Five Brunei Students Take to the Air

21 Mei 2010

CT-4B training aircraft (photo : Airliners)

BAE Systems will further expand its unique military flight instruction program at its Tamworth flight training centre with the arrival of students from the Royal Brunei Air Force.

The students will soon begin basic pilot training at Tamworth, reinforcing BAE Systems’ capability as a leading provider of military flight training services.
Earlier this week in Brunei, Colonel Abu Bakar of the Brunei air force signed a contract with BAE Systems for five students to start training on June 7.

Aviation Solutions general manager John Quaife said: “BAE Systems was pleased to partner with the Royal Brunei Air Force in providing basic and advanced flying training solutions that will support it in meeting its pilot capability requirements.

“The contract will see five students complete a training program provided solely by BAE Systems instructional staff at the Tamworth flying training college, utilising CT4B training aircraft.” he said.

Worth about $700,000, the contract represents the first phase in a training program that will eventually see the students assigned to operational roles in both rotary wing and the multi-engine fixed wing aircraft operated by the Brunei air force.

This most recent agreement marks a continuation of a training relationship with Brunei that has been developed during many years.

Last August, two pilots from No 3 and No 5 squadrons of the Brunei air force graduated at Tamworth as qualified flying instructors, after attending an intensive, specially designed, six-month course.

Mr Quaife has welcomed the trust placed by the Brunei air force in the quality of training provided by BAE Systems and the ideal facilities and weather afforded by the Tamworth-based solution.

He said while the Brunei requirement is modest, the Brunei air force remained a discerning customer with a clear focus on quality of training and value for money.

(NorthernDailyReader)