Local Jobs for Air Force in-Service Support Contract

08 Agustus 2015

RAAF Hawk 127 with AIM-9 (photo : Wolodymir Nelowkin)

The Australian Government welcomes the creation of 116 local jobs following the signing of a multi-million dollar defence contract with BAE Systems Australia.

The scope of BAE Systems Australia’s current in-service support contract for the Hawk Lead-In Fighter has been increased to include operational maintenance.

Valued at approximately $126 million, this represents great news for Australia’s air defence capability and Australian defence industry.

Hawk 127 with external tank (photo : McCreath)

Importantly, this will also support the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in redirecting personnel from this work in support of other critical strategic priorities such as the Joint Strike Fighter.

The Hawk Lead-In Fighter prepares qualified Air Force pilots for operational conversion to F/A-18A Classic Hornets and F/A-18F Super Hornets and into the future Growlers and the Joint Strike Fighter.

The changes to the contract will create 68 jobs at Williamtown, New South Wales and 48 at RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia.

(Aus DoD)

Bonanza G36 Pesawat Latih Dasar TNI Angkatan Laut

10 Juli 2015

Pesawat latih TNI AL jenis Beechcraft Bonanza G-36 (photos : Berita Daerah, Prokimal)

Guna meningkatkan kemampuan prajurit penerbang, TNI Angkatan Laut menambah 4 buah pesawat latih dasar Bonanza G36 yang bermesin piston 6 cylinder dan terintegrasi dengan
sistim avionik garmin G-1000, monitor engine, sistim komunikasi, sistim navigasi, auto pilot, dan radar cuaca, yang diserahkan Kepala Staf Angkatan Laut (Kasal) Laksamana TNI Ade Supandi, S.E. kepada Pusat Penerbangan Angkatan Laut (Puspenerbal) belum lama
ini.

Kasal mengatakan sudah mempunyai 8 pesawat single engine dan berencana menambah 4 unit lagi. “Kita berharap kuota 12 unit pesawat latih single engine bisa terpenuhi dan twin engine 6 unit bisa terpenuhi sehingga mampu meningkatkan kemampuan pilot Angkatan Laut sebagai kepanjangan tangan dan deteksi kapal permukaan laut,” jelasnya.

Kasal juga berpesan kepada Komandan Puspenerbal, Laksamana Pertama TNI Sigit Setiyanta agar menjaga dan merawat 4 unit pesawat latih Bonanza G36 buatan Beechcraft, Wichita, Kansas, Amerika Serikat. Komandan Puspenerbal.

Laksamana Pertama TNI Sigit Setiyanta mengatakan, pesawat latih yang akan tergabung dalam skuadron 200 Wing Udara I Puspenerbal di Surabaya merupakan bagian dari program pembangunan kekuatan TNI AL berdasarkan Minimum Essential Force hingga tahun 2024.

“Pesawat latih dasar ini akan digunakan untuk mendidik calon-calon penerbang TNI AL sebelum mengoperasikan pesawat operasional, penambahan 4 pesawat yang mampu mencapai ketinggian maksimal 5.600 meter di atas permukaan laut ini untuk memenuhi pembangunan kekuatan penerbangan,” lanjut Danpusnerbal di Base Ops Lanudal Juanda.

“Oleh karena itu, Kasal terus melakukan upaya untuk memenuhi pembangunan kekuatan dan mendorong pengadaan pesawat udara untuk memenuhi kebutuhan fungsi intai udara taktis, anti kapal selam serta dukungan logistik cepat dan pengamatan laut,” ungkap Pati bintang satu ini.

Dalam periode 2015-2019, TNI AL berkomitmen membangun kekuatan khususnya untuk pesawat udara yakni helikopter anti kapal selam 11 buah, helikopter anti kapal permukaan air sebanyak 8 unit, helikopter angkut taktis 4 unit. Pesawat Bonanza G36 sejumlah 4 pesawat latih diadakan dengan mitra kerja sebagai penyedia yaitu PT Krida Setia Abadi .

