A delegation from the Hungarian Air Force made a stop at the Salento Flying School. On Thursday 27 February 2020, a delegation from the Hungarian Air Force, led by Air Force Commander, Brig. Gen. Nandor Kilián, visited the 61st Wing. The activity was aimed at evaluating and understanding the training capabilities developed by the Italian Air Force, with particular reference to the integrated training system that prepares pilots for the use of 5th generation aircraft. The guests were welcomed by Colonel Alberto Surace, Commander of the 61st Wing, who presented the phases through which it develops flight training and the school's training offer, focusing on the introduction of the new training aircraft, the T345 – The High Efficiency Trainer, which will gradually replace the MB339 during phases 2 and 3 of flight training. Speaking on behalf of the Italian Air Force Training Command in Bari, to which the Wing is attached, Air Brigadier Luigi Casali then outlined The International Flight Training School (IFTS), a project promoted by Italian Air Force and Leonardo Company to re-establish and develop international leadership in integrated systems for military pilot training and to be able to contribute effectively to a successful promotion of the “Sistema Paese”. The delegation visited the main facilities dedicated to Phase IV of pilot training for combat aircraft, known as “Lead-In-to-Fighter Training”, which takes place on the system T-346. Within the building housing the ground floor section of the’Integrated Training System (ITS) T-346, the LVC (Live, Virtual and Constructivewhich permeates the entire process connected to the system and allows pilots to operate simultaneously, and in a combined manner, in live flight and on various types of simulators (virtual), interfacing with every type of computer-generated force/threat (constructive). These capabilities were tested during the visit to the most advanced simulator, the Full Mission Simulator, in whose cockpit guests had the opportunity to observe an aircraft in real flight, piloted by an instructor from the 61st Wing, with the Hungarian general himself on board. The experience also allowed guests to test the surprising performance of the phase IV trainer.
The 61st Wing, which reports to the Command of Air Force Schools/3rd Air Region of Bari, is a “flying school” whose primary mission is to provide jet aircraft training and instruction for pilot cadets. Specifically, at the Salento airbase, courses are held for Phase II “Primary Pilot Training” (selection of the future flight line assignment), Phase III “Fighter Track” (military pilot licence for those who will fly fighter aircraft), and Phase IV (Lead In-to Fighter Training – preparatory training for advanced combat aircraft.
