MILAVIA - MILITARY AVIATION

RNLAF Pilot Training

Pilot Selection
After application the candidates enter an extensive selection program. The program initially consists of a number of psychological and medical tests, performed at the Aeromedical Institute at Soesterberg now known as Centrum voor Mens en Luchtvaart (Centrum for Man and Aviation). When succesfully passed these the candidate will undergo a number of specialised medical tests at the Central Military Hospital in Utrecht followed by a physical test at Soesterberg again. The candidate will then be screened for flying fear/sickness and basic talent for flying in a Practical Flyer Selection program flying the Slingsby Firefly at airfield Seppe near Etten-Leur.

Military Training
When passing the last tests and being accepted into service, the candidate will start general military and officers training course at the Koninklijke Militaire Academy(KMA - Royal Military Academy) in Breda. They will learn military skills, weapons training, teamwork and discipline. Apart from military education and practical knowledge, the course will also consist of physical training. The officers course will focus on leadership, increasing group morale, adaptability, and self confidence.

Basic Flying Course
When the candidate has completed the course he will go to the Elementaire Militaire Vliegers Opleiding (EMVO - Basic Military Flying Course) at Woensdrecht AB, where he will learn the basics of flying in the Pilatus PC-7 turboprop trainer. During the training the candidates will be evaluated if they are more suitable for the F-16 or helicopter. After 25 weeks the aspirant pilot will go abroad for advanced training.

Fighter Pilot (F-16)
The aspirants selected for the F-16 will go to Sheppard AFB in Texas, United States for the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training(ENJJPT). They will commence Primary Training on the Cessna T-37 Jettrainer. After 30 weeks, the pilots will enter the 25 week advanced jet training program on the T-38 Talon trainer. After completing this course the pilot will receive its military wings. Still at Sheppard AFB the pilot now follows the Inroduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF) program flying the AT-38B Combat Talon.
Formerly, the training continued with the Air National Guard Basic Tactical Training Course based at Tucson AFB in Arizona, USA. The pilot would convert to the F-16 becoming a fully qualified F-16 pilot in a 25 week program before returning to the Netherlands. The new F-16 pilot then had to complete the 16 week Theatre Qualification Training at Twenthe AB. Theatre Qualification is neccessary because of the difference in weather conditions (wet, rainy, clowdy, cold), operational procedures and airspace density (European civilian traffic routes) compared to hot and dry Texas. Advanced Qualification Training and an Initial Mission Qualification Training would then be completed before the pilot joins one of the operational F-16 squadrons.
Nowadays, both the F-16 conversion and advanced qualification take place in Springfield, USA. The RNLAF has deployed 14 of its own F-16s to the base. The instructors are partly provided by the RNLAF, partly by the USAF/ANG, but it is also possible that instructors from other nationalities join. Now, the F-16 pilot will return to the Netherlands to join an operational squadron right away.
Having completed this training, the F-16 pilot will work its way up to flight leader and continue its military service for at least 10 years. Some pilots will transition to transport types, squadron command or other staff positions.

Helicopter Pilot
Helicopter pilot training will take place at Fort Rucker in Alabama, United States. The Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) course consists of 32 weeks in which the pilot will fly the TH-67 and UH-1 or OH-58 helicopters. When completed the pilots will receive their wings and will start conversion training.
The pilots destined for the AH-64 Apache will stay at Ft Rucker for 12 more weeks. After which they will commence 13 weeks of tactical training at Fort Hood continued at Gilze-Rijen AB back in the Netherlands. When completed they will be placed at 301 Squadron at Gilze-Rijen.
Chinook pilots will stay for 10 weeks at Fort Rucker for qualification on the CH-47 Chinook. Returning to the Netherlands they will start 13 weeks tactical training with 298 Squadrons at Soesterberg AB where they will also be stationed. 298 Squadrons will move to Gilze-Rijen in the near future.
Pilots for the Cougar will go to Stavanger in Norway to commence qualification training on the Puma for 10 weeks. When completed they will return to the Netherlands and also start tactical training on the Cougar at Soesterberg, but with 300 Squadron flying the Cougar. 300 Squadrons will also be relocated to Gilze-Rijen.
BO-105 pilots used to go to Gilze Rijen AB for qualification tactical training with 299 Squadron. 299 Squadrons was disbanded in 2003 and the BO-105 retired early. AB-412 pilots are experienced pilots from other helicopter squadrons, who will transition to the AB-412 at Fort Worth and 10 hours simulator training at Leeuwarden AB where they will be stationed for SAR duties.

Transport Pilot
Pilots to operate the C-130, Fokker 50, Fokker 60, Gulfstream IV and KDC-10 transport aircraft will either be experienced air force pilots converting to transport aircraft or be qualified commercial pilots.

Sources:
KLu (2001/2002), Brochure Officier vlieger bij de Koninklijke Luchtmacht
additional info from various news reports/articles, including but not solely from the Vliegende Hollander
photos from KLu official website and public domain