Complete flying training system: F-Air 21 (formerly known as FOMEDEC)
Complete flying training system: F-Air 21 (formerly known as FOMEDEC)
As part of the F-Air 21 contract (formerly known as FOMEDEC), Babcock and its partner, Dassault Aviation, provide a complete system to the French Air Force (FAF) delivering world-class training to upcoming jet pilots and weapons systems officers (WSO).
A real game changer, the programme features a complete system combining simulation (accounting for roughly 40% of the training) and in-air flight training. This is an important step in the implementation of the FAF’s new plan to modernise the fighter crews’ training syllabus through the renewal of both equipment and training methods.
Upon mobilisation, the contract required the provision of 17 Pilatus PC-21 aircraft (featuring the latest integrated on-board simulation systems), three Part Task Trainers (PTT) and two Full Mission Simulators (FMS), among other ground-based training equipment (single pilot resource management and computer-based training) and infrastructures. F-Air 21 was also required to integrate the full range of simulation devices and construct a new simulation building alongside the renovation of two existing hangars.
The contract accepted its first cohort of trainee pilots in May 2019.
At a glance
- 11-year contract starting in December 2016
- Fleet availability adapted to support up to four sorties of 14 aircraft per day, plus a demanding night flying programme.
- Up to 11,000 flying hours and 6,500 simulated hours delivered per year.
- EMAR M and EMAR 145 certified aircraft maintenance