2.1 Part One describes how the Ministry of Defence (the Department) is not yet training the aircrew it needs, with shortfalls in students completing their Phase 2 training. To improve flying training, in 2008 the Department contracted Ascent Flight Training (Management) Limited (Ascent) to design, introduce and provide new Phase 2 training - the Military Flying Training System (MFTS). Following a transitional period, the MFTS is now largely operational, with the number of courses increasing. This part sets out progress with the MFTS.