Intensive Training Continues With Airplanes Expected Late This
Month
Test pilots, engineers and ground crews from Alenia North
America performed an initial test flight of the first of 20
programmed Afghan C-27A "Spartans" recently in Italy.
The medium-sized tactical military transport remains on schedule
for delivery to Naples in late September. Combined Security
Transition Command-Afghanistan is currently refurbishing these
C-27As, which will be added to the Afghan National Army Air Corps'
fleet in November.
Currently, the Afghan National Army Air Corps operates seven
refurbished Soviet-era fixed-wing aircraft that are familiar
platforms to the aircrews and maintenance personnel. The transition
to the C-27A requires significant training already underway. Over
the past three months, 30 Afghan Antonov AN-26/32 pilots traveled
to San Antonio to attend English Language Training and Specialized
English Training at the Defense Language Institute.
After completing of up to 12 months of language training, the
Afghan pilots will attend an eight-week instrument flight rules
course in San Antonio, and will obtain an International Civil
Aviation Organization IFR certification. Then, 10 U.S. pilots will
teach the new students C-27A transition training.
"As we're already doing with the (AN-26/32s), I look forward to
working with the Americans to develop the C-27(A) program for the
(Afghan National Army Air Corps)," said Brig. Gen. Mohammad Barat,
the Kabul Air Wing commander. "This will ensure (the Afghan
National Army Air Corp will) maximize the capabilities of the
aircraft."
Officials from the Air University at Maxwell AFB, AL recently
certified eight Afghans after a three-month basic loadmaster course
July 23. Their training included weight and balance theory, loading
operations, passenger handling and forklift certification. This was
the first loadmaster class conducted in more than 30 years, and
helped prepare these personnel for transition to the C-27A. Eight
U.S. mentors provided specific loadmaster training to the recent
graduates.
"The C-27(A) will be good for Afghanistan because it's much
easier to load," said Faizadeen Abadi, an Air University BLM course
instructor. "The roller system increased capability for loading
equipment access to the aircraft, and the capacity to transport
larger tactical vehicles are outstanding attributes of the
aircraft."
The recent graduates of the loadmaster course said they are
eager to see the new aircraft.
The C-27A is a rugged, twin-engine turboprop aircraft with short
take-off and landing capability. It can carry up to 23,600 pounds
of cargo and fuel, as well as operate on unimproved airfields as
short as 3,000 feet. This allows access to airstrips otherwise
unreachable by fixed-wing aircraft. The C-27A is an
adverse-weather, day and night transport with the capability to
carry 44 personnel, 32 paratroopers or 36 litter patients. A
three-person crew consisting of an aircraft commander, co-pilot and
loadmaster is an ideal team for the remote, mountainous terrain of
Afghanistan.
"I can't wait to work and fly on the C-27(A). I've heard it's
modern, easier to load and capable of carrying more cargo," said
Sergeant Khoshal Pashtoon Zai, an Afghan National Army Air Corps
loadmaster.
ANN salutes Lt. Col. Mark Hersant 438th Air Expeditionary
Advisor Group