Photo By Maj. Casey Staheli | Capt. Francisco J. Figueroa and Swiss Capt. Philippe Weber stand in front of the Swiss...... read more read more
CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - Swiss Aviators at Camp Bondsteel have certified many foreign aviators to fly their AS332 Super Puma helicopters over the years through their Pilot Exchange Program, but have never certified an American pilot. On May 3, Capt. Francisco J. Figueroa, commander of C. Company 1-150th Aviation, changed that, becoming the first American aviator to complete the Super Puma training with Swiss aviators here.
“It was a perfect day to fly; bright beautiful blue sky made for an incredible experience,” said Figueroa.
For 90 minutes above Kosovo Figueroa conducted maneuvers and approaches, many of which were different than U.S. tactical maneuvers, while being evaluated by Swiss instructor pilot Maj. Lukas Rechsteiner.
“Amazing,” is how Figueroa described his favorite Swiss maneuver called the Return to Target Movement, demonstrated by Rechsteiner.
“The Return to Target maneuver is when the helicopter is going straight and then begins a steep climb, with the nose at about 40 degrees and continues to climb until the nose is almost straight up… hangs for a second, then nose dives straight towards the earth, pulls out and returns to a straight line of flight,” Figueroa said.
While learning maneuvers was enjoyable, Figueroa said the most difficult part was making ground approaches in the aircraft.
“The Swiss approach is conducted at a shallower angle, closer to the ground, which made it challenging to make a perfect, smooth landing,” said Figueroa.
During the flight exchange, Swiss Air Transport Squadron Four member, Capt. Philippe Weber was in the cockpit along with Rechsteiner sharing the controls with Figueroa.
Rechsteiner was there in order to help evaluate the performance and to assist incase anything went wrong, said Figueroa.
Though the Swiss aviators would be there with Figueroa, preparation and instruction was given well before any flying was allowed.
Usually this is a 12-week course, however, Figueroa received the condensed version of the course, said Weber.
The instructions began with familiarization of the helicopter, switchology, flying characteristics, aircraft performance and performance planning, said Figueroa.
It was very interesting as we talked about operations, because some training is very different and yet some of it is very similar, said Weber.
Figueroa has a background flying European style helicopters back home as an emergency medical service pilot and credits this experience as the reason for being selected to participate in the exchange.
The similarity with the Swiss Super Puma and the Eurpoean-manufactured civilian aircraft back home is the fact that the main rotor system turns clockwise. The main rotor systems on U.S. helicopters turn counter clockwise, explained Figueroa.
Figueroa feels fortunate to have participated in the training.
“In order to participate in the exchange program there must be a Swiss aviator certified instructor,” said Figueroa. “And considering the Swiss aviators usually rotate in and out [of Camp Bondsteel] about every 2-3 weeks, the timing was good and everything came together.”
Approval from a Swiss major general was also required and granted.
“It’s nice that one of our two-star generals is a former helicopter pilot because it allows for a direct link. The major general understands the program and how special it is, making it easier for us to get higher command approval,” said Weber.
Having successfully passed a hands-on evaluation in the Super Puma, Figueroa’s certification will be kept on a Swiss permanent record log indicating that he is competent and capable of flying the helicopter.
Figueroa suggests that if given the opportunity future pilots should participate in the exchange program.
“We weren’t expecting to have this great working relationship with our NATO partners, but to become friends and to work together in this capacity has been a real pleasure,” said Figueroa.
Weber shares those sentiments, and said, “It brings us together. Individuals from different countries might be a little standoffish and unsure at first, but you become closer and recognize the differences, but build upon the similarities becoming friends and learning from each other.”
Currently the U.S. does not have a pilot exchange program, but both Figueroa and Weber would like to see that change.
“I would love to fly the UH-60 Black Hawks because we always see them around and they’re so often utilized,” said Weber.
“It’s a shame and pity we don’t have such a program because we’d love to do the same for our Swiss friends as they’ve done for us,” said Figueroa.
| Date Taken: | 05.14.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 05.21.2011 04:37 |
| Story ID: | 70809 |
| Location: | ZZ |
| Web Views: | 1,048 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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