Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Three pilots from the United States Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) verified the excellence of Republic of Korea's aircraft through test flights of the TA-50 and KT-1.

On November 10th, Republic of Korea's Air Force announced that USNTPS instructor pilot John C. Allee, a lieutenant colonel in the reserves, student pilot lieutenants Megan J. Stateler and Daniel M. Kriel test-flew Republic of Korea's aircraft at the 281st Test Flight Squadron of the 52nd Test Flight Group (the 281st Squadron of the 52nd Group).

The American test flight pilots boarded the simulator at Republic of Korea's 3rd Training Wing and 16th Fighter Wing prior to actual flying. From November 1st to 10th, they enjoyed a first-hand experience of the performance and controllability of Republic of Korea's aircraft and the reliability of avionic equipment by boarding the front seats of TA-50 and KT-1 at the 281st Squadron of the 52nd Group.

A test flight is a process of verifying all the requirements for aircraft, air weapons, and related equipment, fulfilling development objectives, operational suitability, effectiveness, and safety through an actual flight.

Republic of Korea's Air Force has been training test flight pilots on its own since 2014, and has been strengthening its capabilities through a range of efforts, including seven interactive test flights with the USNTPS.

Last month, the 52nd Group pilots visited the USNTPS, located at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Patuxent River, Maryland, experienced new aircraft models including the T-38·C-12·T-6B, and shared flight knowhow.

"I am very impressed by the excellent flying skills of Republic of Korea's Air Force pilots. In actual flight, the TA-50 has outstanding stability as well as mobility," U.S. Navy Lieutenant Megan J. Stateler said, giving her impressions after the test flight.

281st Squadron Commander Kim Seon-sik (Lieutenant Colonel), who joined in the test flight with the American pilots, said “We will do our best to acquire advanced test flight technologies through continuous mutual exchanges, and to make the Korean fighter (KF-X) development test flights successful. 

By Sang-Yun, Kim < ksy0609@dema.mil.kr >