Sue Stockdale talks to Major Becky Frater about her career as a military helicopter pilot and instructor, and discovers more about the focus and concentration that these roles demand.

Becky originally joined the Army in 1998 after three years as a secondary school teacher in Bristol. After initial training at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst she was commissioned directly into the Army Air Corps and was subsequently awarded her Army Wings Flying Badge in 2001.

She was posted to 659 Sqn of 4 Regt AAC as a Flight Commander after qualifying on both the Lynx Mk7 and Lynx Mk9. Deployments included Belize, France, Canada and ultimately OP TELIC (Iraq) after which she was awarded a GOC’s (2*) Commendation. She was then selected to undertake Qualified Helicopter Instructor training and was subsequently employed as a Flight Commander within 705 NAS of DHFS at RAF Shawbury.

In 2007 Becky was appointed to 702 Naval Air Squadron (NAS), the Maritime Lynx Training Squadron, where she was awarded her Royal Navy Wings. After which she was appointed to 815 NAS as Flight Commander. She was subsequently appointed to 702 NAS and responsible for instructing future maritime attack helicopter pilots including maritime aviation and ship deck landings. During this time, she was also selected to lead the Royal Navy Black Cats Helicopter Display Team during the 2010 display season. She was promoted Lt Cdr during this appointment.

Currently she is the Requirements Manager for the Army Wildcat until January 2021 after which she will be attending the Qualified Weapons Instructor Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance course at RAF Waddington. Becky enjoys all sports but more specifically hockey having represented England, England Over 40s, England Universities and British Universities in the past and also received her Combined Services (Captain in 2006), Army and Royal Navy colours.

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