They’re not looking for a fugitive. Even less preparing any special operation. For 10 days, army helicopters fly over the low altitude north of Charleville and the massif. It is simply the Belgian Air Force which comes to train its young pilots with us.
Four weeks of maneuvers
The purpose of this exercise which began on April 15 and continues until May 8 is to make the pilots maneuver in an area that is hitherto unknown to them. “ They must gain experience in areas they are unfamiliar withexplains Captain Oben of the 1time Wing, specialized in helicopters, based in Beauvechain, 20km from Louvin. Young pilots must learn to fly alone or in formation with a leader in areas they are unfamiliar with “.
Obviously, all this is done in consultation with the French authorities. Firstly with the army with whom bilateral agreements allow Belgians to come and train with us. But also with the Ardennes department since the airfield belongs to him. “The Ardennes Etienne Riché aerodrome meets operational needs, particularly for the refueling and parking of helicopter assets and their crew,” specifies the Department. This is precisely what appealed to the Belgian army: the tracks are paved, close to the forest and there is no control tower. “ This allows us to take off and land whenever we want », explains Captain Oben.
30 soldiers to accommodate
A small logistics base has been set up next to the tracks butThe thirty personnel mobilized by this exercise do not sleep there. “ These activities generate local economic benefits », Develops the Department. “ The necessary tents are already in use for another exercise. So we sleep in a hotel in Charleville », Confirms Captain Oben. If this exercise lasts four weeks, this is because the learners take turns. The pilots at the controls of three helicopters are always the same. But apprentices change regularly depending on their availability. “ This is our first year in France and we are delighted with the welcome we have received. », assures Captain Oben. “ This exercise responds to one of the main objectives of the aerodrome: supporting public service activities (in the same way as medical flights)recalls the Department.
