Initial AH-1 qualification training for active duty aviators is conducted at the USAAVNC and at designated training bases according to an established POI. Units are not authorized to conduct this training. Individuals completing the POI are trained in basic helicopter, NVG, and weapon system tasks. An ARNG aviator will complete aircraft qualification/weapon system training according to NGR 95-210. The commander may waive the requirement that the aviator complete category instrument training before performing pilot duties. Pending the completion of instrument training, the aviator may log pilot time and act as PC if an entry is made on DA Form 759 (Individual Flight Record and Flight Certificate--Army) to indicate such authority.
a. During academic training, the aviator must receive sufficient instruction to be knowledgeable in the subjects listed in Figure 2-1. Academic training should be completed-before the corresponding flight training. The subjects may be presented in any order; however, the introduction should be first and the air-craft operator's manual written examination last. To pass the examination, the aviator must obtain a grade of at least 70 percent. Aircraft systems instruction includes training in operation, capabilities, limitations, and malfunction analysis.
b. When an applicable USAAVNC course or ETP is available, POIs and lesson plans from the USAAVNC must be used to conduct training. Although hour requirements in the POIs are not mandatory, training objectives are. Training materials may be obtained by writing Commander, US Army Aviation Center, ATTN: ATZQ-TDI-D, Fort Rucker, AL 36362-5035, or calling DSN 558-3283/5990 or commercial (205) 255-3283/5990. When an applicable USAAVNC course is not available, ARNG units must use POIs and lesson plans approved by the Chief, National Guard Bureau.
a. During flight training, the aviator is trained to standards in the tasks listed-in Chapter 5 (Figure 5-1) and those mission/additional tasks selected by the commander. Figure 2-2 shows the minimum flight tasks and hours allotted for general subject areas. Flight training will not be less than that indicated in Figure 2-2.
NOTE: The information in paragraph 2-1b also applies to the initial AH-1 qualification flight training shown in Figure 2-2.
b. Commanders must ensure that realism is maintained during qualification flight training. This includes operation of the aircraft at or near maximum gross weight.
c. Training in night operations must include the location and operation of all aircraft lighting equipment. It also should include takeoffs and landings with minimum runway or field lighting appropriate for the mission and ambient light conditions.
a. Initial NVG Qualification.
(1) Initial NVG qualification training will be conducted according to this ATM and TC 1-210 (Chapter 4). Before undergoing NVG qualification training, an aviator must be qualified and current in the aircraft. He must complete the NVG training within 45 consecutive days. Figures 2-3 and 2-4 show the recommended academic and flight training requirements for initial NVG qualification.
(2) Before the first NVG training flight, the aviator must undergo a one-hour training period in the AH1FWS or at night in a static aircraft. Minimum tasks that the aviator must perform are aircraft emergency procedures, NVG emergency procedures, and emergency egress procedures. The NVG flight evaluation and the one-hour training period in the AH1FWS or static aircraft may be applied toward the flight minimum required for NVG qualification. Figure 2-5 lists the tasks that the aviator must perform during NVG qualification training. After the aviator completes the training, his proficiency will be determined by a flight evaluation or by continual evaluation by an NVG IP/SP.
b. AH-1 NVG Qualification. An aviator who is NVG-qualified in an aircraft other than the AH-1 must undergo additional NVG qualification in the AH-1. He must complete the requirements in TC 1-210 (Chapter 4) and the training shown in Figure 2-6.
NOTE: An aviator qualified in the AN/PVS-5 series must receive sufficient academic instruction to qualify in the AN/AVS-6 series.
a. To become qualified in a different series of the aircraft, an aviator qualified in the AH-1 must receive--
(1) Sufficient academic instruction to ensure that he has a thorough knowledge of the subjects shown in Figure 2-1.
(2) The flight instruction shown in Figure 2-2 and Figure 2-7.
b. When qualifying between the AH-1S and other AH-1 aircraft in series, the aviator must complete a minimum one-hour flight at night in the aircraft series being flown. The training must include those tasks identified with an X in the night column, as shown in Chapter 5 (Figure 5-1).
c. An aviator qualified in all individual weapon systems but in a different series aircraft must still perform the required gunnery tasks (Tasks 1109 through 1119). He is only required to use live ammunition if he is not qualified in an individual weapon system.
d. During series qualification training, the aviator must be evaluated, at a minimum, in those tasks identified with an X in the standardization column, as shown in Chapter 5 (Figure 5-1). This requirement does not apply to within series qualification that does not require flight time allocated for base tasks.
a. Initial. Initial MP qualification will be per AR 95-1 and TC 1-210.
b. Subsequent. If the commander needs an aviator to perform MTFs in an AH-1 in which the aviator has not received formal resident training, the aviator may receive training in the field by an AH-1 ME. Field training procedures are described below.
(a) The aviator must be qualified and current in the AH-1.
(b) The aviator must be qualified as an MP through initial qualification or the challenge program in the UH-1 or OH-58A/C.
(2) Qualification requirements. The aviator must receive MTF training from an ME in the AH-1. Figure 2-8 shows the recommended flight training requirements. Academic training will be conducted and documented showing that the prospective MP has adequate knowledge of all aircraft systems, including components and their control movements. Prior to the final evaluation, the unit will coordinate with DOES, Fort Eustis, Virginia, for approval to conduct the evaluation. Only DOES or a DOES-designated ME may administer the final evaluation. When the final evaluation is satisfactorily completed, the aviator will receive an initial MP qualification memorandum from DOES. The unit may use the recommendation for MP status on the final evaluation grade slip (DA Form 4507-R) as authorization to issue MP orders until it receives the memorandum from DOES.
(3) Grade slips. A copy of DA Form 4507-R for the final evaluation/initial designation of a field-trained MP in a subsequent aircraft will be sent to Assistant Commandant, USAALS, ATTN: ATZG-LES-M, Fort Eustis, VA 23604-5431.
