Ukrainian pilots expected to start F-16 training in Arizona next week

Ukrainian pilots expected to start F-16 training in Arizona next week
News comes after Washington announced it will lead a coalition of countries training Ukrainian pilots.

MY SAY: Becoming combat ready to fly an F-16, or any other fighter aircraft, is a complex and multi-stage process that varies depending on the specific training program and the pilot's prior experience. Here's a general overview of the training timeline:

Basic Flight Training: The initial step involves basic flight training, which usually takes around 1 to 1.5 years. This phase includes learning to fly in a primary training aircraft, such as a propeller-driven aircraft or a jet trainer, and covers fundamental flight skills and procedures.

Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT): After basic flight training, aspiring fighter pilots go through UPT, which can last from 9 to 12 months. In this program, students learn advanced flying techniques, instrument flight, navigation, and more.

Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT): For those selected for fighter aircraft like the F-16, they may undergo specialized training programs specifically designed for high-performance fighter aircraft. This phase can last 6 to 9 months.

Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF): After completing SUPT, aspiring fighter pilots often attend an IFF course. This course introduces them to the tactics and techniques used in fighter aircraft, typically lasting around 3-4 months.

Formal F-16 Training: Once these foundational stages are completed, the pilot will then enter formal training for the F-16. This phase can take about 6 to 9 months, depending on the specific training program.

After the completion of formal F-16 training, the pilot will be considered "qualified" to operate the aircraft, but this doesn't necessarily mean they are immediately "combat ready." The final step in becoming combat-ready involves additional training, often referred to as "Mission Qualification Training" (MQT) or "Combat Initial Qualification" (CIQ).

This advanced training focuses on the specific missions, tactics, and weapons systems associated with the F-16. The length of this phase varies, but it typically takes several months. During this phase, pilots will engage in simulated and live training exercises to prepare them for combat situations.

The entire process from basic flight training to becoming fully combat-ready in an F-16 can take several years, often ranging from 2 to 4 years or more, depending on the pilot's performance, the availability of training slots, and the specific training pipeline.

It's important to note that this is a generalized timeline, and the actual duration can vary significantly based on the training program and the country's military policies. Additionally, pilots will continue to undergo recurrent training and participate in ongoing professional development throughout their careers to maintain their combat readiness.