FORT RUCKER, Ala. – One of the lead architects of “Rotary-Wing Next” has been named the winner of the 71st annual Arthur S. Flemming Award, Air Education and Training Command officials announced.
Capt. Matthew Strick from the 23rd Flying Training Squadron here won the award in the leadership and management category for his role in the transformation of helicopter undergraduate pilot training program centered on the development and implementation of a robust virtual reality training capability.
“Capt Strick and the entire “Rotary-Wing Next” team truly revolutionized how we develop better trained and prepared vertical-lift aviators to conduct homeland security, combat search and rescue, and special operations missions,” said Col. Richard Carrell, 58th Operations Group commander. “The revamped curriculum saved 38 flight hours and $60,000 dollars per student, while also seeing the first six students graduating six weeks earlier than normal while not sacrificing either quality or proficiency.”
In establishing the new undergraduate helicopter flying training curriculum, Strick led the efforts of over 300 personnel including active duty, sister-service members, contractors, and government civilians, in the design and procurement of seven virtual reality trainers, as well as the drafting and execution of a training syllabus.
“It has been an honor to be nominated for this award and display the hard work and dedication the 23rd FTS Innovation team has put into “Project Da Vinci,” as well as the first class support from our leadership throughout this process,” Strick said. “This increased capability is critical as the Air Force seeks to alleviate the consequences of a global pilot shortage, and must continue to produce pilots for no fail missions.”
The first iteration of the class, which graduated Oct. 11, 2019, saw a 36% decrease in the number of flight hours required to train students and a 56% overall increase in annual student production, all while maintaining the same high standard of training.
While not easy, the development of Rotary-Wing Next program brought out the ingenuity and determination of the 23rd FTS team.
“(Capt.) Strick was the right officer to put in charge of this project because of his professionalism and his enthusiasm to integrate this technology into rotary-wing training,” said Lt. Col. Jake Brittingham, 23rd FTS commander. "This was not an easy project – we faced a lot of obstacles and unforeseen challenges, but Capt Strick and his Innovation Flight refused to quit and they found the way-forward every time. I am extremely proud of Matt, our Innovation flight, and this squadron.”
Sponsored by George Washington University in conjunction with the Arthur S. Flemming Awards Commission, the award's purpose is fourfold--to recognize outstanding and meritorious achievement while working for the federal government; to encourage the highest standards of performance in the federal service; to enhance appreciation of our form of government and the opportunities and responsibilities it presents; and to attract outstanding individuals to a career in federal service.