Exchange Air Loadmaster returns to RAF Brize Norton

An RAF Air Loadmaster currently on exchange with the French Air Force (FAF) has returned to RAF Brize Norton in order to conduct trials with 206 Squadron and the Joint Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit (JADTEU).

Flight Sergeant Jamie Edwards was a member of the crew of the FAF A400M which visited RAF Brize Norton for a day of aircrew liaison and trials of potential future capability.

French pilots engaged with their 206 Squadron counterparts, discussing future opportunities, whilst JADTEU worked with the FAF Loadmasters - including Flight Sergeant Edwards - trialling the use of new pallets in the rear of the aircraft. It also gave RAF A400M Loadmasters the opportunity to meet their French counterparts for exchanges of ideas and working practices.

Flight Sergeant Edwards said: “So we’ve come for a day visit to do some liaison between our squadrons. The squadron I’m part of with the French Air Force, called the Equipe de Marque Avions de Transport Tactiques or ‘EMATT’, operates somewhere in the envelope of JADTEU and 206 Squadron, so it was an easy transition for me to move from one test and evaluation squadron to another as they have a lot in common. The A400M is all about interoperability between the nations which operate it and today really demonstrates that”

The visit by the EMATT to RAF Brize Norton comes after 206 Squadron recently visited the visitors’ base in France, Orléans – Bricy Air Base, the home of the French A400M programme.

Flight Sergeant Edwards added: “It was definitely a big challenge to move away on exchange for a few years and to be put out of my comfort zone, learning and using a second language on a dayto-day basis. Myself and my family who also moved with me for the experience have been warmly welcomed in France. The reception for us both inside and outside of work has been really great. My children are in local French schools and have been adapting well to that. It’s a pretty amazing opportunity for us and a great adventure”.

Squadron Leader Mark Spector, Executive Officer 206 Squadron, said: “The aim of this visit was to continue and develop the open exchange of trials and evaluation experience and professionalism through open discussion, whilst furthering engagement and enduring relationships and this was certainly achieved in a very positive manner. Recent French and UK A400M trials activity and lessons were shared with healthy questioning on how to