First four SVK Air Force pilots on training in United States get to fly F-16 fighter jets
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- Date: 29.04.2021
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First Lieutenant Lukáš Kúdela has become the first SVK Air Force pilot to fly the F-16 fighter jet. His first flight happened under the supervision of a US instructor at a United States AFB in Arizona, where four SVK Air Force pilots were treated to their first flight in the F-16 tactical fighter jet. They are following the F-16 Pilot Training Programme in the USA.
Sharing his first impressions of the F-16 fighter jet, First Lieutenant Lukáš Kúdela said: “In my subjective opinion, it is easier to pilot the F-16 fighter jet than the T-38 jet trainer. Even performance-wise, compared to the other aircraft we have flown so far, there is a big difference. Speaking on behalf of us all, after touching down for the first time, I must say we are all excited that we finally got into the F-16 cockpit and took to the skies despite the strenuous training curriculum.”
In addition to the four pilots in Arizona, another two SVK AF pilots are undergoing the F-16 Pilot Training Programme in the United States of America. Additional eight pilots are going through pre-deployment training at Sliač air base, where they are practising flying the L-39 tactical trainer and improving their English language skills, including English Airspeak. Subsequently, they will be deployed to undertake pilot training in the USA according to an agreed time schedule.
The first seven F-16 fighter jets will be delivered into operational service with the SVK Air Force in 2023. The first group of SVK Air Force pilots is due to complete the pilot training programme that same year. The last group of SVK Air Force pilots is scheduled to finish pilot training in 2028.
The acquisition of 14 new F-16 tactical fighter jets was negotiated under a G2G deal by the former MOD leadership. The current MOD leadership has commissioned a complex infrastructure upgrade to Sliač air base and airport, with focus on accommodating the new F-16 fleet and on preserving the civilian section of the airport.
Sharing his first impressions of the F-16 fighter jet, First Lieutenant Lukáš Kúdela said: “In my subjective opinion, it is easier to pilot the F-16 fighter jet than the T-38 jet trainer. Even performance-wise, compared to the other aircraft we have flown so far, there is a big difference. Speaking on behalf of us all, after touching down for the first time, I must say we are all excited that we finally got into the F-16 cockpit and took to the skies despite the strenuous training curriculum.”
In addition to the four pilots in Arizona, another two SVK AF pilots are undergoing the F-16 Pilot Training Programme in the United States of America. Additional eight pilots are going through pre-deployment training at Sliač air base, where they are practising flying the L-39 tactical trainer and improving their English language skills, including English Airspeak. Subsequently, they will be deployed to undertake pilot training in the USA according to an agreed time schedule.
The first seven F-16 fighter jets will be delivered into operational service with the SVK Air Force in 2023. The first group of SVK Air Force pilots is due to complete the pilot training programme that same year. The last group of SVK Air Force pilots is scheduled to finish pilot training in 2028.
The acquisition of 14 new F-16 tactical fighter jets was negotiated under a G2G deal by the former MOD leadership. The current MOD leadership has commissioned a complex infrastructure upgrade to Sliač air base and airport, with focus on accommodating the new F-16 fleet and on preserving the civilian section of the airport.
