Aviano hosts Dutch helicopters for training

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Austin Harvill
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  For the first time, a Dutch air force Defense Helicopter Command composite squadron of approximately 200 personnel, three CH-47 Chinooks, four AH-64 Apaches and four AS532 Cougars visited Aviano Air Base, Italy, for mountain flying training operations.

Aviano was selected as the Dutch team's base of operations due to its proximity to the Dolomite mountain range. The Dutch pilots spent the last three weeks conducting mountainous terrain flying training to qualify new pilots and recertify veteran pilots on the helicopters.

"Holland is very flat, so we travel to mountainous regions for part of our training," said Royal Netherlands Air Force Maj. Eugene Quax, the composite squadron commander. "The high elevations and wind create an environment pilots must experience."

Approximately 15 new pilots, supported by 15 new loadmasters, flew four to six sorties a day, with each flight lasting approximately two hours. In addition to the new pilots, the rest of the 200 personnel also benefited from the exercise by testing their ability to conduct missions in a mountainous region.

"It is important that all of our personnel stay combat ready," said Quax. "Our instructor pilots were also able to use their flying hours here to attain the NATO-mandated 180 flying hour minimum."

In addition to flightline and air space privileges, Quax and his team also received logistical support from their hosts.

"Everything we require to stay here has been provided for us, like fuel and food," said Quax. "We are very appreciative of our Italian and American allies for making this experience easier to set up and execute."

With the training mission coming to a close, Quax said he hopes to return this time next year.

"This has been a wonderful experience and I would be honored to return again next year," said Quax. "With the support we have received from our American and Italian allies, I think we can expect the same, if not better, experience for years to come."