New tool: Aviation Learning Center gets AH-64 trainer

By Jeremy Henderson, Army Flier Staff WriterMarch 3, 2016

New tool: Aviation Learning Center gets AH-64 trainer
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (March 3, 2016) -- Students have a new learning tool at their disposal with the addition of an AH-64D/E Longbow Apache Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight Selected Task Trainer to Fort Rucker's Aviation Learning Center.

The trainer is a much-needed addition to the other trainers currently hosted at the center, according to Beata Moore, Aviation Technical Library and ALC chief.

"One of the ALC training instructors, George Snyder, and I have been working with (the Directorate of Training and Doctrine) and the Apache Program Office to obtain an AH-64D/E Longbow Apache Modernized Tads Selected Task Trainer (M-TSTT)," she said. "The previous chief of the ATL and ALC started the process to procure the M-TSTT. With the help of our command, G3, we were finally able to obtain one."

The trainer is kept in a locked room and can only be accessed with the aid of the ALC staff, according to Moore. However, that access is readily available and walk-ins are welcome.

"The ALC is here for students to use for self-study and remedial training," she said. "Instructors can send their students here for remedial training. There is always a training instructor available here to help students. By using a cockpit trainer, students can familiarize themselves with the cockpit before they actually set foot in the real cockpit.

"There is always a training instructor here at the ALC available to help students with issues," she added. "They do not have to schedule a time."

The Apache Program Office, located at Redstone Arsenal, owns the trainer and provides maintenance and upgrades for the trainer, according to Moore.

The learning center and library are housed under the same roof, but they provide different services and operate under different hours, she said.

"We are in the same building and we are both part of G3, but we have different functions," Moore said. "The ATL offers research and reference services to the (U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence) community in support of training and professional development. The ALC provides subject matter expertise and training aids for students in all phases of FSXXI and graduate flight training programs."

Moore added that the ALC also offers help on how to use the Aviation Mission Planning System. "We have map rooms with light tables so students can use to trace maps. The ALC instructors do an excellent job of keeping all of our map information current. The ALC has cockpit trainers for other airframes.

"Both the ATL and ALC offer study rooms and study spaces for students," she added. "The ATL offers reference and research assistance to the USAACE community. We have books, audiobooks and DVDs that patrons can check out for two weeks at a time. Our collection is mainly geared to military history, military science and Aviation-related topics. Our reference librarian, Rebecca Kammerer, does a great job assisting students with research. Our library technicians, Lesa Willard and Faye Conner, provide ready reference and technical help."

The technical library is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information about the ATL, call 255-2944 or 255-3912.

The learning center is open Mondays through Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. until 9 p.m., Fridays from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Sundays from noon until 9 p.m. It is closed on Saturdays and federal holidays. For more information about the ALC, call 255-2776 or 255-3655.

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Fort Rucker, Ala.

U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence