Overview
The Concept
A recent restructuring of the Finnish Air Force’s (FINAF) flight training system has released a significant amount of fast jet trainer capacity. To fully utilise this surplus, the Finnish Ministry of Defence (MoD) is offering jet pilot training services to other military customers.
The Nordic Pilot Training Centre
The Nordic Pilot Training Centre (NPTC) has been established for the implementation of the concept. The NPTC offers fast jet training equivalent to NATO pilot training. The outcome is a pilot ready to join an operational conversion unit to fly a fourth or fifth generation fighter.
A Joint Effort of Patria and the Finnish Air Force
The NPTC will be set up by Patria, Finland's leading aviation life cycle support services provider, in cooperation with the FINAF. As the prime contractor, Patria is responsible for general facilitation and training system management of the NPTC. Patria is also providing most of the ground training and maintenance repair and overhaul services of the NPTC aircraft fleet.
The training environment, flight instructors and expertise is provided by the Finnish Air Force’s Training Air Wing (TAW) co-located with the NPTC. With over 80 years of experience, the FINAF’s training organisation is among the oldest military flight training organisations in the world.
Since 1995, the FINAF has operated the Boeing F-18C/D Hornet air defence fighter, which is kept at the cutting edge of fighter technology through the implementation of two mid-life upgrades. The aircraft is fitted with, among other features, a data link, AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System, and AIM-9X infra-red guided missiles. Modern GPS guided air to surface bombs will be part of the inventory after the second mid life update.
The FINAF’s reputation of producing highly skilled fighter pilots is widely recognised in Europe.
Prior to starting contractual negotiations with Patria, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) must be signed between the Ministries of Defence involved.
Benefits for Customers
- Flexible, tailor-made training programme
- Training tailored to meet the demands of individual trainees
- Glass cockpit aircraft – leading edge technology training
- Large airspace with minor restrictions – more training time
- European seasons with variable weather and lightning conditions
- Cost-efficiency – high-standard NATO style training for competitive prices
- Optimal downloading from fighter jet training – remarkable cost savings