BAGHDAD, Iraq, May 27, 2004 — Nineteen Iraqi airmen will graduate today from flight training conducted at the Royal Jordanian Air Force in Amman, Jordan, according to Coalition Provisional Authority officials. The aviators will pilot helicopters in the fledgling Iraqi air force. All 19 airmen, pilots from the former regime, were offered and accepted an opportunity to join the new Iraqi air force in Jan. 2004. The candidates were immediately sent to Jordan to begin a two-phase training program-all 19 candidates will graduate May 27.

Phase one of the flight training program consists of a three-week assessment course designed to determine which students have the best overall aviation skills to ensure completion of phase two. Phase two, consists of a 16-week helicopter transition course into the UH-1H Iroquois. The course includes ground school, and instruction in basic flying, basic instruments and advanced instrument flying. Aviators are also trained in the democratic military leadership style.

The majority of Iraqi air force aviators are former pilots and require only “difference” training to qualify them on their new equipment. Non-specialist enlisted airmen undertake an eight-week basic training course alongside their army colleagues in Northern Iraq.

The airmen are scheduled to return to Iraq on June 18 and will be assigned aircraft. They will assist the Coalition with the recruitment, design and development of the new Iraqi air force as they await aircraft assignments.

To date, 12 aviation and aviation support courses have been completed and nine more are in progress. More than 100

trainees are currently undergoing instruction in Jordan. The last course to graduate from Jordan is set for the April 2005.

The Iraqi air force represents a real military capability and the foundation of a modern air force, but also indicates the re-emergence of Iraq as an air-capable power with an ability to take its share of security responsibilities under democratic leadership. Members of the former air force were recruited to preserve perishable flying and maintenance skills and to also reduce the cost in creating the new air force.

The Iraqi air force will be an integral part of Coalition efforts with its activities built into Coalition air plans, as well as ground and maritime operations to accomplish its mission. The Iraqi air force’s role will include the policing of international borders and surveillance of national assets.

The majority of trainees will start their service helping to establish Tadji Air Base and preparing it to receive the helicopter squadron. In addition, Coalition mentoring teams will assist the Iraqi air force in the establishment of the squadrons and bases. In particular they will help to develop safety procedures and standard operating procedures as well as aiding the interface with Coalition forces.

A squadron of six UH-1H helicopters will be operational in September and stationed at Tadji Air Base. This fleet will increase to 16 UH-1Hs by April 2005. Each aircraft is manned by two pilots and is capable of carrying 13 troops over a 180-mile range. Its main tasks are border and coastal patrol, troop transport and search and rescue duties.