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hendrix33
09-11-2003, 07:58 PM
http://www.janes.com/defence/air_forces/news/jdw/jdw030910_1_n.jpg

Source: Jane's Defense Weekly
http://www.janes.com/defence/news/jdw/jdw030910_1_n.shtml



UK pilots start Apache training


The first training conversion course for the British Army's Apache AH Mk 1 attack helicopter aircrew began at the Army Aviation Centre, Middle Wallop on 1 September, marking an important step towards bringing the aircraft into service.

Twenty-four pilots from 656 Sqn, 9 Regiment Army Air Corps, will spend 26 weeks converting from Lynx AH Mk 1/7s to type and then another 26 weeks for conversion to role. It follows on from the completion of trainer courses and is a significant indication that training will meet the revised initial operational capability date of October 2004.

Conversion training is conducted under a private finance initiative for the UK's Defence Procurement Agency by Boeing-AgustaWestland joint venture Aviation Training International Ltd (ATIL).

Ground crew training is also carried out by ATIL at the Middle Wallop site and aircrew continuation training at Dishforth and Wattisham. Training of maintenance technicians will take place at Arborfield.

A 2002 UK National Audit Office report criticised some aspects of the Apache's introduction into service, including splitting the £1 billion ($1.5 billion) 20-year training contract from the main contract for the helicopters. The office said one of the reasons for delays to the introduction of Apache was the late delivery of the training system (Jane's Defence Weekly 6 November 2002).

MolliG
09-12-2003, 10:53 AM
They're meant to be know as (Westland) Longbows instead of Apaches... Arn't they?

Just a shame they all had to be stuff into hangers and a few broken up for parts, or something like that as was reported over here.

:)