SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER
Minister for Defence
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
022/2009
NEW ADF PILOT TRAINING SYSTEM
The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, today announced that the
Government has given first pass approval for a major project to provide the
Australian Defence Force (ADF) with a new Pilot Training System.
“The new Pilot Training System will enhance the ADF’s ability to train highly
qualified and skilled pilots to operate its next generation of airborne
capabilities,” Senator Faulkner said.
“Over the coming decade, the ADF plans to replace almost all of its airborne
assets with the latest generation aircraft which will require a greater number of
pilots with more advanced skill-sets.”
“That replacement program will include fixed-wing new air combat aircraft to
be flown by Air Force pilots and new naval aviation and troop-lift helicopters to
be flown by Navy and Army pilots.”
Senator Faulkner said that the Defence Capability Plan 2009, which was
released on 1 July 2009, includes the replacement of the existing ADF pilot
training system with a more efficient and modern one. The system will be
procured using a performance based contract for construction and delivery of
pilot training.
The project, known as AIR 5428 Phase 1, will provide student pilots with the
necessary training and qualifications, including theory and flight experience, to
enable them to become pilots in the Navy, Army and Air Force. Through flight
screening and basic and advanced training, the new Pilot Training System will
prepare Air Force pilots for operational conversion and Army and Navy pilots
for transfer to advanced helicopter training.
“The Government will make a final decision about the new Pilot Training
System model in the period 2012-13 to 2014-15,” Senator Faulkner said. “The
new system will enter service in the 2015 to 2017 timeframe.”
“Importantly, Australian industry will have the opportunity to support the
delivery of this new capability.”
Media contacts:
Colin Campbell (John Faulkner):
02 6277 7800 or 0407 787 181
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
