The first Aircrew Procedures Trainer device was recently delivered to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, by the Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges program office (PMA-205).

The Navy’s anticipated platform training system deliveries for deployed aircrew are now complete with the delivery of the first pilot trainer that will be integrated with a forward-deployed unit within the VAW community.

According to Capt. Kevin McGee, PMA-205 program manager, “the delivery of this training gadget to VAW-125 will alter the way Navy forward-deployed personnel train and enable them to win the high-end fight.” “The team worked very hard to deliver this capability and guarantee that our forward-deployed forces are well equipped to maintain and develop their abilities, even when deployed,” the statement continued.

With the APT device, deployed pilots can receive realistic, high-fidelity simulator training in fundamental flight operations, navigation, emergency procedures, crew resource management, tactics, instrument procedures, carrier familiarization, and other skills. By offering a secure setting where pilots can exercise for muscle memory and learn new abilities that they can use in an operational context, training time in the simulator helps to reduce risk.

Initially, the program office hired a trainer for Norfolk, Virginia. Airborne Command and Control and Logistics Wing signed and approved a requirement for a new device to be delivered to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, one month after the contract was awarded. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division team, in collaboration with industry partners, recognized the urgent need and came up with a novel solution to immediately address both this new requirement and the Fleet’s present needs. The PMA-205 E-2 training systems team negotiated the new delivery location within two months of the announcement.

According to Dave Adams, PMA-205 E-2 training systems team lead, “as with many contracting actions, there were complications and challenges that had to be overcome for this device to be delivered. However, with strong partnerships among all stakeholders this new high-fidelity trainer will help maintain the highest standards of readiness to meet Carrier Air Wing goals.”