TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PILOTS
Victoria will be the home of Australian Defence Force pilot training from 2019. Leading defence prime contractor Lockheed Martin, supported by Pilatus Aircraft and Hawker Pacific, won a seven year $1.2 billion contract to supply the Australian Defence Force with a defence pilot training system.
THE NEW SYSTEM TAKES OFF
A new fixed wing Pilot Training System which includes a basic flying training school will be delivered at the RAAF Base East Sale in Gippsland. Sale is the ideal location for the AIR 5428 pilot training facility with excellent airfield facilities, capabilities that meet the needs of the Australian Defence Force and strong local government and community support.
SUPPORT FROM THE GROUND UP
Lockheed Martin will provide program leadership and expertise in ground based training systems and Pilatus will provide 22 new PC-21 aircraft and ongoing maintenance support. From 2019, RAAF Base East Sale will have an annual intake of 165 trainee pilots. The training system will streamline further pilot training, co-locating multiple training facilities to support Officer Training and Basic Flying Training at RAAF Base East Sale. The Victorian Government has committed $5 million to upgrade the West Sale aerodrome as an auxiliary airfield to support this project.
For further information on Victoria’s pilot training and aerospace capabilities see Victorian Defence Alliance - Aerospace
