The U.S. Army is exploring a new institutional training model for aviators as its helicopter fleet evolves, with Maj. Gen. Mac McCurry leading the effort. Textron Bell’s tiltrotor design was selected for the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft in December 2022. The Army is reevaluating its training aircraft and curriculum, considering the use of simulation technology.
Army aviation has experienced a high number of Class A mishaps, prompting a focus on basic aviator skills training. Fiscal 2023 saw a spike in helicopter crashes, prompting an aviation-wide stand-down. The branch is analyzing accident rates and causal factors, with a higher-than-average rate in recent years.
Efforts have been made to enhance training and maintain a focus on aviation safety awareness. The branch may require aviation units to dedicate time to safety training annually. McCurry emphasizes the importance of getting back to basics to improve overall safety in Army aviation.
