was coincident with the finalisation of the staffing process to introduce a wing commander Boss and squadron leader Flight Commanders on 208 Squadron, which was originally proposed in 1998, but denied. However, when CAS visited Valley, in December 1999, to be a Reviewing Officer for one of the Graduations, he was persuaded of the
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