The PTS replaced the BAE Systems Australia-run Basic Flying Training System (BFTS) operating the PAC CT-4B basic trainer at Tamworth, and the Pilatus PC-9/A advanced trainer operated by Central Flying School (CFS) at RAAF East Sale, and by 2 Flying Training School (2FTS) at RAAF Pearce. More than just a new training aircraft, the AIR 5428 PTS requirement called for a system comprising new training facilities, synthetic training devices, courseware, and an integrated training syllabus that would tie all of the project elements together. The PTS was also to provide initial flight training for candidate pilots for the joint Army/Navy Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) that was then being established under Project AIR 9000 Phase 7. The RFT called for a new generation aircraft capable of conducting undergraduate basic and advanced pilot courses ahead of post-graduate training conducted by RAAF lead-in fighter (LIF) and type-specific operational conversion units, and the training of Qualified Flying Instructors (QFIs). (ADF)Ī Request for Tender (RFT) for Project AIR 5428 PTS was released in August 2013 and closed in March 2014. Thus, the project’s drawn-out solicitation process introduced down-stream challenges which were largely driven by these technological advances, and the cultural changes necessary to move towards what is becoming an increasingly virtual training environment. Therefore, pilots will be required to process more information in order to make more tactical decisions faster.

While the sensors and the fusion of their data provides the F-35 pilot with far greater situational-awareness than previous generations of combat aircraft, there is a much greater volume of data coming in faster and in much higher fidelity than before. Operating the F-35 and other modern capabilities such as the F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, P-8A Poseidon, MH-60R Romeo, and various unmanned capabilities meant the next generation of ADF pilots would be required to not only fly the aircraft, but to be far more involved in ‘flying the mission’ in a networked environment. The primary catalyst for AIR 5428 was the RAAF’s commitment to the multi-national Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. Indeed, every aircraft in the ADF’s inventory except Army’s Black Hawk helicopter and the RAAF’s classic Hornet – both of which will retire in 2021 – has been replaced with new generation systems since the project commenced. Prior to AIR 5428, the ADF’s pilot training system was already highly-regarded, but was very-much an ‘analogue’ system geared towards previous generations of aircraft. But things appear to be slowly getting back on track. The Australian Defence Force’s ambitious AIR 5428 Phase 1 Pilot Training System (PTS) has been a long time in its development to meet its long-term goals of training a new generation of pilots for all branches of the ADF. New training system getting back on track (ADF)

Finale inventory utility programs