How to fix the US Army's inefficient flight training

The United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence (AVCOE) is embarking on a pivotal initiative to modernize its Initial Entry Rotary-Wing (IERW) Flight Training program, also known as Flight School Next (FSN), based at Fort Novosel, Ala.

The Army is actively soliciting innovative proposals from the commercial sector to revolutionize how future Army aviators are trained. The Army announced how contracting opportunities will be handled in a Special Notice document released Friday.

Army flight training has been located at Fort Novosel for over 50+ years. It operates with “inefficiencies” from years of change and multiple disparate contracts, the Army said in December.

Departing from its traditional approach, the AVCOE is pursuing a Contractor-Owned Contractor-Operated (COCO), commercial, turnkey solution. This ambitious undertaking aims to replace the existing IERW Common Core flight training with a comprehensive, industry-led program. The Army also highlighted the potential replacement of the current training helicopter (Lakota LUH-72) to reduce costs, gain efficiency, and maintain or increase aviation training quality.

The Army is casting a wide net, encouraging industry leaders to present groundbreaking solutions and methodologies encompassing all facets of flight training. This includes:

• Contractor-provided academic instruction: Modernizing the classroom learning experience for aspiring Army pilots.
• Flight instruction: Implementing cutting-edge flight training techniques and methodologies.
• Training Aids and Devices: Utilizing the latest advancements in training technology to enhance learning.
• Simulation (if required): Exploring the potential of advanced simulation to augment real-world flight experience.
• Aircraft: Supplying a fleet of reliable and technologically advanced rotary-wing aircraft.
• Aircraft parts: Ensuring readily available and high-quality components for aircraft maintenance.
• Aircraft maintenance: Providing comprehensive maintenance services to guarantee the operational readiness of the training fleet.

This bold move signifies the Army's commitment to harnessing the expertise and ingenuity of the commercial aviation sector. By embracing a COCO model, the AVCOE seeks to streamline operations, accelerate innovation, and ultimately, provide the best possible training for the next generation of Army aviators. The initiative represents a significant opportunity for industry players to contribute to the future of U.S. Army aviation and shape the training landscape for years to come. The Army is expected to release further details and solicit formal proposals in the coming months.

Acquisition Method

The government anticipates utilizing a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) to:

1. Reduce the time and complexity of a Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)-based procurement, allowing for quicker selection and deployment of needed technologies.

2. Leverage innovative commercial solutions that might not be readily available through FAR-based contracting approaches.

3. Streamline the acquisition process by eliminating traditionally burdensome FAR requirements and utilizing a phased selection approach with merit-based reviews and outcomes.

Significant Dates

The following upcoming dates are subject to change; however, they have been vetted and are set as significant milestones in the Flight School Next procurement timeline:

1. Registration opens for FSN Site Visit at Fort Novosel 6/02/2025

2. Draft CSO posted / question & answer period opens 7/01/2025

3. Registration closes for FSN site visit at Fort Novosel 7/14/2025

4. FSN site visit at Fort Novosel 7/30/2025 -8/01/2025

5. Final CSO posted 9/08/2025

6. Question & answer period closes 10/01/2025

7. Final question & answer responses posted 10/15/2025

8. Phase 1 CSO solutions due 10/31/2025

The above proposed acquisition action release dates are estimates. The proposed dates are targets and are subject to change.

In April, Army Brig. Gen. Kenneth Cole, deputy commanding general of the AVCOE, said, “Flight School Next is an opportunity for our aviators to get more time at the controls, understanding the basics of flying the helicopter, especially during their core foundational aviation experience, and at cost savings. This foundational training is the building block our aviators need before they step into their graduate-level aircraft of either the AH-64, UH-60 or CH-47.”