Training & Certification
Team M1 Partners to Modernize U.S. Army Pilot Training with R66 Helicopters
M1 Support Services and Robinson Helicopter propose a cost-effective, modernized training solution for the U.S. Army’s Flight School Next program.
The landscape of U.S. Army aviation training is on the brink of a significant transformation. On November 18, 2025, a strategic partnership was announced that could reshape how the next generation of Army aviators learns to fly. M1 Support Services (M1), a seasoned provider of military aviation support, has joined forces with Robinson Helicopter Company, a global leader in civil helicopters manufacturing. Together, as “Team M1,” they are entering the bid for the U.S. Army’s Flight School Next (FSN) training services contract, a forward-thinking initiative designed to modernize pilot instruction from the ground up.
At the heart of the FSN program is a fundamental shift in operational philosophy. The Army is moving towards a Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated (COCO) model. This means the winning contractor will not only provide the training curriculum and instructors but will also own, operate, and maintain the entire fleet of training aircraft. The core objectives are twofold: to elevate the proficiency of student pilots through advanced training solutions and to significantly reduce the operational and lifecycle costs for the government. This new approach opens the door for innovative solutions from the private sector, and Team M1’s proposal is a direct response to this call for a more efficient and effective training paradigm.
The partnership between M1 Support Services and Robinson Helicopter Company creates a formidable contender for the FSN contract. Each partner brings a distinct and complementary set of skills to the table, forming a holistic solution aimed directly at the Army’s stated needs. M1 steps into the role of prime contractor, leveraging its extensive experience in managing large-scale aviation Training programs for the U.S. military. The company is already deeply embedded in the Army’s training ecosystem, with a major presence at Fort Rucker, Alabama, the home of Army aviation. There, M1 supports a massive 240,000 Flying Hour Program, overseeing the daily scheduling, maintenance, and flight operations for hundreds of aircraft.
As the prime contractor, M1 is responsible for weaving together all the components of the FSN proposal. This extends beyond just the aircraft. As M1 CEO George Krivo stated, their approach is about delivering a complete package. “In addition to R66 helicopters, our holistic solution for Flight School Next features innovative training and simulation technologies that are truly transformative,” he explained. “M1 will provide high-quality pilot training at a more affordable cost for our partners.” This highlights a commitment to integrating modern simulation and training aids alongside the physical aircraft to create a more immersive and effective learning environment for new pilots.
Robinson Helicopter Company, in turn, serves as the exclusive aircraft provider for Team M1. Based in Torrance, California, Robinson has built a global reputation for producing reliable, cost-effective, and robust helicopters. The company’s vertically integrated Manufacturing process, where 85% of all parts for its proposed R66 model are fabricated in-house, ensures a stable and secure domestic supply chain. While Robinson’s primary market has historically been civilian, its helicopters are not strangers to military training. Various models are already used by international military and law enforcement agencies, including the Nigerian and Royal Jordanian Air Forces, proving their capability in a rigorous training context.
This collaboration is a calculated move. M1 provides the logistical and programmatic backbone, with proven experience in military operations and training management. Robinson supplies a purpose-built, commercially successful aircraft platform known for its reliability and economic efficiency. Together, they present a unified front, aiming to deliver a turn-key solution that promises to meet the Army’s performance requirements while offering tangible cost savings.
“M1 will provide high-quality pilot training at a more affordable cost for our partners.”, George Krivo, CEO of M1 Support Services
The centerpiece of Team M1’s bid is the Robinson R66 helicopter. The selection of this aircraft is a deliberate choice, reflecting a “back to basics” philosophy combined with modern engineering. The R66 is a light, single-engine turbine helicopter renowned for its straightforward design and dependable performance. This simplicity is positioned as a key advantage for initial flight training, allowing student pilots to master the core principles of rotary-wing flight without being overwhelmed by overly complex systems. David Smith, CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, described the aircraft as “simple, affordable, robust and fit for purpose,” emphasizing its suitability for the foundational stages of a pilot’s career.
The argument for the R66 is heavily supported by its extensive track record. It is not an unproven concept but a globally recognized training platform. According to Lt. Gen. Doug Gabram, U.S. Army (Retired) and an M1 Strategic Advisor, “More than 1,900 Robinson helicopters are used for civil and military flight training programs worldwide.” This widespread adoption speaks volumes about its reliability and effectiveness in an instructional setting. Gen. Gabram further noted that the R66 is “safe, rugged, and reliable,” calling it “the perfect training aircraft for the Army” and highlighting that it “offers lower operating costs than any competitor.” The economic benefits are a cornerstone of the proposal. The FSN program’s goal of reducing costs aligns perfectly with the R66’s operational profile. Its lower fuel consumption, simpler maintenance requirements, and the availability of a strong domestic supply chain for parts all contribute to a reduced total cost of ownership. This efficiency allows the Army to allocate resources more effectively, potentially increasing flight hours for students or investing in other critical areas of the training curriculum. The choice of the R66 represents a strategic pivot from the more complex aircraft currently used, focusing on building a strong foundation of flying skills in a reliable and economically sensible platform.
