The first three aircraft slated as initial trainers for the Afghan Air Force undergraduate pilot training programme arrived September 18, marking a milestone for the Afghan Flight School.

Three Cessna 182 Turbos are the first of six to be used as initial flighttraining aircraft, with six additional Cessna 208B Caravans scheduled to arrive later as fixed-wing, follow-on trainers.

In addition there will be six MD 530 helicopters delivered later this year, officials said. These aircraft, along with six Mi-17 helicopters, will be used for advanced follow-on training. The initial training programme instructor cadre is staffed by air force, coalition and Afghan instructors.

“Six years ago, we had nothing, and today, we are receiving our first three training aircraft,” said Major General Abdul Wahab Wardak, the Afghan Air Force commander. “I once looked out to see our air force scattered across Afghanistan; today, we have brought our air force back together here at Shindand (Air Base) — the only air force training base in Afghanistan.”

Shindand AB will not only be the centre for pilot training but will eventually serve as the training centre for much of the AAF, officials said. Included in the training centre will be maintenance, language and professional military education, as well as training and support functions for nearly 1,400 Shindand Air Wing airmen.