Iraqi Pilots Begin Flight Training In U.S

Iraqi pilots have arrived in the U.S to begin training along with aspiring fighter pilots from the United States, Singapore, Poland, Denmark, Japan and the Netherlands at the U.S. Air Force's international F-16 schoolhouse at Tucson International Airport. "We have an opportunity to work with a critical partner in a very strategic region of world," said Col. Mick McGuire, 162nd Fighter Wing commander. "They have an opportunity to see what a professional operation we are and as a result of their visit I think we'll have a long-standing relationship with the Iraqi air force -- at least through 2020 -- training F-16 pilots and providing a true coalition warfighting partner for the United States and an ability for them to defend their country for years to come". "The F-16 project is most important for our two nations," Iraqi air force Brig. Gen. Abdulhussein Lafta Ali Ali said. "This is the first time Iraqis have flown F-16s. It's important for us to understand the training schedule and syllabus for our student pilots because the first pilots who train here will one day be examples for our other pilots". Each year, Air Guardsmen train more than 70 international student pilots and offer training from initial F-16 training to qualify new pilots to an advanced weapons course. Under the current contract between the U.S. and Iraq, the 162nd FW will train a total of 27 Iraqi pilots. Iraq is currently anticipating the delivery of F-16 Fighting Falcons in September 2014. And, until they receive their own fighters, the initial cadre of pilots will remain in Tucson. After they complete the six-to-eight month basic course they will continue through flight lead upgrade training, additional seasoning and instructor pilot certification.