Instructor pilots help aviators train as they fight

Courtesy Photo | CAMP TAJI, Iraq -- Chief Warrant Officers Charlie Magness (left) and Michael Lembo, both of C Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment (Attack Reconnaissance), 3rd Infantry Division, head to the pilot's ready room to discuss the mission and training the two pilots just completed. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Derek Del Rosario, Aviation Brigade PAO)  

TAJI, IRAQ

09.07.2005

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

Spc. Derek Del Rosario
Aviation Brigade PAO

CAMP TAJI, Iraq -- The engine whine decreased and the rotors slowly came to a stop. After a few minutes to collect their thoughts, Chief Warrant Officers Charlie Magness and Michael Lembo emerged from the Apache cockpit just a couple hours after the sun peaked over Taji airfield.

The two seasoned pilots had just completed another successful security and reconnaissance mission patrolling the skies over Baghdad"an essential mission to the ground troops they have supported since arriving in theater.

After completing their post-flight inspections, the two pilots walked down the flight line to receive their mission debriefing. They discussed what they saw during their mission, but this walk also allowed Magness the opportunity to evaluate Lembo, and it gave Lembo the chance to learn from his instructor pilot.

For these two pilots of C. Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment (Attack Reconnaissance), 3rd Infantry Division, providing aerial security is not only a mission, but a training opportunity as well.

Magness, of Falls Church, Va., is an instructor pilot, a job he feels is a vital role that holds a lot of responsibility.

"Instructor pilots help administer the commander's flight program and standards, as well as provide annual evaluation for crew members," Magness said. "When a new pilot comes into the unit, it is the instructor's responsibility to bring the pilot up to mission readiness."

Capt. CJ Jacobs, C Co., 1-3 ARB commander and Laconia, N.H., native, said the training given by instructor pilots leaves an indelible mark on young aviators.

"Instructor pilots are in charge of all the tactical and technical training in the unit, a very vital and essential role," he noted. "These instructors make sure the pilots are trained and ready to fight, ensuring the well-being of all men in the company."

Chief Warrant Officer Brian Callahan, 1-3 ARB standardization officer, advises and guides the instructors in the battalion. He ensures instructor pilots see 'the big picture" and gives the focus needed to help move pilots from readiness level 3, the lowest readiness level, to the highest readiness level, RL1.

"A pilot's readiness level is determined once they arrive to the unit, and it is determined based on previous assignments and what prior experience they have. Usually most pilots start at RL3," said Callahan, a Charleston, S.C., resident. "Pilots receive refresher training and get the base tasks down, and then they move to RL2, which is more mission tasks. Once they are proficient, they are ready to move to RL1."

On average, pilots get three months of training at each level, but can be moved up levels quicker if they show enough proficiency. At RL3, pilots must fly with an instructor pilot. Pilots can fly with a pilot in command at RL2 and are considered mission ready at RL1.

Lembo, a Lindenhurst, N.Y., native, hopes to acquire more experience so he can become a maintenance test pilot. He said the training and knowledge he's received from Magness is invaluable.

"It is always a learning process and there is always something you can improve on," Lembo said.

Pilots are continuously put to the test by their instructors, so it is important for pilots to stay focused and be ready for the unexpected.

"Pilots constantly have to study and always seek improvement," Callahan said. "The pilots take classes, receive written and oral tests, and can get evaluations without notice. It is a very complex job that takes a lot of proficiency. Testing them keeps them on their toes."

The high operation tempo in Iraq has led to a lot of missions, which in turn means a lot of training opportunity for pilots.

"We can train pilots in combat operations here that we don't get the opportunity to while in garrison," Magness said. "Flying here allows pilots to go through combat scenarios and react to non-standard procedures. The pilots are put under stress and we get to see how they react in certain given situations."

Many agree that being an instructor pilot takes a lot of technical and interpersonal skills, things that Callahan said instructors in his battalion have.

"They have to be able to multi-task and operate multiple functions'they have to be able to look one way and flip a switch without even looking," Callahan said. "They also have to be proficient in their job and be able to teach it. These instructor pilots understand and know how to help pilots and explain things to them. They have the ability to teach these pilots things and make sure they get the message."

"It takes a certain breed of pilot to make a good instructor," he added. "They have to have a personality that demands respect, while still remaining approachable. My guys are really good about that'they have the experience and personality that allows the junior aviators to learn a lot."

While providing missions that are helping Iraq develop its democracy is a reward in itself, the instructor pilots and leadership of C. Co. 1-3 ARB feel that seeing young aviators learn and progress in their careers is very rewarding.

"Seeing them overcome their struggles and succeed is gratifying," Callahan said. "When instructors help young pilots achieve their goals, it's gratification in a very demanding profession."

• Date Taken: 09.07.2005
• Date Posted: 09.07.2005 14:15
• Story ID: 2916
• Location: TAJI, IQ