P-8A aircraft training center opens at Whidbey Island

Boeing has installed a training center for the new P-8A Poseidon aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., as the base begins preparations for the arrival of P-8s beginning in 2017.

“About 70 percent of the training we do for our P-8 crews happens in this building,” said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Kyle Cozad. “That is going to make that wonderful aircraft last longer and longer. As much as 45 years.”

The complete training system uses simulators and classroom-based materials to train pilots and mission crews to operate the aircraft, its sensors, communications and weapons systems without relying on live flights.

Boeing is on contract to modify and provide updates to the training devices over the next three years.

Boeing also provides P-8A aircrew training devices, electronic classrooms and courseware for the Navy at its Integrated Training Center (ITC) at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla. Aircrews began training in the ITC in early 2012.