Purpose: The 132nd Virtual Wing Training Program (132-TRP or TRP) is designed to help new pilots learn the basics of their airframe, and make them ready for participation in ATO missions as soon as possible. The TRP ensures that everyone participating in our ATO missions has the same knowledge and skills.
Eligibility: 132nd Virtual Wing accepts both inexperienced and experienced pilots. The TRP is designed for an inexperienced player that does not have much experience from flight simulators before. It is intensive, but since DCS is a study simulator we expect our members to use the training program for what it’s worth to increase their skill level. The student pilot will be trained by an experienced (and patient) Instructor Pilot, which himself is qualified according to the TRP.
Initial Qualification Training (IQT): The goal of IQT is airframe familiarisation, basic flight and systems training, enabling the student pilot to operate the aircraft and its systems independently. IQT provides a solid basis for further solo practice. IQT certification will usually be a requirement for any operation hosted by the 132nd. Pilots will be allowed to self-certify for most of the material in the IQT category.
We recommend that inexperienced pilots to go through IQT training with an IP!
Mission Qualification Training (MQT): The goal of MQT is to train skills that enable the pilot to more effectively support his squadron during operations, e.g. proper communications, lead/wing tactical maneuvering, weapons employment, joint operations etc. MQT will be a requirement to participate in ATO mission as a qualified wingman. However an Instructor Pilot can have a student pilot as his wingman during a ATO mission. After completion of IQT and MQT, the trainee will awarded his pilot wings in gold, and he will from that point be allowed to participate on ATO missions as a wingman.
Further training: After completion of MQT the pilot is certified and qualified as a wingman. The training program has room for further training in tactics, weapon employment and joint operations. This is a phase for building experience in preparation for upgrade trainging.
Upgrades: The upgrade training phase contains specific tracks that lets a pilot perform specialized mission roles.
FAC(A): This is an upgrade for an experienced pilot (2-ship lead as a minimum) and giving him training in the FAC(A) role. After completion of this upgrade the pilot will be a resource for the Wing in relations to CAS procedures and JTAC/FAC(A) Tactics, Techniques and Procedures(TTP).
Instructor pilot (IP): Instructor Pilot (IP) upgrade is an upgrade for en experienced pilot (2-ship lead as a minimum) to work as an instructor and educate new pilots in 132-TRP.
Eligibility for upgrade training will be based on how much effort the pilot puts in, and becomes a member worthy of his wings.
Each pilot will have their own page listing their qualifications. The page lists the progression along the TRP(s) that the pilot belongs to.
Self qualification: Since pilots join the 132nd at various degrees of competence, each member will be allowed to self-qualify in lessons they feel that they master.
Affirm that they have read the specified TRP lesson contents and understood them in full.
Self-qualified lessons will have their grades set to PENDING. For all intents and purposes the lesson will count as if the pilot has passed it. Pilots may then continue their progression along the training program. IPs will periodically review self-qualifications and assign an actual grade based on observations.
Mandatory lessons: At least one lesson per training phase will be mandatory to fly under instruction. This lesson will usually be the last lesson remaining to complete the specific training phase and therefore serves as a sort of exam. Pilots may not self-qualify for these mandatory lessons. Grades will be assigned after the mandatory lesson has been completed.
Request Instruction: IPs will periodically review trainee status and host training flights that cover topics that trainees lack to progress. Additionally, pilots may check the "Request Instruction" checkbox by the specified lesson and the instructors will be notified.
We expect a lot of our trainees so that once they reach pilot status (IQT and MQT certifications) they can proudly say that they have what it takes to be a 132nd virtual pilot. This ensures that we can fully trust in our pilots' abilities and performance during missions. Pilots who receive a U grade should consider this an opportunity to learn more, study deeper and further hone your skills! The IP will give specific feedback indicating which parts of the lesson needs more work.
A Q- may, after further study and practice, be re-submitted for evaluation and be polished to a perfect Q.
If you wish to train with us, please visit the recruiting page to see if we are currently accepting trainees and how you can apply.