Selain itu TNI AL juga mengembangkan beberapa Pangkalan Udara Angkatan Laut (Lanudal) Kelas A sebagai antisipasi pengembangan Kogabwilhan Armada Timur, Tengah dan Barat menuju world class navy. 

(Cakrawala)

Republic of Singapore Extends Air Grading Contract with BAE Systems

29 Juni 2015

BAE Systems to provide the RSAF with CT-4B aircraft inflying training located in Tomworth (photo : ocean software)

Tamworth, NSW: BAE Systems has been awarded an extension to its contract to support the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Air Grading Centre (AGC) – Flying Training Institute (FTI) from its Flight Training Academy located in Tamworth, NSW.

BAE Systems will continue to provide the RSAF with aircraft, purpose built training facilities, instructor training, student accommodation and recreational facilities until the end of 2019.

Under the contract extension, the RSAF aims to increase the number of students that undertake air grading from 220 to 240 annually. The AGC will continue to be supported by a permanent detachment of 12 RSAF personnel who, along with their families, make a valued contribution to the local Tamworth community.

During the recent AGC Contract Performance Review, the RSAF Head of Air Training, Colonel Ho Yung Peng, stated that the excellent working relationship between the RSAF and BAE Systems has delivered solid contractual outcomes to date.

BAE Systems Australia Director Aerospace Steve Drury said: “We are honoured to continue providing the Singapore Air Force with aircraft and training equipment to meet their future aircrew training needs. We welcome the RSAF’s continued support for Flight Training Tamworth and BAE Systems as their on-going partner for air grading activities.”

Mr Drury continued: “This extension with the RSAF maintains our broad customer base beyond the Australian Defence Force, which is an important element of our long-term flight training business in Tamworth.”

(BAE Systems)

Bandara Adisutjipto Overload, TNI AU akan Manfaatkan Bandara Gading Gunungkidul

10 Juni 2015

Lanud Adisucipto menjadi basis pendidikan penerbang TNI AU (photo : Kaskus Militer)

Harianjogja.com, JOGJA- Untuk mengurangi kepadatan penerbangan di Bandara Adisucipto Jogja yang dinilai overload, pemerintah berencana menfungsikan Bandara Gading di Gunungkidul sebagai tempat latihan terbang militer TNI Angkatan Udara (AU).

Pemanfaatan Bandara Gading akan dilakukan jika perbaikan dan pembangunan fasilitas pendukungnya selesai dilakukan. Jika itu terjadi, maka kepadatan latihan latihan terbang militer di Adisucipto bisa terkurangi setidaknya 50%.

“Kami siap menggunakan Bandara Gading jika seluruh sarana dan prasarananya siap,” ujar Komandan Lanud Adisutjipto, Marsekal Pertama (Marsma) TNI Imran Baidirus di Kepatihan Jogja, Senin (8/6/2015).

Dia menjelaskan, dalam satu hari ada lebih 100 kali penerbangan militer dan 80 kali penerbangan sipil yang ada di Bandara Adisitjipto. Dengan kondisi tersebut, katanya, trafik penerbangan di bandara tersebut sangat padat padahal luas bandara sangat sempit.

“Kalau Bandara Gading difungsikan, maka itu bisa mengakomodasi latihan terbang touch and go atau take off dan landing. Selain itu, load factor frekuensi penerbangan militer bisa ditekan di Bandara Adisutjipto,” imbuhnya.

Asekda Perekonomian dan Pembangunan Setda DIY, Didik Purwadi ?mengatakan, Pemerintah DIY masih membahas bersama Kementrian Perhubungan terkait persiapan Bandara Gading di Gunungkidul untuk TNI AU.

Pembangunan Bandara Gading, menurutnya sudah dianggarkan di Kemenhub pada 2014 lalu.

