Posted on 08/30/2004 3:05:50 PM PDT by Ragtime Cowgirl
ACE prepares for next generation of terrain flight Submitted by: 24th MEU Story Identification #: 200482355939 Story by Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers ![]() FORWARD OPERATING BASE AL TAQADDUM, Iraq (Aug. 17, 2004) -- A CH-46E Sea Knight with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit descends deep inside the Majarrah Canyon, cruising at an altitude far below the canyons ridge. This is one of many maneuvers essential to the terrain-flight certification pilots with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the MEUs Aviation Combat Element, are undertaking in order to prepare future Marines for duty in Iraq. It [allows us] to teach new pilots how to effectively maneuver in this environment, said Capt. Adam McLendon, 31, an Asheville, N.C., native, and a CH-46E Sea Knight pilot with HMM-263. [The training] also brings into account the effects of the sun, wind and power of the aircraft. The successful completion of this exercise will qualify pilots to instruct future members of HMM-263 in these tactics. One of the key tactics of this training are low-altitude maneuvers in the desert environment. The primary purpose is to deny the enemy acquisition with their weapon systems, said McLendon By using these techniques, you mask yourself below the terrain. Another aspect in terrain flying is the ability to perform a main-mount landing. This is a process in which the front of the aircraft hovers as the rear touches down onto an available surface. We use this [technique] when the terrain cant provide enough room for the aircraft to make a complete landing, said Capt. Doug Thumm, 28, a native of Havelock, N.C., and a CH-46E pilot with HMM-263. [This method] is used for the tops of buildings or if the [environment] creates a plateau in an area we need to get troops to. The responsibility to train new pilots may seem like a daunting task, but to the Marines of HMM- 263, its a necessary step in ensuring the mission success of today, and tomorrow. Were building the squadron for future deployments, said Capt. Lance Henderson, 33, a CH-46E pilot with HMM-263 from Beaumont, Texas. Training cant stop just because were in Iraq. -30-
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A CH-46E Sea Knight with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit descends inside the Majarrah Canyon by Forward Operating Base Al Taqaddum, Iraq, during terrain flight training. The Sea Knight belongs to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU. Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers |
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A CH-46E Sea Knight with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit flies over the area surrounding Forward Operating Base Al Taqaddum, Iraq, before beginning terrain flight training. The Sea Knight belongs to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU. Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers |
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A CH-46E Sea Knight with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit cruises along the river inside the Majarrah Canyon near Forward Operating Base Al Taqaddum, Iraq, during terrain flight training. The Sea Knight belongs to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU. Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah. A. Beavers |
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A CH-46E Sea Knight with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit cruises over a bridge inside the Majarrah Canyon near Forward Operating Base Al Taqaddum, Iraq, during terrain flight training. The Sea Knight belongs to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU. Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers |
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Capt. David Henderson with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit pilots a CH-46E Sea Knight during terrain flight training. Henderson, 32, is a native of Beaumont, Texas, and a CH-46E Sea Knight pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU. Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain while performing mission oriented operations in Iraq. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers |
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A CH-46E Sea Knight with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit prepares to land following terrain flight training. The Sea Knight belongs to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU. Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers |
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A CH-46E Sea Knight with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit performs a main-mount landing during terrain flight training. The Sea Knight belongs to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU. Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers |
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Gunnery Sgt. William Heaton of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit looks out the window of a CH-46E Sea Knight as it flies over the area surrounding Forward Operating Base Al Taqaddum, Iraq, during terrain flight training. Heaton, 38, is a native of Chattanooga, Tenn., and an aerial observer and gunner with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU. Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers |
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Bump!
Following the "main-mount" landing (as pictured), all crew members report for a change of underwear.
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