The graduation ceremony has finished the operational language course on 12th March 2019. It was already the 11th successfully completed course of the operational language training project and 3rd planned for this year. The four-week Operational English Language Course for Door Gunners (OELC-DG), Flight Engineers (FE) and Pilots (P) held at the Helicopter Training Point (HTP) Ostrava has two main benefits for the helicopter community.
This kind of training secures professional grow to each specialization and also and even more important to the whole crew effective cooperation.
The instructors are English native speakers and also Qualified Helicopter Tactics Instructors from Great Britain. They transform their wide operational experience into the lessons and missions. The course has also unique benefit by the possibility to use the tactical simulator to train the correct and timely use of key phrases during acting in tactical scenarios. OELC-DG /FE/P is open for both MATC member states and NATO/PfP countries. The first OELC-DG /FE starts in April 2018.
MATC coordinated the tactical simulated training for tactical pilots and C2/GCIs in the term 25 – 29 March 2019 in Tactical Simulation Center, Pardubice, Czech Republic. The training was focused on the Counter Air Operations (CAO) training with the specific goals to train Behind Visual Range (BVR) tactics.
The training audience (TA) was selected from young pilots and C2/GCIs from the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, and Slovakia. One of the main valuable contributions for the training was attendance and assistance of Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) Subject-Matter Experts (SME) from Albacete, Spain, who supported both Academic and Practical phases of the training.
The MATC CAO tactical simulated training is a specific training based on NATO standards, which reflects all required training needed for QRA pilots and C2/GCIs. To train the international audience means to enforce the NATO interoperability. Regarding that training, we can mention “The regional interoperability”, because such kind of training provides an opportunity for pilots and C2/GCIs to train and interact in cross-border operations. This sort of training was initiated by MATC In the year 2017, where two courses were held in TSC Pardubice, the Czech Republic, supported that time by Joint Air Power Competence Center (JAPCC) SMEs. MATC signed with JAPCC the Letter of Agreement in 2017 in order to cooperate on NATO aviation personnel training by coordination of SMEs. JAPCC did an excellent job when TLP specialists were managed for CAO tactical simulated training.
The TSC Pardubice, where the training was held, belongs to the state enterprise LOM PRAHA s.p., which was established and is controlled by CZE MoD. This exclusive training facility was offered by CZE MoD for the MATC Training Facility Pool in 2015 when MATC was established. The TSC training system represents both the visual and the sensorial spectrums (Radar, Electro-Optical and Electromagnetic) with a high degree of realism and can offer the synthetic training for tactical pilots, C2/GCIs and FAC/JTAC specialists. These pilots are trained in 8 cockpits (Jas-39 Gripen, L-159 ALCA, or X-plane like), in the C2 rooms is possible to train 4 C2/GCI on separated work stations, and also the FAC/JTAC console is available.
The TA, composed of Jas-39, Mig-29 Fulcrum, Mig-21, L-39 pilots and C2/GCIs, demonstrated in the highest levels of airmanship through this March 2019 CAO training week, especially during this high tempo of virtual flying activity. The adaptation to the man-machine interfaces and to the weapons-sensors suite of the system (Gripen, FOX 3) was a matter of hours. The system provided the TA C2/GCI personnel with interactive, multi-bogey training, rarely available by other training means or real-life systems. As simulation availability was continuous, the TA was able to brief, fly and debrief in a non-stop sequence during this period, even though more time for detailed scenario briefing and mission debriefing would be desired. With a great contribution of the TLP specialists, the training had a steep raise curve and the TA went through nearly all spectrums of Defensive Air-to-Air operations by specific scenarios very successfully with a high level of professionalism. Those scenarios, reflecting the entire spectrum of Air-to-Air threat, were developed by MATC Training Branch in cooperation with MATC participants´ senior pilots and TLP SMEs based on NATO standards. We can state, that all goals of the training were achieved! The Training contributed to NATO and also to the regional interoperability.
Further CAO Tactical Simulated Training weeks will follow and are opened for NATO training audience. MATC is capable to prepare such kind of training for Air-to-Ground specialists in case of demand. Maj Christian JAGODIĆ is the Croatian experienced Air Force pilot-instructor, flying Mig-21 supersonic aircraft, and his tasks were to contribute to the CAO training preparation, to lead the training week and also to act as the “White Cell” member. We asked him for an interview:
Maj Christian Jagodić, Croatian Air Force
Question: This training in TSC Pardubice is not your first one. Which training did you participate in the past?