Tapi anggaran tersebut tidak bisa dicairkan karena ditandai bintang oleh Kemenkeu. “Jadi, proggresnya sampai sekarang, masih terkendala persoalan anggaran [perbaikan]. Untuk menyikapi masalah ini, kami sudah membentuk tim kecil untuk berkonsultasi dengan Kementrian Keuangan,” jawab Didik.

Dia menambahkan, ?sejak 2003 lalu sudah ada kesepakatan antara Gubernur DIY dan Mabes TNI AU untuk memanfaatkan Bandara Gading sebagai tempat latihan terbang personel AAU. Pemindahan latihan terbang ke Bandara Gading, diakuinya, mampu mengurangi volume penerbangan di Bandara Adisutjipto.

“Proses pembangunan Bandara Gading terus dikerjakan sejak 2004 lalu dan sampai kini belum kunjung selesai karena masih butuh anggaran dari APBN,” terang Didik.

(Harian Jogja)

TNI AU Tambah Grob

08 Juni 2015

Pesawat Latih Dasar Grob dalam proses perakitan (photo : Kaskus Militer)

Enam pesawat Latih Dasar Grob G 120 TP-A menambah kekuatan Skadron Pendidikan 101 sehingga kini jumlah pesawat Gob yang dimiliki TNI AU menjadi 24 unit.

Enam pesawat tambahan dengan registrasi LD-1219 hingga LD-1224 tersebut tiba di Lanud Adisutjipto pada 3 Mei lalu.

Angkasa Magazine no. 9. Juni 2015. Tahun XXV

President Tony Tan Keng Yam Visits the RSAF's 150 Squadron in France

22 Mei 2015

RSAF's 150 Squadron at Cazaux Air Base approximately 56 km southwest of Bordeaux., France (photo : RSAF)

As part of his State Visit to France, President Tony Tan Keng Yam visited the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) 150 Squadron at Cazaux Air Base today. Hosted by the Chief of Air Force, Major-General Hoo Cher Mou, President Tan officiated at the opening of the Ground Training Centre, toured the detachment's facilities and interacted with RSAF personnel. He also met the families of the RSAF staff based in Cazaux Air Base and thanked them for their support.

President Tan was accompanied by Mrs Mary Tan, Minister for Communications and Information Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Second Minister for Defence Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Members of Parliament Mr Baey Yam Keng and Ms Ellen Lee, and other senior RSAF officers.

President Tony Tan Keng Yam (in suit), accompanied by Mrs Mary Tan (on his left) and Chief of Air Force Major-General Hoo Cher Mou (on his right), viewing the M-346 Full Mission Simulator. (photo : Sing Mindef)

Sharing his thoughts on the visit, President Tan said, "I last visited Cazaux Air Base in 1998. I was impressed to learn about the new state-of-the-art training facilities and systems that have been developed to train our RSAF aircrew. Such continuous development will better enable our aircrew to be equipped with the skills needed to defend our country. We are also appreciative of France's support towards RSAF's training."

150 Squadron operates the M-346 Advanced Jet Trainer which was inaugurated by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen in September 2014. The M-346 replaces the A-4SU Super Skyhawk, and enhances fighter aircrew training with its sophisticated simulations, aerodynamic performance, and modern avionics systems.

Cazaux Air Base is home to 150 Squadron and its personnel, including Pilots, Air Force Engineers, trainees and support staff. The RSAF has conducted flying training in France since 1998, and both Air Forces also interact regularly through various professional exchanges and courses. These interactions are testament to the excellent and long-standing defence relations between the two countries.

(Sing Mindef)

RMAF To Receive 5 Pilatus PC-7 MKII Next Year

18 Mei 2015

RMAF Pilatus PC-7 (photo : chws)

ALOR SETAR (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will get five Pilatus PC-7 Mark II aircraft by end of next year to add to its fleet of training aircraft.

