New RAF 5001 Flight Sergeant ready for next deployment
A newly appointed 5001 Ops Flight Sergeant joined his team to perform hangar construction training ahead of their next deployment.
The 5001 Ops Flight Squadron were at Rubb UK’s HQ in Gateshead performing their week-long training course which addressed the construction and usability of the Rubb EFASS hangar Heli-Door system and the internal maintenance crane.
5001 Squadron is responsible for the rapid construction of Temporary Working Environment (TWE) and the installation of Portable Aircraft Arrestor Gear (PAAG). TWE provides environmentally controlled facilities, including Rubb military structures, supporting deployed exercises and operations across the world.
Ops Flight Sergeant Andy Whitehead has recently moved from 5001 Vehicle Maintenance to Operations to gain more experience and tackle a new challenge, travelling around the world supporting MoD operations with the construction of Rubb hangars. Andy commented: “The Rubb EFASS hangar is the perfect product to protect our assets out in theatre. I have recently been on two builds and the Rubb hangars have performed flawlessly.”
The aim of the 5001 training course was to familiarise the squadron with the various tasks and activities required for the installation, pre-testing, setting and maintenance procedures associated with the EFASS Heli-Door and internal crane system. The course was a mixture of both classroom and hands-on training. Eight squadron members took part over the five days, studying relevant installation and maintenance documentation, along with practical demonstrations. The squadron carried out various tasks on working examples within Rubb’s 20m span and 25m span military hangars.
The course was split into two parts: the construction and operations of the 25m span Heli-Door system and the installation of the required elements to fit the crane system into the Rubb EFASS hangar, and then the installation and maintenance of the actual crane system.
The Rubb training week was led by EFASS hangar specialist Dave Cromarty. Ops Flight Sergeant Andy Whitehead said: “Davey’s knowledge and experience was invaluable to me and my team. Davey’s real-life scenario’s helped us all understand certain tasks and procedures to complete the build in extreme conditions.”
5001 personnel regularly attend training sessions at Rubb Buildings' Gateshead factory on all aspects of installing Rubb Military buildings and accessories at bases and in theatre.
