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A major milestone achieved: U.S. and Italian air forces successfully test the future of pilot training

  • Published
  • Air Education and Training Command
DECIMOMANNU AIR BASE, Italy --  

In a landmark event for military pilot training, the U.S. and Italian air forces celebrated the graduation of 10 American student pilots from the International Flight Training School (IFTS) on Jan. 16.

The ceremony marked the latest major milestone in the U.S. Air Force’s Future of Undergraduate Pilot Training (FUPT) initiative, which aims to modernize the pilot training enterprise. The successful completion of this Small Group Tryout (SGTO) validated a training concept jointly designed by learning engineers from Air Education and Training Command (AETC) and cadre at IFTS.

The 10 students began their pilot training at the University of North Dakota’s Mesa, Ariz., campus, where they completed a rigorous 139-day Initial Pilot Training (IPT) program. This built a solid foundation in Airmanship, instrument knowledge, and multi-engine complexity. They then proceeded to Italy for a 133-day Basic Jet Training course in the T-346A Master Jet Trainer, ultimately earning their U.S. Air Force pilot wings.

The SGTO is part of AETC’s FUPT initiative, designed to test a modernized pilot production model. At its core, the study evaluated whether student pilots leveraging advanced simulation capabilities and the handling characteristics of next-generation jet trainers could progress directly from civilian-led IPT to mastering the foundational military competencies of a U.S. Air Force pilot, in an advanced jet trainer. If proven effective, this model will inform the U.S. Air Force’s integration of the new T-7A Red Hawk and accelerate pilot production.

The effort is underpinned by a strong partnership with the Italian Air Force, which provided world-class facilities, expert instructors, and advanced training platforms.

“This graduation validates many months of planning and international coordination,” said Brig. Gen. Matthew Leard, AETC Director of Plans, Programs, Requirements, and International Affairs. “From a strategy and program perspective, this SGTO allowed us to test a potential next-generation training pipeline with a trusted ally, while delivering actionable results for both air forces.”

AETC’s FUPT initiative has boldly transformed pilot training by integrating civilian Part 141 flight training programs and optimizing military curricula to achieve a 1,500-pilots-per-year production goal. The SGTO in Italy supports future initiatives and provides valuable data for refining pilot training methods as the command ramps up the T-7A.

The results of this highly evaluated SGTO are overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating that training rigor was maintained and even enhanced. Analytical feedback offers actionable insights, from syllabus design to the integration of specific advanced simulation solutions, proving the viability of the new pilot training pipeline. Lessons learned will shape future AETC syllabi within the pilot production pipeline.

“I’m incredibly proud of all 10 of these students who have worked so hard over the past year and a half,” said Col James Blech, 14th Flying Training Wing commander at Columbus Air Force Base, Mo., where the student pilots are administratively assigned. “Pilot training in any format challenges the individual to master their ability to study, perform under stress, and demonstrate improvement every day in the airplane. Each of these officers has an amazing aviation career ahead of them, and we all can’t wait to see what they achieve.”

Analysis continues at IFTS. Four of the graduates were tracked to fighter aircraft and will remain in Italy for an additional 135-day advanced jet training course before progressing to U.S. fighter formal training units. The remaining students will return to Columbus AFB to train stateside in mobility, special operations, or command-and-control platforms. AETC will continue tracking these student pilots through their Formal Training Units to ensure long-term Air Force success.

This study was made possible by the enduring partnership with the Italian Air Force and the professionalism of the IFTS cadre. The data gained from this SGTO will have a lasting impact for decades across many air forces.