First student-aviators fly TH-73A

MILTON, Fla. - Twelve student naval aviators at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field in Florida began advanced helicopter training in the new TH-73A Thrasher aircraft early this month. NASW accepted the first TH-73A in August 2021 as a replacement for the TH-57 Sea Ranger aircraft that provides basic helicopter training and advanced Instrument Flight Rules training to hundreds of aviation students annually. Before students begin flying the TH-73A, they complete a rigorous course of groundwork in virtual reality and flying simulators. Student-aviators spend approximately 38 weeks in the advanced training regimen at Whiting. Training Air Wing Five at Whiting is the largest aviation training wing in the Naval Air Training Command (CNATRA). It is responsible for training 60% of primary aviation students in the T-6 aircraft, and 100% of all Navy, Marine and Coast Guard helicopter students. (NAS Whiting Field 09/21/22)