Helicopter Recruiting Open

[Scaley]

For some reason there seems to be an increase in people interested in flying helicopters in DCS at the moment...

Like many of you, the members of the 476^th vFighter Group are waiting for the Apache module to be released so we can get our hands on a modern multi-crew attack helicopter for DCS. In the 476^th we have previously operated the Ka-50 and UH-1, but we haven’t ever had a large operational helicopter squadron. With the imminent arrival of the AH-64D we think that now is the time to stand up a new helicopter squadron. The 7-6^th CAV vHS has been activated as a multi-airframe squadron operating the AH-64D in the attack and reconnaissance role, alongside the UH-1 for CSAR and airlift. As a predominantly fast-jet group we feel that we have space for a number of new external helicopter pilots to join us in developing this new squadron.

Right now there is an opportunity for people with specific knowledge of the AH-64 or extensive online helicopter flying expertise to join us in developing this new squadron. We are looking for a small number of highly motivated people to join the current core team developing all the processes, training structure, documents and resources that a new airframe will need, and then testing and validating the training and combat procedures we design. These people will go on to be our first cohort of pilots and instructors on the Apache.

The 476^th is committed to operating each airframe we adopt in the most realistic and comprehensive way we can, while still making sure that this hobby remains fun for all of us and never feels like work!
Recruiting using our normal process is already open for the UH-1, and we will open more general slots for the AH-64 once we have developed a functional training program for new pilots.

If you think you are interested in being part of building something new and hopefully special for the DCS AH-64D check out our website and then get in touch with one of our Apache core team in our discord or via forum PM.

Scaley
Nomad
Florence
Roman

[Scaley]

In case anyone is reading this and thinking of joining us to fly the Apache, outlined below is our propose training track for the AH-64D. We won't have a recruiting button live on our website until the module is released, but if anyone wants to get involved prior to that then just message one of our Apache team (Scaley, Nomad, Florence, Roman) on discord or PM here on the website.

Initial Qualification Training – Nellis
By the end of IQT student should be able to operate as PC on simple training sorties, and PI in the PLT seat with a CMR PC in the front seat.
All flown as PLT with instructor in CPG seat unless noted otherwise.

IQT1 Hovering
IQT2 VFR flight
IQT3 Emergencies
IQT4 Basic formation
IQT5 Night Flight
IQT6 Unusual Conditions
IQT7 Night Formation

Mission Qualification Training Phase 1 – Anderson
By the end of MQT phase 1 the student should be able to operate a PLT/PI in a simple combat sortie with a CMR CPG/AC, or PI/CPG with appropriate briefing and instruction.

MQT 1 Contour/NOE
MQT 2 Tacform Day
MQT 3 Movement techniques
MQT 4 Night Sensors & Nav
MQT 5 NOE Night

Mission Qualification Training Phase 2 – Nellis
By the end of MQT phase 2 the student will be competent to operate as PI in most training scenarios, and simple combat scenarios. They will be PC capable in simple training from their preferred seat and could fly a training sortie as a crew with another trainee of similar experience. They will be PC capable in some simple combat missions with appropriate detailed briefing and instruction.

MQT 6 Area weapon systems
MQT 7 Precision weapon systems
MQT 8 Tacform & Movement Techniques Night
MQT 9 Attack techniques 1

Mission Qualification Training Phase 3 - Nellis
MQT 10 Reconnaissance
MQT 11 Attack techniques 2
MQT 12 Threat reactions & move to contact
MQT 13 Escort
MQT 14 CAS
MQT 15 SEAD & missile evasion

[Scaley]

So the Apache has arrived! From the preliminary testing we have done it appears that even at this early access stage the module is easily developed enough for us to begin 476th training on it. So far we have a good core team of both longstanding 476th members and some new members who have joined specifically to help develop rotary wing operations within the group. Recruiting for the UH-1 remains open, and the AH-64 recruiting is now open as well! We are especially interested in some more EU time zone pilots for the Apache although people in any time zone are welcome to apply.

AH-64D recruiting form is here