Training
DCAF is a milsim group with most of its community based in the EU. We pride ourselves on our excellent training syllabus, instructors, and the operations that we offer our pilots.
Training and ops seasons are typically every quarter, in which the former is used to train new cadets to the required squadron standard, and to sharpen the skills of our current aircrew. We undertake this rigorous training program to ensure that all our aircrew meet the standards required for our ops season, fit into the squadron, and get the best from the incredible campaign our hardworking mission makers create.
Core to this is our training platform called the Briefing And Training System (BATS). Users on BATS are able to enrol onto training courses, access airframe specific reference documents, track their course progress, and access briefing documents.
We consider BATS to be one of the outstanding achievements of DCAF,
empowering the group to have one of the most robust training systems of any DCS group.
During training season we fly every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 1830GMT/BST. It is a minimum requirement to regularly attend every Thursday, and dependent on some squadrons attend twice a week due to training workload and meaningful progression.
The courses that a cadet will undertake varies based on their airframe or controller choice. All aircrew cadets will undertake V1 – which will involve flying at and around the airfield with appropriate radio telephony, formation flying and air to air refuelling.
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Cadets are encouraged to be proactive, study ahead, and use their initiative to work with instructors to get the best out of what DCAF has to offer. Below is a breakdown of each training objective within V1:
Visual Circuits
Touch and go, touch and go, touch and go. Students will practise the military visual circuit, and the comms necessary to communicate intentions from startup to shutdown.
Departures & Arrivals
Building on the former, this reinforces understanding and includes the procedure to leave the Military Aerodrome Traffic Zone, and how to appropriately rejoin it.
Formation Flying and Aerial Refueling
Arguably the most difficult part of core piloting skill. Cadets will be instructed and assisted in formation flying with appropriate references to their aircraft, and orderly departures and arrivals. Following that, Students will conduct a DAY and NIGHT aerial refuelling assessment.
​Preview of one of the AAR lesson content graphics:
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After V1
After completion of V1, cadets will progress to combat specific training. The combat specific modules are universal among the different airframes, but the specific courses a cadet will be assessed on is based on the squadron’s requirement. For example, the Harriers will train for Close Air Support but will not train Air to Air Beyond Visual Range courses, while the Strike Eagles are the opposite.
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Below is an example of the varied Training Season syllabus squadrons undertake:
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Expectations
DCAF is always on the lookout for proactive, keen and driven controllers and pilots who want to go the extra mile. As a community, we pride ourselves on our desire to continuously improve both in and outside the virtual cockpit. The applicant should have a desire to commit time to our sessions, and where necessary, continue to improve and self-study in their own time to get the best out of our training.
Due to the nature of our training and operations seasons, you should be confident that at least the first 6 months of DCAF will generally be free for you will be able to attend (holidays, annual leave etc of course are absolutely fine). Ideally, candidates who will have a predictable schedule for the next year are preferred.