Collins system helping train Iraqi pilots

A Rockwell Collins device is being used to train pilots in the Iraqi Air Force to fly new aircraft on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

The Air Force recently took delivery of its first Virtual Avionics Procedure Trainer for use in training forces on the King Air aircraft.

A team of U.S. Air Force and Navy combat air advisers is providing pilot and mission system operator training to the Iraqi Air Force on newly acquired King ISR (intelligence, search and rescue) aircraft.

The trainer helps reduce training time and better prepares pilots for simulator training, according to Ken Schreder, general manager of simulation and training solutions for Rockwell Collins. He said that results in lower overall training costs and better safety.

Senior qualified pilots in Iraqi Air Force King air Squadron 87 quickly embraced the system in its first week of use, according to Capt. Scott Seeberger, commander of the Navy's King Air 350 Military Training Team. He said the squadron's senior qualified pilots are already using the device to teach complex operation of the aircraft flight management and autoflight system.

The PC-based system uses Rockwell Collins' advanced CORETM simulation architecture.