RFC

abbreviationStandard termAviation

The Royal Flying Corps was the historic military aviation branch of the British armed forces.

The Royal Flying Corps stands as the predecessor to the British air force, operating military aircraft during early global conflicts. It integrated both army and naval aviation wings before being reorganized into a unified, independent air service. Aviators in this branch pioneered early combat tactics, reconnaissance flights, and strategic bombing runs.

Heard on the job

My grandfather flew biplanes for the RFC before they merged the branches into a single air force.

Also heard as

  • Royal Flying Corps