Belgian Air Force officers visit Italian Air Force's flight school

Belgian Air Force officers visit the international flight school of the Italian Air Force.

On 12 February 2019, a delegation composed of three officers of the Belgian Air Force, led by Colonel Patrick Goossens ("Head of Training" of the Belgian Air Force), visited the international flight training school of the Italian Air Force at Galatina AFB.

They participated in a briefing where Italian officers showed the instructional programs and systems used by the Italian Air Force to ensure the best flight training. Subsequently, the Belgian guests visited the main areas connected to the "Lead In to Fighter Training" - the last training phase - managed by the 212st Flight Group, and intended for pilots who will be assigned to combat aircraft.

Inside the building that houses the "Ground Based Training System" (GBTS), visitors were able to appreciate the capabilities of the integrated system connected to the T-346A advanced jet trainer. They entered the sphere of the advanced Full Mission Simulator and followed a virtual mission connected to a T-346 in real flight. The T-346 took off a few minutes earlier from Galatina AFB with on board the 212th Group Commander in the front seat and Col. Goossens in the back seat.

The Belgian officers have also shown great interest in the future capacity of the air base connected with the acquisition of the T-345, which will gradually replace the current T-339 fleet.

The BAF visit adds to those already made by many other armed forces attracted by the advanced capability of the integrated training system of the Italian Air Force.

"Once again, this activity has represented a precious opportunity to make known to other countries, in this case European, the excellent capabilities of our nation in the field of flight training, paving the way for the development of future cooperation," Colonel Alberto Surace, Commander of Galatina AFB, said.

👉 You may also like: Italian Air Force receives two additional T-346A jets under the International Flight Training School

Written by Matteo Sanzani

Source, Images: Italian Air Force