Maj Christian Jagodić: This was my third time at the TSC Pardubice. The first training was an introduction to the TSC where the Croatian side verified the suitability of the facility for our national training needs. Additionally, that slot was used to train future training leaders to conduct follow-on courses. The second time was the first training in this sequence, titled “QRA/DCA Tactical Training Ops Training”, where the focus was laid on interoperability among MATC participants in tactical flying. This was the third training in TSC Pardubice.
Q: The Croatian Air Force (CAF) is going to change its fast jet platform in the close future. Could you tell us some more details about that process?
Maj Christian Jagodić: The CAF is for some time involved in the process of acquiring a new fighter platform. There are several candidates that suite the Croatian needs. What they all have in common is that the fighter will be a 4+ generation western type aircraft. That is the most important fact. The jet will certainly be fully NATO compatible.
Q: How do you evaluate the executed CAO TACT SIM TRG week from a position of the Course Leader? Is this specific training valuable for your pilots and GCIs?
Maj Christian Jagodić: The training week and the whole course was a great experience and a valuable lesson for all the participants, and a very good lesson for me as the training leader. It was challenging and at the same a great learning experience for me as the training leader. It was a big lesson in leadership and team-work. Our pilots and GCIs were very happy with the training. In this simulated environment, we could practice and train procedures and tactics we cannot train at home because of the shortcomings of our fighter platform. An additional benefit I would like to mention is the multinational character of the training. Pilots, GCIs and SMEs from many different NATO partner countries come together and train and practice together. The sharing of knowledge and experience is a big advantage for all the involved, and the resulting learning effect is impressive.
Q: Did the attendance of TLP instructors bring a countable benefit for your training audience?
Maj Christian Jagodić: The TLP instructors’ presence was a formidable addition to the course. It gave the training the proper tools to analyse the missions, teach additional lessons and incorporate the lessons learned in the very next missions. Their knowledge and expertise was a great benefit for all the participants.
Q: Do you think that an Air-to-Ground tactical simulated training might be also considered to be provided by MATC?
Maj Christian Jagodić: I have not personally seen the Air-to-Ground part in the TSC, but from my satisfaction from the Air-to-Air part, I would conclude that it would also be worth taking part in, and I would recommend it to my leadership.
Q: How do you see the future of this CAO course taking in account your new type of aircraft?
Maj Christian Jagodić: Like I mentioned earlier, Croatia is seeking a 4+ generation platform for its fighter force. The tactics and procedures that are trained in the TSC are not platform dependent. The training is better with the adequate platform, but any modern platform can easily be integrated into the TSC. I could imagine coming to such an understanding between the CAF and the TSC.
Q: Which is your opinion concerning the MATC involvement in such training? How can you evaluate the cooperation with this NATO Agency?
Maj Christian Jagodić: I think MATC is doing a great job. It was the MATC initiative in the first place that made this training possible. The benefits of the whole MATC concept are visible in this project, bringing the partner nations with similar needs to a good result. The multinational character MATC brings into the play is a very valuable asset. Cooperation with MATC is from my point of view very good, and I would recommend keeping MATC involved in this training.
From 11 to 22 March 2019 a Radio Navigation Aids Maintenance Course for type RL4-AM, RL5, and AN/UPX37 was held under the patronage of the MATC at the Velitelství Výcviku – Vojenská Akademie in Vyškov for the Slovak members of the Army. As part of the course, participants attended a practical demonstration at 22nd HAB Náměšť nad Oslavou. The course was finished on March 22, 2019, by handing over Certificates at the MATC premises.
In the week from 25th February to 1st March 2019 was held in Szolnok (HUN) the 1st MATC Training Conference this year. The main aim of the Conference was to evaluate training experience from the previous year and to exchange information about upcoming training events. Additionally, the Workshop for planned CAO SIM TACT Training (Counter Air Operations Simulated Training) was simultaneously held with this conference. This Training for NATINAMDS/QRA pilots and GCIs is coordinated and managed by MATC in TSC (Tactical Simulation Centre) Pardubice, CZE, in term 25-29 March 2019, focused on regional interoperability.
