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
Royal Air Force Antarctic Flight Royal Air Force Antarctic Flight The Royal Air Force Antarctic Flight was an independent flight of the Royal Air Force organised to support the Norwegian–British–Swedish Antarctic Expedition in 1949-50. It was the first RAF unit to operate in Antarctica. The Flight was led by Squadron-Leader George Brian Walford, and had five personnel in total, selected from over 250 volunteers - two officer pilots and three non-commissioned officer mechanics. It operated two Auster Mark 6 aircraft, painted orange and modified for cold-weather conditions, with convertible ski/wheel and float undercarriages. The Flight was shipped to Antarctica from Cape Town aboard the "Norsel",