South Carolina National Guard expands training area for rotary wing aircraft

Photo By Staff Sgt. Tim Andrews | U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the South Carolina National Guard fly AH-64 Apaches in the recently expanded flight area used for training for rotary wing aircraft, Oct. 22, 2021. The new flight area provides a more efficient and controlled environment for pilots to conduct low-altitude training. Use of the expanded training area increases the training value for the South Carolina Army National Guard pilots who fly UH-60 Black Hawks, AH-64 Apaches, CH-47 Chinooks, and UH-72 Lakotas. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Tim Andrews, South Carolina National Guard)  

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

10.29.2021

Story by Staff Sgt. Brad Mincey 

South Carolina National Guard

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina National Guard recently expanded the flight area used for training for rotary wing aircraft in order to provide a more efficient and controlled environment for pilots to conduct low-altitude training.

The increased training area spans Kershaw, Lee, Sumter, Clarendon, and Richland counties, but should not greatly impact citizens living in those areas.

“These training areas utilize low-lying areas of swamp isolated from the civilian populace to the maximum extent possible,” said U.S. Army Capt. Joshua Blizzard, 1-151st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, Company C commander and full time South Carolina National Guard aviation operations officer.

The South Carolina Army National Guard spent months planning and conducting rigorous review of the new training area prior to implementing the expanded flight path. The South Carolina Army National Guard partnered with McEntire Joint National Guard Base, Shaw Air Force Base, the South Carolina Army National Guard Environmental office, and the Federal Aviation Administration to minimize the impact to residents in the area, Blizzard explained.

“The limited training areas used previously were insufficient to train the tactics needed...These new training areas will increase the proficiency of our aircrews,” said Blizzard. “The expanded training areas provide a safe, controlled environment for our pilots to hone their skills and mitigate human error. They are now able to practice demanding tasks that will be asked of them in future conflicts within this safe and controlled airspace.”

Use of the expanded training area increases the training value for the South Carolina Army National Guard pilots who fly UH-60 Black Hawks, AH-64 Apaches, CH-47 Chinooks, and UH-72 Lakotas.

"Our Chinooks, Black Hawks, and Lakotas have been critical during past natural disaster responses in the state, transporting personnel and supplies, being used to conduct aerial damage assessments, and even responding to life-saving missions. Our Chinooks, Black Hawks, and Apaches have also deployed overseas in support of the Global War on Terror, providing close air support for ground units, transporting service members and civilians, and providing medical evacuation support. In order for our pilots to accomplish these missions, they need to have the proper training environment,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, the adjutant general for South Carolina. “This expanded flight path allows for our pilots to conduct low-altitude training and hone their skills. It has a direct impact on readiness and the South Carolina National Guard’s ability to respond when the state and nation need us.”

The new training areas are typically used between 3-11 p.m., with most flights occurring during weekdays.

• Date Taken: 10.29.2021
• Date Posted: 10.29.2021 11:15
• Story ID: 408307
• Location: COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, US