The Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) is located at RAF Shawbury, with a permanent detachment at RAF Valley.

The DHFS provides basic helicopter training for pilots from the three Services, as well as foreign and Commonwealth countries, using both Griffin and Squirrel helicopters.

The DHFS was formed on 01 April 1997 and, although it is a military school (Defence Training Establishment in military parlance), the aircraft are maintained and managed by Cobham Aviation Services (formerly FB Heliservices of FBH).

The Commandant of DHFS is also the Delivery Duty Holder, legally accountable for the safe operations, airworthiness, and maintenance of all aircraft within DHFS, including those at RAF Valley.