Air Operations 20190528-PUB790_AirOperations | Page 22

ON THE JOB SQUADRON OPERATIONS
ELISHA
Elisha started her career in Air Traffic Control at RAF Benson and then transferred to 33 Sqn to be an Operations Assistant on a flying squadron .
“ THE OPPORTUNITIES GIVEN BY WORKING ON THE SQUADRON HAVE BEEN GREAT IF YOU LIKE TO TRAVEL ”
“ My day to day job on the squadron consists of aiding essential aircraft operations for the Puma Helicopter . There are two parts to working on the Puma Force – The Ops desk and flight planning . On the Ops desk , we manage the various bookings for departing crews and keep a watchful eye over both the booking system and the low flying system for various conflictions that may need highlighting . We ensure that communication between the Engineers , Ops and the crews is maintained resolving issues that may evolve from un-serviceability of aircraft or changes . We prepare and issue various equipment crews require when departing including documents , forms and fuel cards . It is our job to liaise with other sections such as Air Traffic Control and Station Ops to ensure the mission runs smoothly . The opportunities given by working on the squadron have been great if you like to travel . I have deployed all over the world including various UK exercises such as Ex CHAMELEON at RAF Leeming . Other places I have deployed to are Jordan , Germany and the USA where I have been supporting aircrew training and working with our NATO partners . I have recently come back from operations in Afghanistan supporting our remaining helicopter force who are integral to the security in and around Kabul .”
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