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.
More from Training
-
Three A-29 Super Tucanos find new home at US Air Force Test Pilot School
Embraer’s light attack aircraft were selected by Edwards Air Force Base to join its test pilot school, following their abandonment by US Air Force Special Operations Command.
-
Enhancing Military Training Through Digital Technology (Studio)
Digital technologies offer huge opportunities for defence training. However, militaries must adopt an agile approach, placing the needs of their organisations and personnel at the centre of their efforts.
-
Why the US must enhance training for mariners operating in contested environments
A US DoD report questioned the adequacy of contested environment training for civilian mariners supporting surge sealift missions and called for improved inter-agency coordination to better prepare them for potential conflict zones.
-
Australia’s exercise tempo increases as it looks east for national defence
The Australian Government has focused heavily on the defence of its north-west coast, with plans to move its attack helicopters to the area, as well as base its maritime patrol assets in the region.