The U.S. Navy is always looking for ways to improve and stay ahead of the game. With the rapidly changing technology and advancements in military weaponry, it is essential for the Navy to adapt and upgrade its training programs. The latest step in this direction is the implementation of Project Avenger, which is set to revolutionize the way the Navy trains its personnel. The first squadron to integrate the syllabus of Project Avenger will be VT-28 in April.
The traditional “Charlie” syllabus consists of separate boxes of formation training, instrument training, and contact landing pattern training. With Project Avenger, such training are integrated into each flight, letting students seamlessly transition and adapt to different flying scenarios.
For example, an Avenger student will conduct a departure using instrument flight rules (IFR) in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), fly to a location with clear visibility for visual flight rule (VFR) flying, and then complete an instrument approach back to the airport. Previously, such meteorological conditions could lead to the cancelation of the flying lesson.
The virtual reality trainers known as Immersive Training Devices (ITD) are also being introduced early on in the Project Avenger syllabus. The ITD allow students to use virtual reality headsets and see in 360-degrees while simulating flight. These trainers are readily available for students to practice procedures, develop sight pictures of the local area, and refine their communication skills by talking to real air traffic controllers. ITD simulator events give students more practice with an instructor before moving onto the traditional simulators.
Capt. John Hammernik, Project Avenger instructor pilot, said, “When I was a flight student, I sat in my chair and I had a plunger between my legs. And I was chair flying, imagining what it should look like, what it should feel like. They don’t have to do that anymore.”
The overhaul of the VT-28 squadron extends beyond just a revamp of the teaching approach. The restructuring of the entire unit is aimed at supporting the growth of the Avenger program.
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