Czech Aircrew Wraps Up Marine-Led Training in Anticipation of H1 Aircraft Arrival
Personnel from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron (HMLAT) 303 and the H-1 Light/Attack helicopters program office (PMA-276) honored a contingent of aviators from the Czech Republic Air Force at a ceremony on Feb. 9 for successfully finishing maintenance and flight training on the H-1 series of aircraft.
The trainees have been embedded with HMLAT-303 since July 2022, participating in the same courses and practical training utilized by the U.S. Marine Corps’ military occupational specialties (MOS) for the AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom. The curriculum is meticulously crafted to furnish the fundamental knowledge, skills, and expertise essential to maintain, operate, and pilot the H-1 platform.
“The instruction we undertook with the Czechs laid the groundwork to fly and service these machines [AH-1Z and UH-1Y],” stated Lt. Col. Mark Koval, Commanding Officer of HMLAT-303. “They now possess the foundational skills to transition into tactical training with their respective helicopter fleet.”
In 2019, the Czech Republic opted for the H-1, specifically acquiring four AH-1Z and eight UH-1Y helicopters, to modernize the nation’s armed forces and fortify its domestic defense. As part of the foreign military sales agreement, this client had the chance to send the first cohort of H-1 airmen and mechanics through the HMLAT-303 training pipeline, preparing them for aircraft deliveries throughout 2023.
The training syllabus encompassed familiarization, navigation, ordnance handling, formation flying, night vision goggle usage, terrain orientation, and instrument training. Moreover, maintenance trainees completed their instruction with the Center for Naval Aviation Technician Training Detachment in Camp Pendleton, Ca.
“This instruction is integral to our broader initiatives to ensure the Czech Republic Air Force possesses all requisite tools and resources to operate its new aircraft for years to come,” remarked Col. Vasilios Pappas, PMA-276 program manager.
Upon returning to their homeland, the H-1 crew will persist in training, collaborating with representatives from the H-1 original equipment manufacturer, Bell, and their supplier, Pinnacle Solutions. Following a “train-the-trainer” methodology, pilots, crew chiefs, and maintainers will acquire the final competencies needed to operate and sustain their fleet of AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters, along with training additional members of their force.
The Czech Air Force squadron is projected to achieve independent operation by late 2024.
“We are dedicated to our customer’s success in deploying the H-1 platform and thankful to HMLAT-303 for their pivotal role in this success narrative,” said Pappas.
PMA-276 oversees the comprehensive procurement, development, support, deployment, and disposal of the Marine Corps rotary wing close air support, anti-armor, armed escort, armed/visual reconnaissance, and fire support program systems.
