Simon Falla

Service history

• 1979 – Joined the Royal Air Force.
• 1980 – Selected for helicopter training.
• 1981 – Joined the newly formed Chinook force, with No. 18 Squadron at RAF Odiham.
• 1982 – Sailed with the Task Force during Operation Corporate, flying operational sorties over the Falklands Islands.
• 1983 – Joined No. 7 Squadron's new Chinook Special Forces Flight, flying operationally in Lebanon.
• 1986 – Qualified as a helicopter instructor at RAF Shawbury. Service followed with the Chinook Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Odiham, gaining A2 instructional category and qualified as a helicopter tactics instructor.
• 1989 – Promoted to squadron leader, appointed deputy commander No. 7 Squadron.
• 1990 – Assumed command of Special Forces Flight.
• 1991 – Led Special Forces Flight during Operation Granby over Iraq. Made Companion of the Distinguished Service Order for his command of the 6-Chinook SF Flight.
• 1992 – Spent six months as officer commanding No. 78 Squadron RAF, RAF Mount Pleasant.
• 1993 – Appointed the helicopter tactics and trials officer at the RAF Air Warfare Centre.
• 1995 – Following numerous short tours and courses, promoted to wing commander.
• 1996 – Officer commanding No. 7 Squadron RAF.
• 1999 – Appointed UK air/joint advisor to the United Arab Emirates Command and Staff College, Abu Dhabi.
• 2001 – Promoted to group captain.
• 2002 – Station commander RAF St Mawgan / Commander RAF Search and Rescue Force.
• 2003 – Deputy assistant chief of staff, Joint Helicopter Command.
• 2006 – Promoted to air commodore on appointment as deputy commander and chief of staff, Joint Helicopter Command.

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