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    InsideAIR

    A 'behind the wire' view of the Royal Air Force, its people, technology and operations. Official podcast of the RAF in the UK.
    en-gbRoyal Air Force85 Episodes

    Episodes (85)

    Ep 65: Chief of the Air Staff

    Ep 65: Chief of the Air Staff

    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.

    InsideAIR
    en-gbMay 30, 2023

    Ep 64: Agile Combat Employment (ACE)

    Ep 64: Agile Combat Employment (ACE)

    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.

    InsideAIR
    en-gbMay 16, 2023

    Ep 63: Wings for the Prince

    Ep 63: Wings for the Prince

    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.

    The young Prince Charles in The Royal ChipmunkInsideAIR 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.

    Ep 62: Fast Jets, Drones and Congested Airspace

    Ep 62: Fast Jets, Drones and Congested Airspace

    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.  

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

    InsideAIR
    en-gbApril 18, 2023

    Ep 61: Inside the Air and Space Ops Profession

    Ep 61: Inside the Air and Space Ops Profession

    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.

    Defence College of Air and Space Operations InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

    InsideAIR
    en-gbApril 04, 2023

    Ep 60: RAF Leaders - Born or Made?

    Ep 60: RAF Leaders - Born or Made?

    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.

    Air Marshal Sir Rich KnightonInsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.

    InsideAIR
    en-gbMarch 21, 2023

    Ep 59: Training for NATO Ops at the OTC

    Ep 59: Training for NATO Ops at the OTC

    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.

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

    InsideAIR
    en-gbMarch 07, 2023

    Ep 58: The RAF Families Federation

    Ep 58: The RAF Families Federation

    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.

    InsideAIR
    en-gbFebruary 21, 2023

    Ep 57: Being Your Authentic Self

    Ep 57: Being Your Authentic Self

    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.

    InsideAIR
    en-gbFebruary 07, 2023

    Ep 56: Evolution of Force Protection

    Ep 56: Evolution of Force Protection

    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.Evolution of Force Protection

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

    Ep 55: Mindfulness Under Fire

    Ep 55: Mindfulness Under Fire

    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 Furness

    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.

     

     

    InsideAIR
    en-gbJanuary 10, 2023

    Ep 54: Top Ten Episodes of 2022

    Ep 54: Top Ten Episodes of 2022

    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.

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

    InsideAIR
    en-gbDecember 27, 2022

    EP 53: The RAF in Qatar

    EP 53: The RAF in Qatar

    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.

     

    InsideAIR
    en-gbDecember 13, 2022

    Ep 52: Paternity Leave in the RAF

    Ep 52: Paternity Leave in the RAF

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

    Parenting 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.

     

    InsideAIR
    en-gbNovember 29, 2022

    Ep 51: Astra the Inside Story

    Ep 51: Astra the Inside Story

    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.

    Astra VR headsetFrom 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.

    InsideAIR
    en-gbNovember 15, 2022

    Ep 50: Poppies in the Desert with 83 EAG

    Ep 50: Poppies in the Desert with 83 EAG

    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?

    Padres of 83 EAGOur 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.

    InsideAIR
    en-gbNovember 01, 2022

    Ep 49: RAF Police - Blueprint for Success

    Ep 49: RAF Police - Blueprint for Success

    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.

    RAF Police Project BlueprintInsideAIR 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.

    InsideAIR
    en-gbOctober 18, 2022

    Ep 48: Typhoons Go Pitch Black Down Under

    Ep 48: Typhoons Go Pitch Black Down Under

    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.

    Ex PITCH BLACK in Australia - No 6 Squadron, RAF TyphoonOur 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.

    InsideAIR
    en-gbOctober 04, 2022

    Ep 47: Tributes to Her Majesty The Queen

    Ep 47: Tributes to Her Majesty The Queen

    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.

    Her Majesty The Queen visiting RAF Marham in Norfolk to present a new Sovereigns Colour to the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and 2 new standards to 2620 and 2623 Sqns.InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Music by RAF Music Services. 

    InsideAIR
    en-gbSeptember 20, 2022