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Summary: Studies of helicopter pilot training during the past 10 years have focused on two issues: (1) whether there is a need for fixed wing training for helicopter pilots; and (2) whether there is a need for the services to have separate training programs. In 1970 the Navy and Air Force were directed to discontinue fixed wing training as a prerequisite for helicopter training. The Air Force discontinued such training, but the Navy did not. In a 1974 followup study, the following findings emerged: (1) the Army had sufficient capacity to provide helicopter pilot training for all of the services; (2) the Army had over 500 training helicopters in storage while the Navy planned to procure new aircraft to train their helicopter pilots; and (3) the Navy planned to construct additional facilities to support its training. A 1977 Department of Defense study confirmed these findings and concluded that all services' helicopter pilot training should be consolidated into a single program conducted by the Army. A single training syllabus applicable to all services can be developed, and large annual savings can be achieved.
