Third heli tactics instructor course held in Vidsel

The third iteration of the prestigious Helicopter Tactics Instructor Course (HTIC) has just ended at the Vidsel Test Range in northern Sweden. The course, which started at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, United Kingdom, back in September, aims to provide selected helicopter instructors with the tactical skills and knowledge to be able to deliver tactical training within their own organisations.

A large number of trainee instructors from Austria, Sweden and the UK were challenged to deliver high-end performances across the three main strands of the course, which culminated in the planning and delivery of the complex Composite Air Operations (COMAO) phase. The successful graduates joins 33 more instructors from Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Sweden and the UK which have already graduated from the previous two courses held in 2013 and 2014.

The live flying phase of the course was held at the Vidsel Test Range between 28 September and 17 October 2015. A versatile fleet was present this year. Austria participated with two OH-58 Kiowa helicopters, Sweden used HKP14 (NH90) and HKP16 (UH-60 Black Hawk), and the UK brought two CH-47 Chinook helicopters to the Vidsel Range.

The course has had a great recognition in various countries, and it is deemed to continue on an annual basis for at least six more years.