Its chief, General Datuk Seri Roslan Saad said the five aircraft were purchased last year from Pilatus Aircraft, Switzerland, to be used by trainee pilots at the Air Force College (KTU) here.

He said so far they have 16 PC-7 Mark II aircraft purchased in 1999 and 2006, but the number was not sufficient to accommodate the number of trainee pilots at a time.

He said the purchase of these aircraft is to replace the 32 Pilatus PC-7 Mark I aircraft which are over 30 years old, purchased by RMAF since 1983.

"The more than 30 years old aircraft will be disposed off in stages. We hope with these new aircraft, we will be able to produce more pilots in the future," he said after presenting Flight Wings to 27 young RMAF officers here Saturday.

Roslan said they would also hire six Eurocopter C120 helicopters from local companies over a period of five years, for training trainee pilots in KTU.

(Bernama)

US Company Participate in VPAF L-39 Upgrade

01 Mei 2015

VPAF L-39 aircraft (photo : BuTianKhiem, Soha)

The company Aero Vodochody aircraft and company Draken International (USA) has launched the upgrade package combat training aircraft L-39 jet.

Journal Airrecognition said aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody of the Czech Republic and the US company Draken International Cooperation have jointly launched the next upgrade package for line training aircraft L-39 capital by Aero Vodochody development since the late 1960s.

Draken International is one of the US defense company specializing in providing technical assistance, maintenance and repair of aviation to fly combat aircraft or train used in the US.

The latest upgrade transformers L-39, also known as L-39NG allows owners of the L-39 was active in the US can be comprehensively modernized. With significantly enhanced performance of the aircraft as well as improve safety for the L-39 life expectancy has more than 40 years.

Programme L-39NG upgrade adds to this antiquated aircraft technologies most advanced aviation. Most prominent is still equipping L-39NG jet engines Williams International FJ44-4M help it can improve the speed of flight, and the scope of activities as well as the stability of the aircraft when operated continuously.

Besides, L-39NG is equipped with new electrical system and allows removal of the old system with the relevant parts L-39NG help significantly reduce weight compared to the original version. And the L-39NG cockpit is also equipped with some new parts or replacement devices use duration has expired, including overhauling the ejection seat for the pilot.

In addition, L-39NG upgrade package also help aircraft reduce fuel consumption by 15%, reduce maintenance costs associated with the addition of routine maintenance support parallel with upgrading programs. Maintenance period for new engine takes 4 weeks FJ44-4M also for jet engine AI-25TL prototype L-39 take at least 4-6 months of L-39NG weight decreased about nearly 150kg using new engine and replace the old phone system.

According to executive director of Draken International Jared Isaacman said, with being one of the operating companies significant amount of the L-39 in the US, L-39NG upgrade package is considered to be quite fit Benefits of Draken International as well as potential customers in the Americas.

Draken International course will be the sole company offering upgraded L-39NG package market in the Americas based on an agreement with Aero Vodochody was signed last year. Accordingly the company will support maintenance, repair and overhaul line jet training aircraft L-39 and L-159 manufactured by Aero Vodochody and in the future as part of the assembly line production of the aircraft at the US.

(KienThuc)

TNI AL Tambah Lagi Pesawat Latih

20 April 2015

Pesawat latih Bonanza G-36 milik Skuadron Udara 200 Wing Udara 1 Puspenerbal (photo : Diana Haryanti)

TNI AL Tambah 4 Pesawat Latih Bonanza G36

Surabaya - TNI Angkatan Laut terus meningkatkan kemampuan prajurit udaranya dengan menambah pesawat latih. Hari ini, Pusat Penerbangan Angkatan Laut (Puspenerbal) Juanda mendapatkan 4 buah pesawat latih dasar Bonanza G36 yang diserahkan langsung KSAL Laksamana TNI Ade Supandi.

Komandan Puspenerbal, Laksamana Pertama Sigit Setiyanta mengatakan, pesawat latih yang akan tergabung dalam skuadron 200 wing Udara I Puspenerbal di Surabaya merupakan bagian dari program pembangunan kekuatan TNI AL berdasarkan Minimum Essential Force hingga tahun 2024.

