Afghan Air Force lieutenants head to English, pilot training

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

12.14.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Ten pilot candidates in the Afghan Air Force flew from the Kabul International Airport to a partner nation in the Middle East to start pilot training, Dec. 11.

"This group of ten pilot candidates, all lieutenants, left for a two year journey for combined English and pilot training. Some will become fixed wing pilots and most will become rotary wing pilots. Their English is good now and it will get a lot better in two years," said Lt. Col. Paul A. LaVigne, chief of training for Afghan pilot candidates and non-candidates, with the NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan/438th Air Expeditionary Wing.

LaVigne said this contract allows the Afghans to produce pilots while Afghan Air Force and NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan members are standing up Shindand, the future training program base.

"I am happy to see these guys go. The good news is that in about two years some of these guys will be back flying helicopters doing the mission of their country, which I think is very important," said LaVigne.

LaVigne said the contract will produce 80 pilots in total, 50 helicopter pilots and 30 fixed wing pilots. He said that the Afghan Air Force should be very excited because this is a very good program for Afghan Air Force members.

The next group of 11 Afghan officers leaves Kabul in late December and will be followed by another 15 officers in January 2011.

• Date Taken: 12.14.2010
• Date Posted: 12.14.2010 07:35
• Story ID: 61939
• Location: KABUL, AF