Specialised flight training of the German Navy secured

The idea of not using the comparatively expensive flying hours of the operational aircraft for basic flight training, but instead using an almost commercially available machine efficiently and in a concentrated manner with a civilian operator, originated at the Naval Air Command and has been practised in this way for years. But what is innovative and cost-cutting had to be fought for with a great deal of effort and proof. In the meantime, this good idea has become a standard, as the following press release from the BAAINBw shows:

Specialised flight training of the German Navy secured. Photo: BAAINBw

The Bundeswehr Procurement Office recently concluded a framework agreement with the company HeliOperations for specialised flight training for the German Navy. Partly financed from the Bundeswehr's special assets, this will enable prospective helicopter pilots to be trained over the next seven years. In addition to basic theoretical instruction, the approval by the Budget Committee includes the provision of civilian helicopters and their maintenance, qualified instructors and other training resources.

The navy also used the EC 135 for training in the past. Photo: Bw/Höser

The contract enables the realisation of the so-called "Basic Flight Training" (BFT). This training is part of the modular training in which the flying personnel are prepared step by step for the specialised deployment scenarios of the navy. The BFT is completed following basic helicopter flight training and serves to build up flying experience with seafaring training and learning basic maritime operational procedures. Flights as an independent crew (without an instructor) are an integral part of this phase.

The training programme uses AW139 helicopters from the operating company, which are equipped for use at sea but do not yet have the full complexity of a military helicopter. After completing the BFT, the prospective naval pilots are able to fly safely and independently at sea before attending the "Advanced Flight Training" in the next training phase and completing their training on a naval helicopter.

The contract will relieve the navy of both the operation of its own helicopters and the provision of training, allowing it to concentrate much more on operational training and missions than before.