"Pesawat latih dasar ini akan digunakan untuk mendidik calon-calon penerbang TNI AL sebelum mengoperasikan pesawat operasional," katanya pada wartawan di Base Ops Lanudal Juanda, Senin (20/4/2015).

Sigit menambahkan, penyerahan 4 pesawat yang mampu mencapai ketinggian maksimal 5.600 meter di atas permukaan laut ini untuk memenuhi pembangunan kekuatan penerbangan.

"Oleh karena itu, KSAL terus melakukan upaya untuk memenuhi pembangunan kekuatan dan mendorong pengadaan pesawat udara untuk memenuhi kebutuhan fungsi intai udara taktis, anti kapal selam serta dukungan logistik cepat dan pengamatan laut," ungkap dia.

Perlu diketahui dalam periode 2015-2019, TNI AL berkomitmen membangun kekuatan khususnya untuk pesawat udara yakni helikopter anti kapal selam 11 buah, helikopter anti kapal permukaan air sebanyak 8 unit, helikopter angkut taktis 4 unit.

Selain alutsista udara, TNI AL juga akan mengembangkan beberapa pangkalan udara Angkatan Laut (Lanudal) Kelas A sebagai antisipasi pengembangan Kogabwilhan Armada Timur, Tengah dan Barat. (Detik)

4 pesawat latih Bonanza G36 yang diserahkan ke TNI AL (photo : Detik)

Usai Datangkan Bonanza G36, TNI AL akan Beli 6 Twin Engine

Surabaya - TNI AL bertekad meningkatkan kemampuan udaranya. Usai mendatangkan 4 unit pesawat latih dasar Bonanza G36, TNI AL akan kembali membeli pesawat latih jenis twin engine.

Menurut KSAL Laksamana TNI Ade Supandi, pembelian pesawat latih twin engine, dalam program pengadaan alutsista pesawat latih sebagai bentuk upaya meningkatkan kemampuan prajurit agar berkelanjutan.

"4 unit pesawat latih Bonanza G36 kan single engine dan tahun ini akan ada pengadaan pesawat latih twin engine agar kemampuannya berkelanjutan," kata KSAL usai penyerahan 4 pesawat latih Bonanza G36 ke Puspenerbal di Base Ops Lanudal Juanda, Senin (20/4/2015).

Dengan adanya pesawat latih dasar Bonanza G36, Ade mengaku sudah mempunyai 8 pesawat single engine dan berencana menambah 4 unit lagi. "Kita berharap kuota 12 unit pesawat latih single engine bisa terpenuhi dan twin engine 6 unit bisa terpenuhi sehingga mampu meningkatkan kemampuan pilot Angkatan Laut sebagai kepanjangan tangan dan deteksi kapal permukaan laut," ungkap dia.

Ia juga berpesan kepada Komandan Puspenerbal, Laksamana Pertama Sigit Setiyanta agar menjaga dan merawat 4 unit pesawat latih dasar buatan Amerika Serikat yang dibeli seharga Rp 59 miliar.

Perlu diketahui dalam periode 2015-2019, TNI AL berkomitmen membangun kekuatan khususnya untuk pesawat udara yakni helikopter anti kapal selam 11 buah, helikopter anti kapal permukaan air sebanyak 8 unit, helikopter angkut taktis 4 unit.


Selain alutsista udara, TNI AL juga akan mengembangkan beberapa pangkalan udara Angkatan Laut (Lanudal) Kelas A sebagai antisipasi pengembangan Kogabwilhan Armada Timur, Tengah dan Barat. (Detik)

PAF Allocates PHP1.5M for Propeller Repair of SF-260 Trainer Fleet

13 April 2015

PAF SF 260 Marchetti (photo : PAF)

MANILA (PNA) -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has appropriated the sum of PHP1.5 million for the spare parts needed in the overhaul and repair the propeller assemblies of its SF-260 trainer aircraft.

