Squadron leader Squadron leader Squadron leader (Sqn Ldr in the RAF ; SQNLDR in the RAAF and RNZAF; formerly sometimes S/L in all services) is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence. It is also sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in countries which have a non-English air force-specific rank structure. An air force squadron leader ranks above flight lieutenant and immediately below wing commander and it is the most junior of the senior officer ranks. The air force rank of squadron leader has a
Marshal of the air force held once and is currently retained only on paper. China also does not use a marshal rank, preferring first class general ("kong jun yi ji shang jiang") which has never been held by an air force officer and was abolished in 1994. Spain uses the equivalent rank of captain general of the Air Force which is held only by HM King Felipe VI. A marshal of the air force is mentioned in Roald Dahl's book "The BFG". Dahl himself was a Royal Air Force officer during World War II. Marshal of the air force Marshal of the air force is