First training sortie for Lebanese pilot onboard of A-29 Super Tucano at Moody AFB

The first Lebanese Air Force pilot conducted the first flight on-board of an A-29 Super Tucano at Moody AFB on March 22, 2017. This is considered a milestone toward acquiring the A-29s.
Moody AFB was chosen (ref) to host the training of the 12 Lebanese pilots and 22 maintenance staff which started earlier in February 2017 and is expected to end in 2018.

The photos by the US Air Force show an A-29 Super Tucano identified with Construction Number 15-2022 and does not feature a FLIR. It is not clear whether the FLIR will be installed at a later stage given that all Lebanese A-29 is are expected to feature this.

Lebanese student conducts first ‘in seat’ A-29 flight

By Senior Airman Ceaira Young, 23d Wing Public Affairs / Published March 23, 2017

(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ceaira Young)

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --
A Lebanese A-29 Super Tucano pilot trainee, from the 81st Fighter Squadron, conducted the first ‘in seat’ training sortie March 22, 2017, here.

The program, which began earlier this month, is designed to ensure the Lebanon air force receives the support and training needed to safely and effectively employ the A-29 aircraft.

“It was his first flight in the aircraft so it was a great (opportunity) for him to get oriented in the A-29 and how it flies,” said the 81st Fighter Squadron instructor pilot, who conducted the first flight. “[Since training began] this was the first opportunity that we’ve had to get the first Lebanese airborne. They’ve been doing ground training, learning the procedures, patterns, simulator and emergency procedures.”
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Read Full Article: http://www.moody.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/5991/Article/1128002/lebanese-student-conducts-first-in-seat-a-29-flight.aspx

This article first appeared on LAF Digest (Unofficial)