Mindelheim to Malmen – Swedish Air Force Pilots and Instructors Complete Rigorous Training Program for New Grob G120TP Aircraft
The Swedish Flygvapnet is set to officially receive its first batch of Grob G120TP training aircraft, designated as the SK 40, in the coming days. These new aircraft will be stationed in Malmen, and the official ceremony and reception are scheduled to take place on April 3rd. Prior to the delivery, the Air Force Academy staff underwent extensive training at the manufacturer’s facility in Mindelheim, including technical courses, simulator training, and computer-based training.
From Propellers to Jets – Grob G120TP Prepares Pilots for Advanced Training
In March 2020, the Swedish government authorized the acquisition of new training aircraft for its armed forces. The decision to select the Grob G120TP as the Basic Trainer Aircraft was made by Air Force Chief Carl-Johan Edström, who noted that the aircraft met all of the requirements for basic flight training. The G120TP will replace the existing SK 60 jet trainers and is part of a new training concept, where pilots will progress to the JAS 39 Gripen as an advanced trainer aircraft after completing their basic flight training on this propeller aircraft.
Seven Aircraft and a Simulator to be Delivered for New Training Concept
The initial delivery includes seven aircraft and a simulator, with an option for additional purchases. The flight instructors are undergoing eight flight sessions and four simulator sessions to become familiar with the operation of the Grob G120TP and its systems. They will also undergo further training before they start instructing new pilot trainees.
An operational validation (OPEVAL) is scheduled for the spring, which will develop a curriculum for basic flight training with the SK 40 for future combat pilots. In the fall, most of the future flight instructors for basic flight training will undergo the same training approach and courses. Peter Jacobsson, the head of the flight school, says that the goal is to fly as much as possible to ensure that every instructor feels confident in training new pilots on the SK 40.
Text by: Katerina Urbanova, EIC @ ACE, open sources
Pictures by: H3 Grob Aircraft SE
