KIRKUK — The Iraqi Air Force marked another milestone as new Iraqi pilots graduated from the second rotary wing and fifth fixed wing classes at the Iraqi Flight Training School here, Feb. 1.
The 17 new pilots completed rigorous training that included classroom time, simulator sorties and practical exercises in flying training devices. Four of the fixed wing graduates also qualified for T-6 training because they scored higher than 80 percent on the American Language Course Placement Test.
"These outstanding young officers will have wings pinned to their chests and will make the transition from student to operational pilot," said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott M. Hanson, Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission — Air Force and 321st Air Expeditionary Wing commanding general. "These new airmen will arrive at their units at a time of rapid growth as the Iraqi Air Force increases operations across the country in support of all Iraqi Security Forces, taking full responsibility for the protection of the Iraqi people."
The Iraqi Air Force began with five Iraqi pilots who trained in Britain in 1931, and grew to what was once the sixth largest air force in the world. It was nearly depleted during the 1991 Gulf War, and was grounded after the U.S., Britain and France seized control over Iraq's airspace in the 1990s. With every graduation of newly-trained pilots, Iraq's Air Force takes a step forward in the rebuilding process.
"After years of drought, we joined hands and exchanged common goals for the sake of rebuilding the Air Force and a free, democratic and unified Iraq," said Staff Brig. Gen. Ali, commander of the Iraqi Air Force College.
Ali reminded the audience to remember the initial five pilots of the Iraqi Air Force and the others who followed, sacrificing their lives for their country. "We remember them as role models and heroes," he said.
Including these graduating students, 65 pilots have graduated from the Iraqi Flight Training School, logging more than 9,000 hours of training since it opened, Oct. 1, 2007.
"It's no secret that the Iraqi people love the air force — especially its pilots — and have been wondering when the Iraqi falcons would be in the sky again, carrying the flag and rebuilding confidence in the armed forces," said Ali. "This will lead to a more secure country, the defeat of terrorists, bringing peace to Iraq."