Pre-bid conference is scheduled this April 14 at 1 p.m. at PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

While submission and opening of bids is slated for April 28 at 9 a.m. in the same venue.

Prospective bidders should have an experience in similar project within the last five years.

The SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 is an Italian light aircraft marketed as an aerobatics and military trainer.

It was designed by Stelio Frati, originally for Aviamilano, which flew the first prototype of it (then designated F-260) on July 15, 1964.

Actual production was undertaken when SIAI Marchetti purchased the design soon thereafter and continued with this firm until the company was bought by Aermacchi in 1997.

The military versions are popular with smaller air forces, which can also arm it for use in the close-support role.

The PAF is known to operate between 10 to 18 units of the this aircraft in its inventory. 

(PNA)

PAF to Overhaul Propeller Assemblies of T-41D Trainer Aircraft

06 April 2015

T-41D Mescalero as basic trainer of the PAF (photo : Rogler Westerhuls)

MANILA (PNA) -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is allocating PHP3 million for the overhaul of the propeller assemblies of five of its Cessna T-41D "Mescalero" trainer aircraft.

Submission and opening of bids is on April 14.

It will be held 9 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

Prospective bidders should have an experience in similar project within the last five years.

The PAF is known to operate between 20 to 30 units of the T-41D for pilot training mission.

The T-41 is a military version of the popular Cessna 172, operated by the United States Air Force and Army as well as the armed forces of various other countries as a pilot training aircraft. 

(PNA)

Last T-6C Trainers Head for New Zealand

02 April 2015

RNZAF T-6C trainer aircraft (photo : AirTeamImages)

New Zealand’s final pair of Beechcraft T-6C trainers are on their way to the nation, where they will complete an 11-strong fleet of the type.

Registered as NZ1410 and NZ1411, the aircraft departed the US manufacturer’s Wichita assembly site in Kansas on 27 March at the start of their long-distance delivery. Its first two examples made the journey last August.

The aircraft (final example pictured on arrival in Birmingham, UK, on 31 March) were ordered for the Royal New Zealand Air Force in January 2014 under a deal worth NZ$154 million ($114 million), which also included ground-based training equipment. Deliveries have been completed ahead of a schedule outlined at the time of the award, which called for all 11 T-6Cs to be delivered by mid-2015.

Operations with the new type are performed by the air force’s Ohakea-based 14 Sqn.

(FlightGlobal)

PAF's S-211 to Get Environmental Control System Upgrade

30 Maret 2015

PAF S-211 aircraft (photo : Timawa)

MANILA (PNA) -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has allocated PhP39,614,257.57 for the acquisition of spares needed for the upgrading of the environmental control system of one of its SIAI-Marchetti S-211 jet aircraft.

The environmental control system provides air supply, thermal control and cabin pressurization for the crew and passengers.

Avionics cooling, smoke detection, and fire suppression are also commonly considered part of an aircraft's environmental control system.

Pre-bid conference is scheduled for March 30 at 11 a.m.at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City. On the other hand, bid opening and submission is scheduled for April 14 at 9 a.m. at the same venue.

Prospective bidders should have an experience in similar project within the last five years.

The PAF operates three to five S-211s and uses it for air defense and attack missions. 

