Current Issue Articles
The Airworthiness Process
For Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Aircraft AMRDEC Tech Talk / By Dr. Robert Vaughan: The Army’s fleet of fixed wing aircraft is a testament to the Army’s ability to purchase Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type-certificated COTS aircraft, qualify extensive modifications under the Army’s Aviation Engineering Directorate (AED), and maintain these aircraft under unique and challenging operational requirements. Beech B-300 King Air / AMRDEC AED PHOTO Aircraft designed and built specifically for military usage require lengthy schedules for design, manufacturing, and testing. A relatively small production quantity results in a high unit cost. When Army operational requirements can be satisfied by modifying...
Learn MoreSimulation in Training
128th Aviation Brigade Update / By CPT Andrew T. Freeman: For this issue, I’ve asked our C/1-210th Aviation commander, CPT Freeman, to provide some insight as to how your school house uses a wide array of simulators and simulations to produce realistic and safe training. “Above the Best!” COL Rigole, Commander IMI and computer simulations provide an important bridge from the classroom to hands-on instruction. / 128th AVN BDE GRAPHIC Competent and qualified aircraft maintainers are not born, they are bred out of the regimented training courses at the 128th Aviation Brigade at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Advanced Individual Training...
Learn MoreAlways Looking for Better Comms…
Reserve Component Aviation Update / By COL Mark W. Weiss: Rare is the commander that’s satisfied with his or her unit’s communications. Whether it’s the reception quality on a high-freq radio, the interactions between staff and subordinate commands, or the network connectivity, we’re always seeking “better comms.” Army National Guard Professional Education Center (PEC), Camp Robinson, AR. / U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD PHOTOThe ARNG is no different – we’re always looking for better comms throughout the Guard’s Aviation Enterprise. I’ll report on two recent improvements. Domestic RadiosOne unique requirement of ARNG aircrews is that they be able to communicate effectively...
Learn MoreMentorship
Chief Warrant Officer of the Branch / By CW5 Allen R. Godfrey: Warrant officers embody the desired character, competence, and commitment of the Army Profession. Mentorship both to them and by them will enhance their professionalism. WO1 Daniel Ketchmark shares his knowledge of an Apache’s 30mm gun system with fellow students in the Aviation Basic Officer Leadership Course (Branch) (ABOLC-B) and Aviation Warrant Officer Basic Course (AWOBC)./ U.S. ARMY AVIATION CENTER OF EXCELLENCE COURTESY PHOTO According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a mentor is someone who teaches or gives help and advice to a less experienced and often younger person. In...
Learn MoreWithin The Pause
USAACE Deputy Commanding General Update / By BG Benjamin F. Adams III: As the keys are passed for an issued aircraft between a flight operations specialist and a crew chief, there is a pause. The empty hook upon which those keys perched moments before now appears mutely beckoning for their return. Everything is on the counter, and the crew chief is asked to sign for survival radios, publications, and the keys. U.S. ARMY PEO AVIATION PHOTOOf all the accountable items, it is that one-inch ring with the aircraft keys that bears the baggage of the unasked, “Will you return them soon?”...
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