The training of FA-50 aircraft pilots began in the 23rd Tactical Aviation Base in Minsk. This is the first edition of the course prepared by Polish instructors and full implemented in the country. During the course, modern simulators of Korean aircraft are used.
Several pilots joined training at the 23rd Tactical Aviation Base. The course will take about six months. Currently, instructors supply ground preparation training. It covers, among others, issues concerning the construction of aircraft, procedures and operation of machinery. The strategy developed by Polish trainers is based on the usage of 2 modern flight simulators, which enable combat application training. Only after completing this phase will the pilots sit behind the controls of the machines. In the training in the air, Korean instructors will share their cognition and experience with them, who are permanently in Poland.
Prime Minister Marcin Boruta, Deputy Commander of the method Service Group and Commander of the Support Squadron 23 BLT, stresses that the ongoing training was developed by Polish instructors based on experience and 2 editions of training conducted in the Republic of Korea. “We are committed to independency from the Koreans in this regard. I think that this will work next year, and in the following years Polish instructors will train the alumni of the Military Academy, who will power the units in Minsk and Swidwin", explains the officer.
Until now, Polish pilots on the FA-50 have trained in South Korea under the guidance of Korean instructors. The courses have passed 2 groups so far. After returning to the country, the pilots continued training in the home unit.
Currently, the military has 12 FA-50 training and combat aircraft in the GF version. Ultimately, the fleet of these machines is to consist of 48 copies (including 36 FA-50PL versions). The FA-50GF can be equipped with Mk 82 household bombs and AGM-65 Maverick air missiles. This year, MON decided to AIM-9P Sidewinder for the purposes of these aircraft, and yet wants to arm them in the latest version of AIM-9X air-to-air rockets.
