Rolf Holmquist’s Post

What a powerful opportunity to continue the distinguished legacy of the WWII Tuskegee airmen, the Red Tails of the 15th Air Force, with flight training for today's BIPOC youth where those WWII pilots learned to fly. Black pilots make up less than three percent of commercial aviators. Leadership In Flight Training Academy (LIFT), like the Red Tails, is boldly advancing diversity. Bet this would make a good podcast episode, Fran!

SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace to acquire three Dash 8-400 aircraft from De Havilland Aircraft of Canada for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Future Aircrew Training program. https://lnkd.in/eN9-cvda

It’s not too well known that the pilots of the US Navy display squadron, The Blue Angels, are rotated through the system every 2 years, meaning that in effect the unit is a training programme. Its members are more newbie than seasoned veteran. By the time that they are all dialled in at the end of a display season, they have their formations moving in synchronicity with just 30cm wing-tip to wing-tip. This is consistently achieved year in and year out. That’s some training system. What might it take to consistently deliver precise, ‘zero defect’ results from a team that is continually being changed? At least: candidate quality, top class coaching and mentoring, systematic feedback loops, intense pride in the brand, ownership for results, mutual trust and reliance, 100% logistic support, relentless practice. And, perhaps, an interest in staying alive ... :) [search for 'The Blue Angels' (documentary)if interested. It is high quality]

🇺🇸🪽 The United States Air Force is testing a new Initial Pilot Training model with a faster timeframe to meet its goal of producing 1,500 pilots per year. Students are trained in basic airmanship, instruments, and multi-engine flying competencies in about 4.5 months, logging around 110 flying hours, before moving on to the Undergraduate Pilot Training with a revised T-6A syllabus that runs for approximately 4 months. The Air Education and Training Command (AETC) partnered with the UND Aerospace flight training program in Arizona and the Brunner Aerospace, LLC flight training program in Texas to try it out with 65 USAF student pilots. 🗣️ Brig. Gen. Matt Leard, AETC’s Plans, Programs, Requirements and International Affairs Director: “The model we are testing allows for increased throughput to meet Air Force pilot production requirements, and initial data shows it does so while also increasing the quality of our graduates.”

Spread the word! Active-duty Air Force officers and enlisted Airmen interested in becoming rated officers can apply for the Spring 2025 Air Force Rated Preparatory Program through Dec. 9. The Rated Preparatory Program provides qualified Airmen an opportunity to gain and strengthen basic aviation skills in preparation for testing and applying to an Undergraduate Flying Training board. If you or someone you know would make a great candidate, tag them here! #RatedPreparatoryProgram #PilotTraining

« Royal Canadian Air Force to Use 19 PC-21 Next Generation Trainers in the Future | The most technically advanced training system but also a very cost-effective, environmentally friendly training platform for military pilots. » While we typically like to focus on stories where we can use the past or present tense, this one — still in the future — is of particular interest to those of us here in the home office. We look forward to seeing them in Canadian skies. Nice plane and we do like it in Ferrari Red. Excerpt: « Pilatus Aircraft Ltd is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of a major contract with KF Aerospace as part of its collaboration with SkyAlyne for the Royal Canadian Air Force | Aviation royale canadienne “Future Aircrew Training” (FAcT) program. The contract involves the delivery of nineteen state-of-the-art PC-21 training aircraft. The nineteen PC-21s will be stationed at the air force base in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, from 2026. » Continue reading the Pilatus press release with link. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gq9Evs_Q 🏷️ #pc21 #pilatus #rcaf 🏞️ 🛩️ ⚔️ 📰 📸 Paul Bowen | Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.

Learn more about how the RISE ABOVE program, which includes the CAF Red Tail Squadron and CAF RISE ABOVE WASP, honors heroes and inspires generations in this month's CAF Digital Dispatch at https://lnkd.in/ee4kmAij

"Happy to be Here"; why do the Blue Angels say this exact phrase before EVERY post-flight debriefing? Three key-reasons; The Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration squadron, say "Happy to be here" before every debriefing as part of their disciplined culture and commitment to humility, gratitude, and teamwork. This phrase serves several key purposes: 1. Gratitude & Perspective – It reminds team members that being part of the Blue Angels is a privilege, reinforcing appreciation for their role and the opportunity to represent the Navy and Marine Corps. 2. Unity & Morale – It fosters camaraderie and a shared mindset, ensuring that each member approaches the debrief with a positive and open attitude. 3. Professionalism & Accountability – The Blue Angels conduct intense debriefings to analyze their performance with brutal honesty. Saying "Happy to be here" helps maintain a professional atmosphere, reminding them that critiques are meant for growth, not personal criticism. This tradition is part of the team's disciplined approach to excellence, helping them maintain the highest standards in precision flying and teamwork. How can you incorporate this attitude into your daily work & life? No matter what you do. Next story: 5-Effective Tips for Operating Large Jets; https://lnkd.in/g89WAtkD

CGI signs a 25-year agreement with SkyAlyne to oversee the IT development of the Future Aircrew Training program for the Royal Canadian Air Force. https://lnkd.in/gMF57qvP

Last week I had the unique opportunity to attend a Change of Command Ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island (Coronado) for our little league team's first base coach...I mean, Commanding Officer Eli “Whiz” Owre of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41 "Seahawks". While I got what I expected with a patriotic day, a seat in front of the largest American flag I’ve ever seen, and some great helicopter fly bys, what I didn't expect was the impactful course on leadership and the importance of authenticity from Captain Chris Richard. There was so much absorb and improve upon for myself, but I also feel it’s worth sharing for others striving to build “esprit de corps” in various organizations. Captain Richard shared six key bullet points based on his 36 years of leadership experience, along with insights on retention and value: 1.     Be yourself, and be forthright. Your people will forgive all manner of errors, but they will not forgive dishonesty. 2.     Bad news is not a fine wine. Get ahead of it and own the narrative. Being comfortable with accountability is a singular quality, and its universally admired. 3.     Commander’s guidance is hard to get right, so be the leader who people are comfortable asking for clarification. 4.     When chaos ensues, remain calm. Rage is insecurity turned outward. People are drawn to quiet confidence. 5.     Discipline willful negligence, but train to honest mistakes. Always be careful to sort which is which… 6.     People reach their potential only with feed-back. Those discussions can be hard, but you’re paid to have them. Be equally comfortable receiving feedback. “Retention is Commander’s business. It cannot be “fixed” or legislated by those in D.C. or Millington because people don’t quit commands… they quit bosses. They walk away from people who don’t make them feel valued or who take their sacrifices for granted. People at every level—I’m no exception—want to feel a sense of purpose, and that comes from the relationships we form in the workplace and the sense of worth fostered by our leadership. It’s the “esprit de corps” that’s found in a well-run organization led by people who care about those who serve it.” Thanks again for the invite, “Whiz”!