Balancing act: army aviators better trained, but at higher costs.

• Author: Wesolek, Michael L.
• Position: ANALYSIS

A new Army flight-training program has made it possible for helicopter pilots to gain combat proficiency much faster than was previously possible. The expediency of the training, however, comes with a higher price tag, according to recent studies.

The program, called "flight school XXI," began to take shape about five years ago.

Previously, the Army trained its aviators using the initial-entry rotary-wing (IERW) training program, which required students to move through sequential phases of training in aircraft that were not used in the active duty Army.

The initial-entry rotary-wing training was structured similarly to the flight school XXI program. One major difference is that IERW students did not transition to advanced aircraft while attending flight school. Instead, they flew Vietnam-era OH-58A Kiowa or UH-1H Huey helicopters. Following flight training and being awarded aviator wings, the pilot moved to an advanced aircraft qualification course, which lasted from six to 12 weeks with 20-30 flight hours. The aviator received flight training in one of the Army's five advanced aircraft: the UH-60A Blackhawk, CH-47D Chinook, OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, AH-64A or AH-64D Apache.

The current flight school XXI is designed to give students significantly more training in combat aircraft. The program runs from 34 to 42 weeks.

Students begin by attending two weeks of "ground school" in which they are taught subjects in aero-medical factors, aircraft systems and Army doctrine. During the next 18 weeks, students learn how to fly a helicopter and the art of navigation by aircraft instruments only. After successful completion of the instrument phase, students are taught to navigate using a surface map and a compass during low level flight (10 to 50 feet above the trees).

Students fly their designated advanced air craft during the "combat skills" phase. The newly assigned aircraft will become their "primary" aircraft.

Both programs incorporate the TH-67 training helicopter during the initial stages of flight training. The basic skills taught in the TH-67 form a foundation on which future flight training can build upon.

The sequence of training in both programs is very similar, with students moving from the contact phase (basic flying skills), to the instrument navigation phase, to the combat skills and night vision goggles phases.

The difference in the two programs is mainly in the aircraft being used to conduct the flight training. Previously, students flew...