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.”

US Marshals Service seeks contractor for maintenance on prisoner transport aircraft

The United States Marshals Service (USMS), responsible for apprehending fugitives, protecting federal judges, and operating the Justice Prisoner Air Transportation System (JPATS), has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for “heavy maintenance” on one of its Boeing 737-400 aircraft. The contract will cover a comprehensive range of service checks designed to ensure the continued airworthiness and operational readiness of the aircraft used in transporting federal prisoners across the country.

The JPATS, often referred to as "Con Air," plays a critical role in the U.S. justice system by safely and efficiently moving prisoners between detention facilities, courthouses, and other locations. This network relies on a fleet of aircraft, primarily Boeing 737s, specifically configured for this purpose.

The aircraft in question is a Boeing 737-4Q8 series, bearing Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 26279, and Registration Number N279AD. As of the RFP's release, the aircraft has accumulated approximately 64,148.5 hours of total time in service and 33,189 total cycles (take-offs and landings).

Scope Of Work

• Structural Inspections: Detailed examinations of the aircraft's fuselage, wings, and tail for signs of corrosion, fatigue, or other damage.
• Engine Maintenance: Inspections and potential repairs or overhauls of the aircraft's engines to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
• Avionics Systems Checks: Testing and calibration of the aircraft's navigation, communication, and flight control systems.
• Landing Gear Overhaul: Inspection, repair, and replacement of components in the landing gear system.
• Cabin Refurbishment: Potential upgrades or repairs to the aircraft's interior, including seating, lighting, and other passenger amenities.

JPATS will deliver the aircraft to the contractor’s facility on Feb. 9, 2026. The aircraft will return to service on March 23, 2026.

Contractors have until July 7 to submit a quote/offer to the Marshals Service to perform the work. The final date to submit questions is June23.

Air Canada inaugurates new Toronto-Prague route, expanding European network

Air Canada's newest international flight took off from Toronto Pearson International Airport on June 6, marking the launch of its highly anticipated direct route to Prague, Czech Republic. The inaugural flight arrived in Prague on the morning of June 7, connecting two vibrant cities and further solidifying Air Canada's presence in the European market.

The new service represents a significant expansion of Air Canada's global network, offering convenient travel options for passengers throughout North America.

"We are excited to return to Prague, our newest Europe destination now added to our global network," said Mark Galardo, executive vice president & chief commercial officer and president, Cargo, in a statement released by the airline. "Our flights connect two countries, facilitating travel, tourism, and trade. We design routes like this one to appeal to our customers throughout our North American network, with convenient travel options at our Toronto hub.” The route is expected to be popular with a diverse range of travelers, the airline said.

Strong Route Demand

Air Canada anticipates strong demand from those visiting family and friends in Prague, as well as tourists eager to explore the city's renowned architecture, Bohemian history, and rich culture. Conversely, the airline also expects to see a significant influx of travelers from Central Europe looking to experience the vast landscapes and diverse offerings of Canada from coast to coast.

"Our flights make discovering all that our two countries offer easier than ever," Galardo added.

The Prague route is just the latest addition to Air Canada's expanding European portfolio this summer. The airline has been actively increasing its transatlantic offerings, with the inauguration of the Montreal to Porto route earlier this week.

Future Expansion

In May, Air Canada celebrated the launch of its service to Naples, Italy, and in April, marked the return of the Ottawa to London Heathrow route. Further expansion is planned, with the inauguration of the Montreal to Edinburgh route scheduled for the end of June.

This aggressive expansion strategy underscores Air Canada's commitment to providing passengers with a wider range of destinations and travel options across the globe.

Plane Of Choice

The flights to Prague will be operated using Air Canada's Airbus 330-300 aircraft, a wide-body jet known for its comfort and reliability. Passengers will have a choice of three distinct classes of service: Economy, Premium Economy, and Air Canada Signature Class.