In recent days, the training process for military pilots from Canada and the United Kingdom was concluded at the International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Decimomannu.
Started in July 2023 at the 212th flight group/IFTS of the 61st wing, the LIFT (Lead In to Fighter Training) course was completed one month ahead of schedule, allowing participants to complete the training program well in advance compared to the original planning, demonstrating the efficiency and effectiveness of the teaching methodologies and technological support in use at the IFTS.
During the course, attendees faced challenging challenges and tasks and were able to make the most of the resources made available by the IFTS, honing their skills and acquiring greater confidence in the use of advanced avionics. All this was possible thanks toIntegrated Training System (ITS) T-346, an integrated platform in which the ground compartment (simulators and learning systems) is one with the aircraft itself, allowing training activities to be optimized and made more cost-effective.
The choice of foreign air forces to train their pilots in Italy (the school currently hosts pilots from Saudi Arabia, Austria, Canada, Japan, Great Britain, Qatar and Singapore) demonstrates an Italian record in the field of flight training in international scope.
For col. Vito Conserva, commander of the 61st wing, “The International Flight Training School represents a virtuous example of national institutional and industrial synergy capable of satisfying the growing demand of the Air Force and partner countries for the advanced training of their pilots. The training of flight personnel is the result of a training process which, thanks to a perfect combination of professional skills and cutting-edge technological systems, represents a niche of excellence recognized and appreciated throughout the world".
THEInternational Flight Training School (IFTS) is an Italian excellence of international value, which brings together the consolidated know-how of the Air Force in the flight training sector and the excellence of an Italian industry such as Leonardo in the field of integrated systems for training military pilots. IFTS represents a point of reference for the advanced training of military pilots from air forces around the world who fly on technologically advanced fighters, such as the Eurofighter or F-35 aircraft and is a virtuous example of national institutional and industrial synergy capable to satisfy the growing demand of the Air Force and partner countries for training their pilots.
Dependent on the AM schools command/3rd air region of Bari, the 61st wing has the task of providing flight training on jet aircraft: phase 2 - Primary Pilot Training, common to all military pilot students, aimed at identifying the lines on which they will fly (fighters, remote piloting, helicopters, transport); phase 3 – Specialized pilot training, aimed exclusively at student pilots selected for the "Fighter" lines which ends with the achievement of the military pilot's license (turreted eagle); phase 4 – Lead In to Fighter Training – LIFT, preparatory to subsequent use on latest generation fighter aircraft.