The second goal of this Conference was familiarization with the brand new THALES Rotary Wing Tactical Simulator and its capability, and additionally with the JTAC Tactical Simulator. The MATC TRG Conference participants took part in practical demonstrations of the simulators, and also they have the opportunity to visit the Mi-24 sqn equipped with the overhauled Mi-24P helicopters. Moreover, the HUN site provided the participants with interesting information about the HDF 86th AFB capacities and capabilities, and about planned transformation of HUN Rotary Wing Aviation.
The graduation ceremony for the specialists from Slovakian aeronautical radio navigation service was held at the Multinational Aviation Training Centre (MATC) premises on Friday, March 8, 2019. The MATC director together with representatives from the Military Academy awarded 13 successful course graduates with certificates and congratulated them on the results achieved. The Course was specially tailored for SVK Aviation Specialists and has been provided in the Czech language. The Course consisted of only the Academic part. The current courses were extended for specialists of the power supply systems for radio navigation equipment. Based on the continuing requirements for realizing the next courses both states agreed to continue with courses focused on ILS (Instrument Landing System), DME (Distance Measuring Equipment), RL-4 (Radiolocator) and the power supply systems for radio navigation equipment. The main objective is retaining successful cooperation between the Czech Air Force and the Slovakian Air Force.
On Friday 15th February 2019 was successfully finished the 9th Operational English Language Course for RW (Rotary Wing) Door Gunners, Flight Engineers, and Pilots (OELC-DG/FE/P-9). The course lasted from 21st January till 15th February 2019 and was held in the facility of the Helicopter Training Point (HTP) in Ostrava – Mošnov, Czech Republic.
This traditional, very useful and popular four-week language training is coordinated by MATC (Multinational Aviation Training Centre) and besides crew from Czech Air Force participated also crews from Hungary, Slovakia, and Croatia. The course was instructed by two experienced British Qualified Helicopter Tactics Instructors (QHTI) and was focused on operational English language training with the aim to unify and standardize English terminology used by NATO aircrews to increase mutual interoperability among member states.
The MATC representatives attended the 20th AAT PTC Conference (Air Advisory Team Pre-deployment Training Course) which was held in Budapest, Hungary from 4th to 6th of November 2018. The main purpose of the MATC presence there was an endeavour to find possible ways for mutual international training continuation. All participants have agreed on the importance of such cooperation in the future to keep once established close cooperation and have promised to make an effort to enhance desired interoperability.
The first Mutual Bilateral Airworthiness Recognition (MBAR) conference after MATC activation as NATO Military Body took place in the DAP hotel in Prague from 4th to 5th December 2018. The event was attended by the Military Aviation Authorities (MAA) directors representing the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, and the Slovak Republic as well as by the MATC Director. The participants signed the joint bilateral documents in order to prolong MBAR certificates of procedures, rules in training the aircrews and maintenance personnel in the scope of MATC elements to 31st of December 2019.
In addition, this act has simultaneously confirmed successful mutual cooperation among the Czech, Croatian, Hungarian, and Slovakian MAAs not only for the benefit of the MATC but also, in a broad scope, for an exchange of lessons-learned and further harmonization of procedures applied in the air forces of individual participating countries.
The representatives of Czech Air Force (CZAF) visited the helicopter Airbase in Prešov, Faculty of Aeronautics and Slovak Training Academy in Košice. These meetings were held from 20th to 21st September 2018. The representatives of CZAF and Slovakian Air Force discussed experience concerning operating of helicopters and their service support. The representatives of Faculty of Aeronautics and Slovak Training Academy presented faculty and academy capabilities and possibilities for education and training of military students.
MATC successfully organized Site Survey at the Italian Army Aviation regiment in Bolzano and the Slovenian Air Force detachment in Ljubljana-Brnik from 6th to 8th of November 2018. These Site Surveys were based on the Request of the 22nd Helicopter Base of the CZ AF and were aimed to find new training facilities that could be used for providing the Mountainous Flight training in the Alps region in the future. Surveys were focused on gaining information related to training areas and possible support that facilities could provide during the training. A possible cooperation was negotiated on the bilateral and multinational level as an important key activity leading to interoperability.
