Midshipmen Get Virtual Start to Navy Pilot Training

Midshipmen got a 360-degree view of flight training during Aviation Selection Night at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, marking a new era in technology for prospective flight students.

In a partnership between Chief of Naval Air Training(CNATRA), Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and Naval Air Warfare CenterTraining Systems Division (NAWCTSD), the U.S. Naval Academy launched twovirtual reality (VR) trainer devices during the event at Dahlgren Hall.

The VR trainers will help prepare Midshipmen selected forflight training in an “early start” concept, said Deputy Commandant forLeadership and Character Development and Senior Naval Aviator Navy Capt. RyanBernacchi.

“We are thrilled by the arrival of the Naval Academy’s firsttwo T-6B Texan II VR flight simulators,” Bernacchi said. “Their delivery hasgenerated quite a buzz, and our Midshipman are eager to get in and start to geta feel for what’s coming next for those who are selected for flight trainingupon graduation.”

Implementing VR trainers is a historic step for the U.S.Naval Academy’s aviation program. The two devices will allow students toexperience virtual flight in a T-6B Texan II, the aircraft used during primaryflight training for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The objective isto deliver newly commissioned officers to CNATRA who already possess somefamiliarity with T-6B procedures and subsequently deliver winged aviators morequickly to the fleet.

“The Naval Academy has always had a robust seamanshiptraining program utilizing training patrol craft and sailboats, but we haven’thad the ability to do any aviation training on the Academy Yard in over 100years,” Bernacchi said.

The VR trainers, now set up in a classroom at Luce Hall onAcademy grounds and already in use, could also provide an opportunity in thefuture for Academy leadership look at ways to assess aptitude and motivationfor the competitive selection process for Naval Aviation.

This year’s aviation selectees included 275 Midshipmen selected for pilot training and almost 50 selected for naval flight officer training. Upon graduation, these men and women will report to the “Cradle of Naval Aviation” at Naval Air Station Pensacola. The majority of aviation selectees then begin Initial Flight Screening, which includes ground school and flight in civil aircraft. However, students with a Power Flight Program waiver, FAA recreational pilot, private pilot, or higher certificate proceed directly to Aviation Preflight Indoctrination with Naval Aviation Schools Command.

Source: US Navy