Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release No. 090512-02

May 12, 2009

Contact:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
DSN:  318-852-1332
IRAQNA:  0780-997-5063

Iraqi Pilots Train in Simulators

BAGHDAD - It’s been three years since Iraqi C-130 crew members went to flight simulator training and they are ready to go back!  Ever since the Iraqi Air Force Commander stated, “All the pilots, copilots, navigators, engineers, and loadmasters will attend the simulator in the United States,” all levels of command have been vigorously working to make it happen.  “We really wanted them to attend the simulator somewhere, we didn’t care where,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Mark Brunworth, the 321 Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron commander at the time the decision was made.  “It is truly not a case of ‘if’ an emergency is going to happen in an aircraft, but ‘when,’ and being able to recall simulator experiences can mean the difference between life and death,” U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Shannon Johnson, 321 AEAS commander, explained how important the simulator is to the aircrew.

The flight simulator is an annual requirement where the crew members are challenged with various emergency procedures and learn how to solve them.  There are no pass/fail grades; it’s about learning the airplane and what her 68 gauges, 122 switches, and 528 circuit breakers are saying.  The airplanes were built in the 1960’s and have been a dependable airframe ever since.

The Iraqi and US Air Force maintenance take countless hours with each airplane working hard to get the aircraft flying; but once it’s in the air, it’s up to the crew to keep her flying and bring her back in one piece.  This the primary job of both pilots and engineer, knowing what is happening with the plane so if a problem arises, they can isolate it until maintenance can fix it after the flight.  The simulator steps in to teach how to handle emergency situations like engine fires, hydraulic failures, and complete loss of electrical power.

So what do the Iraqi crews think of the simulator?  “All crew members are very eager to go to the simulator to see all the emergencies,” remarked 23 Transport Squadron Commander.  “They found the simulator training challenging and very useful for improving their flying skills.”

The Iraqi base commander and his deputy fully support this simulator training and they have sent 34 individuals to the US for training.  Experienced aviators themselves, they realize how critical this training is, and they want the best for their crews and the passengers they will fly.   Ensuring our Iraqi brothers keep their skills sharp and their planes in the air is a step toward ensuring the goals of the Security Agreement between the United States and the Government of Iraq.

-30-

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR INTERVIEWS CONCERNING THIS RELEASE, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL SECURITY TRANSITION COMMAND – IRAQ PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE BY E-MAIL AT This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it OR BY PHONE AT DSN: (318) 852-1332 OR IRAQNA: 0780-997-5093.  FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION VISIT:  WWW.MNSTCI.IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL.