80th Flying Training Wing engages in pilot training exchange with Finnish Air Force Academy

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt Elizabeth Notice
  • 80th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
TIKKAKOSKI, JYVÄSKYLÄ, Finland --  

U.S. Air Force Col. Jeffrey Shulman, 80th Flying Training Wing commander, visited the Finnish Air Force Academy March 24-25 to discuss pilot training methods, syllabus design and best practices for producing combat-ready aviators.

The visit between the 80th Flying Training Wing, host of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) program, and the Finnish Air Force Academy, emphasized the importance of international collaboration in military pilot training, reinforcing the enduring partnership between the U.S., Finland, and the broader NATO alliance.

“Sharing training insights with our NATO partners is invaluable,” said Shulman. “By exchanging ideas, struggles and observing different training approaches, we strengthen our collective capabilities and ensure our pilots are prepared to operate seamlessly together.”

During the visit, Shulman, joined by a team from ENJJPT, including the operations group training division chief and key instructor pilots, met with Finnish Air Force Lt. Col. Pekka Jyrkönen, Air Force Academy fighter squadron commander and observed essential aspects of the Finnish pilot training pipeline.

This included simulator sessions against live sorties flown by Finnish instructor pilots, alongside backseat flights in the Hawk using the Academy’s Live, Virtual, and Constructive system.

“Both our nations have strengths and challenges when it comes to pilot training,” said Jyrkönen. “The U.S. brings extensive resources and multinational perspectives, while Finland’s approach is nimble and adaptive. There’s a lot we can learn from each other.”

Discussions covered a range of topics, including training philosophy, student and instructor pilot development, and operational interoperability. Both commanders emphasized the importance of continued exchanges to enhance military pilot training.

“In the future, we will be training our fighter pilots for the same mission and to operate together,” said Jyrkönen. “Encouraging each other to step outside our comfort zones and view training from different perspectives allows us to refine our approaches and streamline our efforts.”

The visit underscores a shared commitment to pilot training excellence and the vital role of multinational cooperation in developing combat-ready aviators.

About ENJJPT: The ENJJPT program hosted at the 80th Flying Training Wing, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, is the world’s only multi-nationally manned and operated combat pilot training program. Established to train fighter pilots for NATO partner nations, ENJJPT exemplifies international cooperation, producing highly skilled aviators ready to operate in a joint environment.