CAE to Train Irish Air Corps pilots in the USA
CAE USA has been awarded a United States Air Force contract to provide comprehensive Phase 1 and Phase 2 military pilot training to the Irish Air Corps. The contract was awarded to CAE USA by the Air Force Security Assistance Training (AFSAT) Squadron, which is part of the U.S. Air Force Air Education & Training Command (AETC). Under terms of the contract, CAE USA will be responsible for managing and delivering military pilot training to 14 Irish Air Corps students over the next 18 months. Phase 1 training will take place in Pensacola, Florida at SkyWarrior Flight Training Inc., a small business partner subcontracted by CAE USA to provide an Air Force-approved Initial Flight Training (IFT) program. Following completion of the IFT program at SkyWarrior, students will progress to Phase 2 primary flight training at CAE’s Dothan Training Center in Alabama. During Phase 2 training, students will receive academic, simulator, and live-flying training in CAE-owned and operated Grob G120TP aircraft.
Speaking on the new deal, Ray Duquette, President and General Manager, CAE USA said, “We already train U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force pilots at the CAE Dothan Training Center so we are excited to welcome the Irish Air Corps as the first international students to our state-of-the-art training facility. Many militaries around the world may be looking for initial and primary pilot training options and leveraging our existing infrastructure and syllabus can be a cost-effective alternative to establishing a homegrown pilot training program.”
The decision to send Irish Air Corps Cadet Pilots overseas is due to a shortfall of instructors and maintenance personnel to support the Pilatus PC-9. The Irish Air Corps has previously sent pilots to the USA and they graduated from their Initial Entry Rotary Wing Course at the US Army Aviation Centre of Excellence in Alabama. CAE USA is part of CAE’s Defence & Security business unit with specific responsibility for serving the United States, South America and select international markets. CAE USA includes over 2,000 employees and is the largest segment within CAE’s Defence & Security business unit.
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