Inside RAF Brize Norton - Season 1

The series begins with a look at the different critical cargo the compound transports on a daily basis, including a helicopter travelling to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.

Trainee cadets feel the pressure when they undertake the gruelling fast rope course, a skill that is crucial if a helicopter is unable to touch down in hostile territory, and aspiring paratroopers make a daring low-level jump in a bid to earn their wings. Staff members also take part in a mass training exercise to commemorate the Battle of Arnhem, before gathering for a repatriation ceremony.

A soldier returning to the UK is reunited with his family at arrivals, a posting puts a young couple's relationship to the test, and airport security keeps an eye out for any dangerous objects.

In an episode focusing on the role the military air base plays in the preparation for battle, emergency crews step in after a Hercules' landing gear fails. The UK reservists undertake parachute training for Afghanistan, and an American pilot learns how to fly in combat.

Officers from the RAF's own police force set off in pursuit of a drunk driver and their presence is also required to provide security at a repatriation ceremony. Elsewhere, an urgent medical evacuation flight takes off for Afghanistan, and the Officers' Mess commemorates the Battle of Britain.

A look at the public events the military airbase has taken part in, from the world's biggest air show to a team parachute jump on to Blackpool beach. Plus, a view of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee from the cockpit of a Hercules and an insight into the refuelling operation at the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony.

Training gets under way for a group of new recruits preparing for a potential deployment in Afghanistan, and the Falcons Parachute Display team makes the first jump of the season. A crash-landing exercise tests the emergency services, and the 216 squadron patrols the skies over the Olympics closing ceremony.