PAF sends S-70i pilots to train in Brunei

Philippine Air Force's helicopter pilots have been undertaking flight simulation training at CAE's Brunei Multi-Purpose Training Centre (BMPTC) since 16 November to learn how to fly the recently acquired fleet of Sikorsky S-70i combat utility helicopters. A CAE 3000 S-70i full-mission simulator is seen here in its final stages of assembly at the company's Montreal facility. (CAE)

The first group of Philippine Air Force's (PAF's) pilots will complete training on the Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk flight simulator at the Canadian Aviation Electronics (CAE) Brunei Multi-Purpose Training Centre (BMPTC) in Rimba, Brunei, by 27 December.

The Embassy of the Philippines in Brunei announced on 3 December that the flight simulation training programme for the PAF had formally launched on that day and that more pilots will join the programme in the coming years to learn how to fly the recently acquired fleet of S-70i combat utility helicopters.

“This is a milestone in our bilateral defence relations with Brunei. Notwithstanding the strong and dynamic defence co-operation between our countries, the programme represents a practical option for S-70i Black Hawk training as PAF pilots need not proceed to outside the ASEAN region. It opens up more opportunities for PAF pilots and allows greater interaction and exchanges between our Armed Forces”, said Chargé d'Affaires (CDA) of the Philippine Embassy Minister Pete Raymond V. Delfin.

The multi-year training programme follows an agreement signed between the PAF and the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF), as part of the continuing implementation of a bilateral memorandum of understanding on defence co-operation signed in 2001, the Embassy said.