Fri, Apr 15, 2016
RNZAF Standing Up Military Pilot Training Using The Aircraft
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) have completed the introduction of New Zealand's new military pilot training capability only two years after signing the initial contract between Beechcraft Defense Company and the NZDF.
The Textron subsidiary is coordinating with CEA and Safe Air Ltd to facilitate the training.
New Zealand's next generation of military pilots will be training in 11 Beechcraft T-6C Texan II aircraft delivered to the NZDF only 16 months after program initiation.
“We applaud the New Zealand Defence Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force for standing up this impressive program with the support of industry-leading partners,” said Tom Hammoor, president, Beechcraft Defense Company. “New Zealand joins a family of the world's finest air forces training in the T-6C platform, which combines intuitive handling characteristics and superior engine systems to provide critical training capability for student pilots.”
The value of every hour spent flying is increased by preparation and instruction received from CAE’s T-6C Ground-Based Training System (GBTS). The T-6C GBTS includes classroom training using newly developed courseware and curriculum, as well as simulator training using two high-fidelity T-6C operational flight trainers.
In addition to the training devices, onsite contractor maintenance and logistics support for the fleet of T-6C aircraft is provided by a team comprised of Beechcraft and Safe Air experienced personnel. This team has been providing support at the RNZAF Base Ohakea since the first aircraft were delivered in 2014. CAE is also providing maintenance and support services for the flight simulators.
“The expertise and commitment of the maintenance team on the ground in New Zealand ensures the RNZAF T-6 fleet will continue to deliver the operational rates required to fulfill the training demands for decades to come,” said Hammoor.
(Image provided with Textron news release)
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