Navy Reservist Leads Transformational Helicopter Pilot Training Program

FORT WORTH, TEXAS, UNITED STATES

12.20.2024

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Debra Thomas 

Navy Reserve - Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

U.S. Navy Reserve Commander Spencer Allen, a Fort Worth resident, is transforming
naval aviation training. He combines his unique civilian skills and military aviation
expertise to shepherd the next generation of pilots, producing skilled aviators faster and
at a lower cost.

The Navy Contract Operated Pilot Training - Rotary (COPT-R) program, located in Fort
Worth, Texas, was launched in 2023 by the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA). The
program streamlines the process of transforming newly commissioned officers into
helicopter pilots. Allen, a reservist attached to Submarine Group 7 who drills at Navy
Reserve Center Fort Worth, is currently recalled to active duty to lead the initiative as
officer-in-charge of the Fort Worth, Texas based program.

"Students complete their training an average of seven months earlier than their peers,
with each student representing a cost savings of approximately $230,000 for the Navy,"
Allen said.

The program boasts zero attrition among its 80 students to date. It also provides a
second chance for aspiring aviators who might otherwise be disqualified from flight
training due to medical reasons.

Lt. Noelle Gomez, a U.S. Coast Guard flight student said, "I got extremely airsick in the
T6, so I was able to come here and give flight school another shot."

Allen, who also works as a civilian instructor pilot at Bell Flight in Hurst, Texas, bridges
the gap between military requirements and civilian training methodologies. His role
involves liaising with Helicopter Institute, the civilian company running COPT-R, and
ensuring training meets Navy standards. His dual background proves particularly
valuable for students like Gomez.

"This job is almost tailor-made for me," Allen said. "I know what it takes to make a good
student and military aviator, but I also know where the civilian instructors are coming
from."

The program's ultimate goal, according to Allen, is warfighter readiness."We want
students that leave COPT-R to be in the best possible position to become pilots down
the road, to be the safest and most proficient aviators the Navy has to offer."
Allen's leadership has earned praise from his students. "He provides everything that we
need," Gomez said." He's here for moral support and helping us get through this
journey.”

Under Allen’s direction, COPT-R continues to evolve, standing as a testament to
innovation in military training, promising a brighter future for naval aviation.

• Date Taken: 12.20.2024
• Date Posted: 12.31.2024 19:13
• Story ID: 488571
• Location: FORT WORTH, TEXAS, US