Sat, Aug 10, 2019
AW-139 Variant To Replace The Aging UH-1N Huey
Test pilots from the 413th Flight Test Squadron from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida became the first Air Force pilots to receive a type rating on the AW-139 helicopter in Whippany, NJ July 29.
Maj. Zach Roycroft and Tony Arrington completed the five-week contracted course on the civilian counterpart to the Air Force’s new MH-139 helicopter. The helicopter will replace the Air Force’s aging UH-1N Huey. “This puts our team one step closer to flight testing the new aircraft when production is completed,” said Maj. Roycroft, 413th Flight Test Squadron MH-139 lead test pilot. “Ultimately, it puts the Air Force one step closer to delivery of a much-needed increase in capability.”
As the test pilots were in flight training, 413th FLTS and Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen were completing the maintenance technician course for the same aircraft. Those Airmen are also being trained on the unique systems included in the MH-139 like the hoist and cargo hook.
The knowledge gathered from the training will allow the Airmen to safely operate the aircraft systems, perform effective developmental testing and teach their counterparts, according to Tech. Sgt. Joe Kendall, 413th FLTS special mission aviator.
The MH-139 delivery marks the first time in recent history the Air Force will receive a rotary wing asset not previously used in another branch of the military. “Every engineer, pilot and SMA is dedicated to ensure the UH-1N community receives the most capable replacement aircraft to defend our nation’s assets,” Roycroft said.
The Air Force plans to purchase 84 MH-139 helicopters over the next decade. The first aircraft delivery to the 413th FLTS is scheduled for late November.
(Image provided with USAF news release)
More News
Option Approach An approach requested and conducted by a pilot which will result in either a touch-and-go, missed approach, low approach, stop-and-go, or full stop landing. Pilots >[...]
"Emirates is already the world's largest Boeing 777 operator, and we are expanding our commitment to the program today with additional orders for 65 Boeing 777-9s. This is a long-t>[...]
(Pilot) Reported That There Was A Sudden And Violent Vibration Throughout The Airplane That Lasted Several Seconds Analysis: The pilot was returning to his home airport at an altit>[...]
“This recognition was evident during the TBMOPA Annual Convention, where owners and operators clearly expressed their satisfaction with our focus on customer service, and enc>[...]
Overhead Maneuver A series of predetermined maneuvers prescribed for aircraft (often in formation) for entry into the visual flight rules (VFR) traffic pattern and to proceed to a >[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (11.19.25): Option Approach
See All