Middies get advance view at T-6B

U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen got a 360-degree view of flight training during Aviation Selection Night on Jan. 9 marking a new era in technology for prospective flight students. In a partnership between Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA), Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD), USNA launched two T-6B Texan II virtual reality flight simulator during the event. The VR trainers will help prepare Midshipmen selected for flight training in an “early start” concept, said Deputy Commandant for Leadership and Character Development and Senior Naval Aviator Navy Capt. Ryan Bernacchi. “Their delivery has generated quite a buzz” … among those who are selected for flight training upon graduation. The T-6B Texan II is the aircraft used during primary flight training for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The objective of getting a previewed start is to deliver newly commissioned officers to CNATRA who possess some familiarity with T-6B procedures and later delivering aviators to the fleet more quickly. This year’s aviation selectees included 275 Midshipmen for pilot training and nearly 50 for naval flight officer training. Upon graduation, these men and women will report to the “Cradle of Naval Aviation” at NAS Pensacola, Fla. (Source: CNATRA 01/09/20) https://www.dvidshub.net/news/359289/midshipmen-get-virtual-start-navy-pilot-training