(PNA)

Pesawat Latih AS-202 Bravo Pensiun, Digantikan G-120TP Grob

27 Maret 2015

Pesawat latih AS-202 Baro (photo : TNI AU)

Pesawat Bravo Pensiun, Sekbang A 89 Pertama Gunakan Pesawat Grob

Penerbang militer adalah identik dengan penerbang tempur. Dan untuk membentuk calon penerbang militer yang memiliki kualifikasi handal, memerlukan pendidikan dengan waktu yang panjang dan beresiko tinggi. Agar program tersebut dapat berjalan lancar dan aman, diperlukan suatu proses yang konsisten dan berlanjut, dengan tahapan-tahapan yang sistematis, ketat dan tanpa kompromi. Hal ini ditempuh karena bakat dan kemampuan terbang bagi setiap siswa, tidaklah sama. Sementara kemampuan terbang tidak bisa ditawar-tawar. Toleransi sekecil apapun terhadap kekurangmampuan dari setiap siswa, mengandung resiko potensi yang membahayakan, tidak saja bagi diri calon penerbang itu sendiri, namun juga bagi orang lain dan alutsista yang digunakannya. Dengan kriteria demikian, secara jelas tersurat bahwa TNI AU, tidak akan mengambil resiko yang mungkin dapat terjadi akibat dari kekurangmampuan para siswa.

Demikian Sambutan Komandan Pangkalan TNI AU Adisutjipto Marsekal Pertama TNI Yadi I Sutanandika, M.S.S, pada upacara tradisi Terbang solo Siswa Sekolah Penerbang (Sekbang) angkatan 89 di Shelter pesawat Grob Lanud Adisutjipto, Kamis (26/3)

Lebih lanjut Marsma TNI Yadi mengatakan “kalian patut bersyukur, karena tahapan bersejarah ini kalian telah mengunakan alutsista terbaru yaitu pesawat G 120 TP-A Grob yang pertama kali digunakan Sekbang baru Angkatan 89 ini.” Kalian merupakan generasi baru bagi TNI AU dan telah menjadi bagian penting dari proses modernisasi alutsista TNI AU.

Berhasil meraih predikat Terbang Solo Pertama adalah Letda Adm Hendra Zainuddin, sedang Letda Cpn Rizki Yudistira memperoleh predikat terbang Solo Terakhir. Namun demikian Komandan Lanud Adisutjipto juga menambahkan “bagi yang telah mendapat predikat itu bukanlah segalanya, karena masih banyak waktu lagi untuk membuktikan terbaik “, imbuhnya

Pesawat latih GT-120TP Grob (photo : TNI AU)

Tradisi yang dikemas dalam upacara militer ini ditandai upacara tambahan berupa pemotongan rambut yang diartikan (perubahan status) pemecahan telur diatas kepala perwakilan siswa sebagai tanda telah berhasilnya mereka “(menetas) menjadi burung yang bisa terbang. Selanjutnya pemberian kapas diartikan (mulai tumbuhnya sayap terbang) penyiraman kembang (penyucian dari segala yang buruk). Upacara dipimpin langsung oleh Komandan Lanud Adisutjipto, Marsma TNI Yadi I. Sutanandika, M.SS, Kadispers, Komandan Satuan, para instruktur penerbang, siswa serta ground crew yang terlibat langsung selama latihan.

Komandan Lanud Adisutjipto Marsekal Pertama TNI Yadi I Sutanandika, M.S.S juga menambahkan bahwa di setiap tahapan bina terbang sangat terbuka kemungkinan untuk menjadi penghalang yang menyebabkan kegagalan. Untuk itu Komandan Lanud menekankan kepada seluruh siswa Sekbang Angkatan ke-89 agar memelihara semangat belajar dan lebih mengedepankan konsentrasi pada setiap latihan terbang selanjutnya

“Latihan terbang tahap awal ini dilaksanakan di Lanud Adisutjipto selama kurang lebih 4 bulan. Siswa Sekbang Angkatan 89 ini terdiri dari 48 orang siswa. Selama latihan, siswa Sekbang Angkatan ke-89 menggunakan Pesawat Latih G 120 TP-A Grob dan sudah tidak lagi mengunakan pesawat latih Bravo seperti pendahulunya. Pesawat bravo sendiri telah dilikuidasi dan dinyatakan purna tugas terhitung tahun 2014, namun masih menunggu kelengkapan proses administrasi.” Mayor Tek Timbul.

(TNI AU)