Boeing and the Australian Army recently announced the graduation of the 100th helicopter pilot to earn their wings through the Helicopter Qualification Course delivered under the Army Aviation Training and Training Support (AATTS) program in Oakey.
“Graduating the 100th helicopter pilot is a significant achievement for both Boeing and the Australian Army,” said Mark Brownsey, senior manager of AATTS for Boeing Defence Australia.
“It demonstrates the success and value of the AATTS program.”
Boeing recognised the milestone with the establishment of a trophy for the top graduate of each Helicopter Qualification Course. Lieutenant Erin Pederick has been named the first recipient.
Under the AATTS contract initially awarded in 2007 and renewed in 2010 with an increased scope, Boeing provides:
• Helicopter pilot, aircrew and technician training using the Army Aviation Training Centre’s fleet of Bell 206-B1 Kiowa helicopters, S-70A-9 Black Hawk training helicopters, a Black Hawk full-motion simulator, and two civil Bell 412 helicopters,
• Operational fleet and support services at the Oakey Army Aviation Training Centre,
• Operational level maintenance on Kiowa aircraft for the 6th Aviation Regiment in Holsworthy, New South Wales, and
• CH-47D Chinook pilot and technician training at the 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville, Queensland.