Monday 30 March 2026, the Commander of the United States Air Force Schools – Air Education and Training Command (AETC), Lt. Gen. Clark J. Quinn, accompanied by an American delegation, made an official visit to’International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Decimomannu.
The Commander of the Air Force Schools and of the 3rd Air Region welcomed the US delegation at the IFTS campus., Air Force General Francesco Vestito, accompanied by the Commander of the 61st Wing of Galatina, Colonel Gianfranco Liccardo, and from some representatives of the Leonardo company, as a testament to the institutional significance of the event and the strategic role played by the IFTS in the international training landscape.
The meeting is part of the established international cooperation activities in the field of flight training and represented an important opportunity to illustrate the training and educational capabilities expressed by 212th Flying Group/IFTS.
During a briefing, the Commander of the 61st Wing He illustrated the teaching methodologies adopted, the integration between advanced simulation systems and real flight activities, as well as the modern logistical infrastructure and facilities made available to attendees.
During the visit, the Lieutenant General Quinn He also participated in a training mission aboard a T-346 aircraft, an activity that allowed for direct verification of the performance and operational capabilities of the Phase IV trainer, highlighting the high level of excellence of the Italian military pilot training system.
Meanwhile, the other members of the delegation followed the mission within the Full Mission Simulator, observing the mission phases and aircraft evolutions in real time on a 360° spherical screen. Thanks to the advanced “Live, Virtual and Constructive” capabilities of the T-346 programme, it was indeed possible to faithfully replicate the operational scenario, enabling an immersive and synergistic experience between real and simulated activities, with the two-seater aircraft engaged in flight with Lt. Gen. Quinn himself on board.
In the Ground Based Training System (GBTS) building, the delegation was then able to gain a deeper understanding of the operation of the various devices that make up the “ground” component of the training system, a key element in ensuring a highly integrated and effective training pathway.
The visit follows in the wake of recent and significant collaborations between Italian Air Force and USAF in the field of training. Last January, the “wings” were presented by IFTS to ten pilot students from the United States Air Force, at the conclusion of their training course. An event that has further consolidated the school's international prestige and confirmed the effectiveness of the jointly developed training model.
The meeting on 30 March therefore represented not only a moment for operational discussion, but also further testament to the strength of the partnership between Italy and the United States in the military aeronautical training sector, projecting IFTS as a globally recognised centre of excellence.
