HATS programme accepts first students

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Australian Army have begun training rotary wing crew at a new joint helicopter school as part of the Helicopter Aircrew Training System programme, it was announced on 17 January.

The first intake of 37 future pilots, aircrew and aviation warfare officers have started the 26-week training course at a new facility at HMAS Albatross.

Cmdr Chris Smallhorn of the RAN, said: ‘The ongoing partnership with Boeing Defence Australia ensures our aviators receive the best training we can offer to do their job. Our navy and army aviators operate some of the most advanced equipment in the world, which is now matched by training facilities that combine full motion simulation, virtual reality and airborne instruction in a purpose built school house.

‘Maritime, littoral and land warfare is a demanding vocation, and mission success often relies on the aviator. The Helicopter Aircrew Training System will ensure they are ready.’

The training school will deliver an integrated training system for all Australian Defence Force rotary wing aircrew and provide streamlined pilot training in a realistic environment before conversion to operational navy and army aircraft.

The school has been under development for the last three years and will train up to 116 students each year.