Current Issue Articles
FARP Team Support to Special Operations Aviation
By CPT Ryan G. Brown: In order to deliver the nation’s most elite Special Operations Forces (SOF) to the target, Army Special Operations Aviation (ARSOA) flight leads and mission planners maintain a precise balance between fuel, power and cargo. 4-160th SOAR Soldiers conduct FARP team training and evaluation at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. / ALL GRAPHICS/PHOTOS COURTESY U.S. ARMY SPECIAL OPERATIONS AVIATION COMMAND Every precious pound of fuel adds time on station, but also takes a pound away from the ground force, making fuel a significant mission planning factor. Fuel can also be a significant mission limiting factor in austere,...
Learn MoreALSE: A Special Operations Aviation Perspective
By CW5 Eli Mayers: We live in a day and age where advances in aviation technology come so fast that it’s hard to keep up. From state-of-the-art flight control systems, efficient and powerful engines, to advances in communication and navigation, the landscape of Army Aviation is ever evolving in complexity and capability. ALL GRAPHICS/PHOTOS COURTESY U.S. ARMY SPECIAL OPERATIONS AVIATION COMMAND The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) (SOAR(A)) is always at the forefront of these endeavors, attempting to create the most lethal and efficient flying machines possible. Over the past three years, the 160th Aviation Life Support Equipment (ALSE)...
Learn MoreThe Forefront of SOF UAS Training
By CSM Billy D. Webb and MAJ Seth Gulsby: Young and talented unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operators are deployed to two different areas of responsibility and are at the front of UAS operations that demonstrate a unique understanding of the operational environment with a skill that the ground force they support has come to trust. The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft system. / ARSOAC COURTESY PHOTO So how did these SOF UAS operators get to this point? Having just completed the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) Green Platoon Combat Skills Course (EGP), these young Special...
Learn MoreAviation Command Team Update for Spouses
Family Forum / By Judy Konitzer: How do you spell success? With another AAAA Summit at the Opryland! Opportunities abounded to see old friends, meet new ones, honor awardees, enjoy a fun Big & Rich concert, and the opportunity to hear an honest and candid update from our USAACE Command Team. AAAA President, BG (Ret.) Steve Mundt, makes a point during the Spouse professional session with the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence command team, MG Bill Gayler (center), CW5 Joe Roland (left), and CSM Greg Chambers. / AAPI PHOTO BY RENÉ BIDEZ MG William Gayler, CW5 Joseph Rowland, CSM...
Learn MoreAllergies
Ask the Flight Surgeon / By CPT Gurdeep Buttar, M.D.: Q: I’m a 26 year old pilot, who just moved to Ft. Rucker, Alabama for specialized training. I’ve always had seasonal allergies, but this year has been the worst. I have a runny nose, nasal congestion, and a nagging cough. I think I need something stronger than over-the-counter medications, but I am concerned that prescription medications may make me drowsy in the cockpit. What options do I have to treat my allergies, but still be safe flying? FS: Seasonal allergies are a very common health concern whose symptoms present when...
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