First Indian Pilots Gain Their Wings on New Hawk

BAE Systems, RAF VALLEY, UK.: The first six Indian Air Force (IAF) flying instructors have successfully completed their ‘Convex Flying Programme’ on the BAE Systems Hawk 132 aircraft. 
 
Once the first Hawks have been delivered to the Indian Air Force later this year, these instructors will develop the new advanced fast jet training system and begin training students who will be the IAF’s next generation frontline pilots. 
 
Under the 10-week programme the pilots carried out ground school training and UK orientation simulator sorties at RAF Valley, avionics training at BAE Systems Brough, and sea survival training, prior to undertaking flying training. The flying phase covers 15 flights per pilot (including night flying) over a 5-week period, demanding a particularly high flying rate. 
 
Paul Comer, Indian Hawk senior instructor pilot, said “The course has been very wide ranging, covering all aspects of fast jet flying training. Despite the unseasonable UK weather, the 90 required sorties have been flown in just 5 weeks using, on average, only 2 aircraft. This rate of flying is quite an achievement for the aircraft and all of the Indian Hawk Convex team. The six IAF pilots have all adapted well to the new aircraft and have achieved a good standard in all the disciplines.”