joint French air/navy Rafale transition unit created BA113

[wonju666]

A ceremony was held October 6th at BA113 St-Dizier to mark the creation of a joint French air force/navy Rafale transition unit: L’Escadron de Transformation Rafale Air/Marine (ETR). It is meant to convert pilots coming from other operational aircraft types as well as young pilots coming out of initial training. Four navy Rafales are to be stationed at St-Dizier for ETR in addition to air force examples at this base which are being used. About twenty pilots are to be trained annually. Specific navy carrier approach procedures will be conducted at Landivisau and on board the Charles de Gaulle with operational Rafale units after graduating from ETR.

[Stratofreighter]

http://www.key.aero/view_news.asp?ID=25 ... n=military

The new squadron, Escadron de Transformation Rafale (ETR) 02.092 will maintain the traditions of 'Aquitaine' training within the French Air Force and will comprise 20 instructors, flight instructors and simulator operators and is structured to train 12 pilots over a nine-month course.

[jp 74]

that's good news navy rafale's close to home.