Nigerian AVM views SUPT training

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - Columbus Air Force Base’s Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) program produces some of the best Air Force aviators, and assists in the development of pilots for international partners. Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Aliyu Bello, director of training for the Nigerian Air Force, toured CAFB on Jan. 24 to get a first-hand view of the SUPT training and to check on a Nigerian student who is currently in class. “The Nigerian and U.S. Air Forces have had a long standing history,” Bello said. “Nigerian pilots who have went through training here have excelled (and) peaked in their careers.” Bello and his group began by exploring the base’s T-6 Texan II simulator, and viewing just how simulators aid student-pilots throughout training. They also went to various squadrons and witnessed the new virtual reality (VR) equipment that SUPT pilots use to train. The VR technology used by the 14th Operations Group has the potential to give student-pilots more practice in a virtual cockpit, and that allows them to fix discrepancies or issues. “We are very impressed with the innovations and technology used here to help student pilots train,” Bello said. “We plan to send more here in the future.” (Source: CAFB 02/01/19)