Training pilots to fly combat jets is an expensive proposition. A proposal by European air chiefs to cut costs by combining forces has made only slow progress. However, two well established multinational training programs are readily available in North America. Meanwhile, “downloading” and “contractorization” are the prevailing buzzwords, as all air forces try to rationalize their flight training systems.
Delegates to the recent Military Flight Training conference organized by Defence IQ in London heard that the Advanced European Jet Pilot Training (AEJPT) program still has the backing of nine countries–Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. Since last year, when air chiefs from 10 countries signed a European staff requirement (ESR), Switzerland has withdrawn. The remainder must now sign a memorandum of understanding before work to draft a request for quotations to industry can begin.
