How? Observe What Goes On In The Cockpit Using F/A-18
Simulators
More than 30 Marine and Navy air intercept controllers recently
gathered at the Marine Aviation Training Support Squadron at the
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Headquarters building at Marine Corps Air
Station Miramar. The purpose of the meeting was to perform training
that benefits both pilots and controllers – F/A-18
“Hornet” simulator training.
The training was designed to help AICs understand what
challenges pilots face while intercepting enemy aircraft, and to
enhance communication between the pilots and AICs.
AICs and pilots work together, but they don’t usually
train with each other, explained Capt. Jeff Mueller. Mueller is
MATSS Miramar standardization/evaluation officer, and an F/A-18
weapons and sensors officer. The training allowed them to speak to
each other and communicate their ideas.
AICs inform pilots of enemy location, how many there are and
what kind of maneuvers they are performing. “These guys are
absolutely integral to our success as Marine fighters,” said
Mueller. “Without them being well trained and proficient, we
would not be successful, which would ultimately affect the Marines
on the ground who need F/A-18 support.”
For the training, AICs began with classes on the tools pilots
use to locate enemy aircraft. The AICs had a chance to ask the
pilots questions about different tools and observe them using each
one in the F/A-18 simulator. “The simulator showed me that
he’s doing 20 million things at once,” said Senior
Chief Petty Officer Erik Findall, the AIC supervisor aboard the USS
Pinckney. “In order to be an effective AIC, I have to pretend
like I’m sitting in the cockpit.”
The AICs are basically training to think like pilots, explained
Gunnery Sgt. Tina Kelly, an intercept controller with Marine Air
Control Squadron 1, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd MAW, I Marine
Expeditionary Force. The training reveals that pilots have to
concentrate on what AICs are saying while maintaining everything in
the aircraft.
Following the simulator flights, the pilots and AICs had group
discussions on tactics and procedures during enemy intercepts. The
discussions allowed them to determine what works and what
doesn’t during intercepts. “We are striving to create a
better understanding of exactly what is occurring inside the F/A-18
during airborne intercepts,” said Mueller.
File Photo
Although they don’t always have the chance train together,
AICs and pilots continue to work toward better communication so
they can continue to save lives during combat.
ANN Salutes Lance Cpl. Alexandra M. Harris, Marine Corps Air
Station Miramar