Iraqi Helicopter Pilots Make Iraqi Air Force History

Defend America News ^ | Jan 17, 2006 | Senior Airman Mark Woodbury

[SandRat]

Both Iraqi Lt. Col. Salam (left) and Col. Adel (right) get soaked with water by Iraqi Brigadier Sata after their historic solo flight in Bell Jet Ranger helicopter at Taji late December 2005. Photos courtesy of Multinational Security Transition Command-Iraq Coalition Air Force Transition Team
Iraqi Helicopter Pilots Make Iraqi Air Force History
Before making their historic flight, the Iraqi pilots were required to complete classroom hours and instructor-pilot guided flight time.
By U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Mark Woodbury Multinational Security Transition Command-Iraq TAJI, Iraq, Jan. 17, 2006 — Two Iraqi pilots made Iraqi Air Force history when they performed the first ever solo flights in a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter at Taji Military Training Base in late December. "I am happy for today’s accomplishment. I am also looking forward to learning more about flying and becoming the best pilot I can for the Iraqi Air Force." Iraqi Col. Adel The historic flights over Taji airspace by Iraqi Col. Adel and Lt. Col. Salam, both from the Iraqi Air Force 12th Squadron, were just over one hour long. “Today is a very happy day for me and the [Iraqi] Air Force,” Salam said. “I am glad that my leaders and friends were able to be here to celebrate this day with me.” Salam said that accomplishing the first solo flight in a Jet Ranger was a day he will always remember. “I am happy for today’s accomplishment,” Adel said. “I am also looking forward to learning more about flying and becoming the best pilot I can for the Iraqi Air Force.” In preparation for the historic flights, the pilots were required to have numerous hours of both classroom and instructor-pilot guided flight time. Before the pilots were able to take their historic solo flights, they had to receive 30 hours of classroom instruction, in accordance with the Aircrew Training Program and Aircrew Training Manual standards. Some of the subjects covered in the class included aerodynamics, aircrew coordination, emergency procedures and limitations, weight and balance and performance planning. The pilots were required to pass a closed-book emergency procedure and limitations test and an open-book operator’s manual exam. They were also required to respond to oral questions during the pre-flight and flight training phases.	Iraqi Col. Adel takes off during his first solo flight at Taji in late December 2005. The flight was the first solo flight made by an Iraqi pilot in a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter. Photo courtesy of Multinational Security Transition Command-Iraq Coalition Air Force Transition Team During the hands-on practical stage, Adel received more than 18 hours of assisted-flight instruction while Salam received over 28 hours. Salam has also received training in night familiarization. During the training the pilots focused on basic helicopter flight, simulated engine failure, loss of hydraulics and flight control malfunctions. Continuing an Air Force tradition, Iraqi Air Force Brigadier Sata, Taji Wing commander, drenched both Col. Adel and Lt. Col. Salam with water to celebrate their accomplishment after their historic flights. Brigadier Sata ended the celebration by shouting “viva Iraq” to the airmen watching on and congratulating the soaked pilots once again on their accomplishment.

[SandRat]

Traditional Wetting Down!!!

[Calpernia]

Both Iraqi Lt. Col. Salam (left) and Col. Adel (right) get soaked with water by Iraqi Brigadier Sata after their historic solo flight in Bell Jet Ranger helicopter at Taji late December 2005. Photos courtesy of Multinational Security Transition Command-Iraq Coalition Air Force Transition Team

[bannie]

OH-58?

[StarCMC]

I videotaped hubby's first solo in a Bell 47. There's a really funny part where his instructor, standing on the ground forward of the helo signalled hubby to hover above the ground and hubby just shook his head like "no way!" I was laughing so had I could hardly videotape it. LOL

[Rennes Templar]

Very cool. I just hope we can quickly train about a thousand more of them.

[Onelifetogive]

Iraqi Helicopter Pilots Make Iraqi Air Force History

I was going to make a joke, and say that they actually got one off the ground and then landed it.....

...Then I read the article, and it turns out.....that what they did!

[Last Dakotan]

I just hope we can quickly train about a thousand more of them.

A Jet Ranger costs what - $250/hr wet? I hope you are willing to shell out a lot of your tax money.

[Rennes Templar]

Well lets just pull out, the whole war is a waste of tax money, isn't it.

[PAR35]

A Jet Ranger costs what - $250 4 barrels of oil/hr

There. edited for clarity. The Iraqis can afford it.

[Last Dakotan]

Well lets just pull out, the whole war is a waste of tax money, isn't it.

Somethings it makes political and economic sense to train then for, somethings not.

[Irish Eyes]

Thanks for the post. Love hearing how well the Iraqi are doing and how proud they are.

[fatima]

Here's a bump SandRat.

[Lurker]

Now we just have to get some Iraqi ground attack pilots trained up. Then we can let them smoke some insurgent fannies.

L

[HiJinx]

Somethings it makes political and economic sense to train then for, somethings not.

Excuse me? How in God's name do you expect us to ever pull out of Iraq if we don't train them for everything?

Huh?

Ya wanna try and answer that one? I'd love to see your response.

[Last Dakotan]

Excuse me? How in God's name do you expect us to ever pull out of Iraq if we don't train them for everything?

Everything? That's ridiculous. How about AWACS or carrier landings?

[McGavin999]

Viva Iraq? Wonder where they learned that ;o)

[DoNotDivide]

Of all the things that money is being shelled out for, training the Iraqi Defenses has to rank right up there.

[HiJinx]

AWACS, if we decide they need that capability, yes.

I don't think their Navy has carriers yet.

And with the wide range of capabilities that helicopters bring to either police or military units - you better believe they need that training.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!