Norwegian chief of defense visits 80th FTW

  • Published
  • By John Ingle
  • 80th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs officer
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The world's only multi-nationally run pilot training program is meeting the needs of the Royal Norwegian Air Force in all facets, a top Norwegian defense official said April 10.

Gen. Sverre Diesen, the country's chief of defense, said the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program at the 80th Flying Training Wing provides what smaller militaries are looking for - a well-organized, affordable and cost effective pilot training program.

"This is a very efficient and successful program," the general said after visiting the program's flight simulation facility during his one-day visit. "Participation for a small country that could never attain the efficiency and success at the same cost is ideal."

One of the more cost-effective initiatives in the program is the use of technology. With simulators available for each training aircraft at the 80th FTW, General Diesen said it allows student pilots to gain valuable experience in a controlled environment and make their early mistakes on the ground instead of in the air.

"Simulation technology is coming to where you can talk about the balance between simulation and the real thing," he said. "The only real difference is the psychology."

A member of the Norwegian Army since 1969, the general said he recognizes and understands the importance for having air support for those on the ground. Because of that, the country's military leaders have decided to increase the number Norwegian student pilots in the program to about 10 per year.

He said the goal is to have all Norwegian student pilots receive initial pilot training here before moving on to specialized training.

"The air situation is a binary thing," General Diesen said. "If you have air supremacy, you win. If you don't, you lose."

Norway provides student for all phases of ENJJPT. Since the country's participation in the program, 289 Norwegians have graduated from the undergraduate pilot training phase, and another 74 have completed Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals training.

The general said pilots should have the ability to provide air-to-air and air-to-ground support, not one or the other. He said they cannot afford to have single-minded missions. In today's environment, it's important to have both capabilities.