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321 AEAS conquers cultural differences to teach Iraqis to fly

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Randy Redman
  • 321st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGHDAD --  How long does it take to teach someone to fly? There really is no simple answer. However, advisors with the 321st Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron here are qualified to explain the intricacies of the art of flight. Advisors working directly with the Iraqi air force have trained more than 25 Iraqi pilots since 2008.

U.S. Navy Lt. Philip Ritchie, 321st AEAS training officer, has been deployed for three months of his year-long tour in Iraq. The Austin, Texas, native said the most significant challenge he has faced so far is finding ways to adapt to cultural differences.

"From what I have seen, the (Iraqi) pilots are receptive to western methodology, but I've found that I'm becoming more effective as an air advisor now that I am beginning to build an established relationship with the Iraqi pilots," said Lieutenant Ritchie, a T-44 King Air instructor pilot deployed from Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas.

"In the U.S., pilots are trained to a standard, and we're evaluated simply on how well we meet that standard, regardless of who you are or what you stand for," said Lieutenant Ritchie. "I think the Iraqis are willing to adopt the same concept, but it takes some mutual respect and establishing positive relationships in order to sell them on our techniques and policies."

Lt. Col. John Melloy, 321st AEAS commander, echoed the same sentiment regarding the differences in culture.

"Iraqi pilots are very capable, but often we have very different ways of doing things. I've found that we are very much entrenched in our own methods, but the Iraqi way is not necessarily less effective. We sometimes struggle with finding the balance between necessity and preference," said Colonel Melloy, who is deployed from Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.

An Iraqi pilot destined for the King Air 350 will often receive primary training in Kirkuk flying a Cessna 172 or Cessna 208, Lieutenant Ritchie said. Other individuals receive primary training on a CH-2000 at Ali Air Base near Nasiriyah, Iraq.

From there, many of them gain experience flying a Cessna Caravan before arriving at Squadron 87, New Al-Muthana Air Base, for multi-engine training. Many of the King Air pilots in Sq87 will be there long term. However, some will move on to the C-130 if the need arises.

Tech. Sgt. Troy DeLeon, 321st AEAS mission systems operator deployed from Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is 10 months into a year-long tour and said he will remember his time here forever because of the unique experiences during training with Iraqis.

"This has really been a life-changing event for me," said Sergeant Deleon, who is originally from Pensacola, Fla. "I have enjoyed working with the Iraqis and have made a lot of new friends here. I really hope that the Iraqis can take what we have taught them and can use it to help make their air force stronger."

Colonel Melloy, originally from Orange Park, Fla., said despite the challenges, the training program is flourishing. The Iraqis have been able to successfully plan and execute their own missions and should be able to keep the program running productively after the planned U.S. transition in December.

"The greatest success thus far has been their ability to autonomously support security operations during Iraq's public events. Iraq has recently seen millions of people gathering for Islamic pilgrimages or political events, and Squadron 87 answered their nation's call for ISR support," said Colonel Melloy.

"They were able to build and execute robust flight schedules, requiring no assistance from U.S. advisors. They proved that they could accomplish their assigned mission on their own... That capability has been one of our main goals from the beginning."

There are still challenges to overcome for Squadron 87 before it can be called a complete success. For example, the Iraqis have not yet developed a long-term solution for maintenance for the King Air. Additionally, there are only a handful of Iraqi instructor pilots who will be able to continue the training after U.S. advisors leave. Colonel Melloy said these milestones are being addressed.

"We're looking forward to graduating the next Iraqi King Air instructor pilot by the end of April and soon afterwards certifying their leadership as flight evaluators," said Colonel Melloy. "Once they've built an instructor and evaluator corps, they can continue training and certifying their aircrew autonomously, effectively becoming an enduring air power."