As students all over the country go back to their classrooms, the Royal Navy has launched an innovative new Academy that allows students to learn how to fly while at the same time achieving a Military Aviation Studies Foundation Degree.

The Fleet Air Arm Military Aviation Academy is designed for students with A-Levels and gives them the chance to learn the fundamental skills needed for flying combat aircraft.

It also provides students the opportunity to make lifelong friends and experience the variety and excitement of life in the Royal Navy. The degree, validated by the Open University, gives students the option of topping up to gain a Bachelor of Sciences qualification whilst serving on a frontline squadron on a ship at sea.

The programme provides budding pilots and Observers (tactical navigators) with the skills, attitude and the knowledge to become fully-trained Aviation Warfare Officers and utilises state-of-the-art simulation and computer-based training before flying the actual aircraft which in the training environment can be likened to "classrooms in the sky".

Potential Officers begin their training at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth where they complete three terms of Flying Grading & Training. After this they are ready to enter the academy at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall or Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset.

The academy sites are operational airbases and tuition takes place in squadron buildings equipped with classrooms and briefing facilities that mirror those used by actual frontline squadrons. During their time in the academy, students will engage in practical scenarios such as military warfare exercises, learn about aircraft systems, and apply meteorology, oceanography, navigation, radio, sonar and radar theory.

One major plus for those interested in pursuing a career in Naval Aviation is that there are no tuition fees whatsoever for the course and students could also be paid up to £25,000 per year in salary with a guaranteed career for those who graduate. Project Manager, Commander Ivor Milne RN (Rtd) said; "I have no doubt this Academy will compete successfully with any university in recruiting high calibre A-Level students. In so doing we will give our graduates the best chance of progression to a high rank in an amazingly exciting flying career - and for them it will be free of education related debt!"

The academy sites also offer high quality accommodation, a huge range of sports, shops, extra-curricular activities, and careers advice so it really does cater for every need.

Sam Yarker, 20, joined the Navy to fly and to travel and is now training as an Observer with 750 Squadron at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose; "The flying and opportunities for travel are great," he said, "and picking up a Foundation Degree along the way is an extra bonus. The training is demanding but I will be flying in hi-tech aircraft all over the world, seeing fantastic sights and gaining tremendous experience. I plan to use the Foundation Degree as a stepping stone to an Honours Degree, and the Navy helps pay for that too!"

Caroline Oakes,19, also training as an Observer with 750 Squadron, said: "When deciding on my career the subject of top-up fees was a big consideration, and the opportunity to be paid while working towards a degree was too good to miss. I really love flying and I'm looking forward to getting into my flying training and then becoming part of a naval squadron."