The competition for the FSN contract is robust, with major industry players like Bell and Leonardo Helicopters also expected to contend for the program. This competitive environment underscores the importance of the contract and the broader trend of modernizing military training. Team M1’s bid, with its unique combination of M1’s operational expertise and Robinson’s proven R66 platform, presents a distinct and compelling alternative for the future of Army aviation.
The Partnerships between M1 Support Services and Robinson Helicopter Company represents a significant and focused effort to address the U.S. Army’s call for a modernized flight training program. By combining M1’s deep experience in military aviation support with Robinson’s globally proven and cost-effective R66 helicopter, Team M1 has put forth a comprehensive solution for the Flight School Next initiative. Their proposal is built on the core principles of the FSN program: enhancing pilot proficiency through a purpose-built platform and innovative simulation, while simultaneously driving down operational costs through the efficiency of a Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated model.
Should Team M1 succeed, it would not only mark a major entry for Robinson Helicopter Company into the U.S. military market but could also signal a broader shift in military procurement strategy. The bid champions the idea that proven, commercially available technology can be effectively leveraged to meet military requirements, offering a pathway to greater efficiency and affordability. The outcome of the FSN contract competition will undoubtedly set the course for how the next generation of Army aviators is trained, and the M1-Robinson proposal has positioned itself as a powerful contender in shaping that future.
Question: What is the U.S. Army’s Flight School Next (FSN) program? Question: Who are the main partners in the “Team M1” bid? Question: What helicopter is being proposed by Team M1?
A New Flight Plan: M1 and Robinson Team Up for U.S. Army Pilot Training
The Strategic Alliance of Team M1
A Union of Expertise and Innovation
The R66: A New Trainer for a New Era
Proven, Reliable, and Cost-Effective
Conclusion: Charting the Future of Army Aviation
FAQ
Answer: The FSN program is an initiative to modernize the U.S. Army’s initial pilot training. It uses a Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated (COCO) model, where the winning bidder will own and manage the training aircraft and curriculum to enhance pilot proficiency and reduce costs.
Answer: Team M1 is a partnership between M1 Support Services, which will act as the prime contractor, and Robinson Helicopter Company, which will provide the training aircraft.
Answer: Team M1 is proposing the Robinson R66, a light single-engine turbine helicopter known for its reliability, simple design, and cost-effective operation. It is already used in over 1,900 training programs worldwide.
Sources
Photo Credit: M1
Training & Certification
CAE Launches Asia-Pacific’s First Boeing 777X Simulator in Singapore
CAE introduces the first Boeing 777X full-flight simulator in Asia-Pacific at its Singapore training centre, ready by Fall 2026 for pilot training.
CAE has officially announced the deployment of the first Boeing 777X full-flight simulator (FFS) in the Asia-Pacific region. According to a company press release, the advanced training device will be installed at the Singapore-CAE Flight Training (SCFT) Centre, a joint venture facility operated in partnership with Singapore Airlines near Changi Airport.
The new simulator, a CAE 7000XR Series model, represents a critical infrastructure milestone for Asian carriers preparing for the entry-into-service of Boeing’s newest widebody aircraft. CAE confirmed that the simulator is currently being installed and is scheduled to be ready for pilot Training by Fall 2026, pending regulatory qualification.
The placement of this simulator in Singapore addresses a significant logistical gap for Airlines in the region. Previously, operators preparing for the 777X would likely have needed to send flight crews to facilities in Europe or North America. By establishing a training footprint in Singapore, CAE aims to support the substantial order book for the 777X held by Asia-Pacific carriers.
Alexandre Prévost, CAE’s Division President for Civil Aviation, highlighted the strategic importance of the location in the company’s announcement:
“We are bringing the training capacity to where it is needed most, at the crossroads of Asia-Pacific aviation.”
, Alexandre Prévost, CAE Division President (Civil Aviation)
The SCFT Centre, established in 2018 as a 50/50 joint venture between CAE and Singapore Airlines, already houses simulators for the Boeing 737 MAX, 747, 777, and 787. The addition of the 777X device solidifies the facility’s status as a comprehensive Boeing training hub for the region.
According to technical details released by CAE, the new simulator will feature the CAE Prodigy™ Image Generator. This visual system leverages gaming-engine technology,specifically Epic Games’ Unreal Engine,to deliver high-fidelity, photorealistic training environments. Unlike previous generations of visual systems, the Prodigy generator is designed to render realistic 3D environments with high-density graphics. This includes dynamic lighting, realistic shadows, and “lifeforms” such as moving traffic and people on the ground. These enhancements are intended to improve pilot readiness by simulating complex weather and ground scenarios with greater accuracy.
The Fall 2026 operational target for this simulator aligns closely with the revised Delivery schedules for the Boeing 777X (777-9). While the aircraft program has faced multiple delays, the installation of training infrastructure suggests that the supply chain is preparing for a concrete entry-into-service window.
For airlines, the availability of a “Level D” simulator,the highest standard of flight simulation,prior to aircraft delivery is essential. It allows carriers to certify pilots and “pre-load” their workforce capabilities so that commercial operations can commence immediately once the physical aircraft are handed over. The presence of this device in Singapore is particularly vital for Singapore Airlines, which serves as the anchor tenant of the SCFT facility.
The Asia-Pacific region represents a massive market for the Boeing 777X. According to industry fleet data, several major carriers in the region have significant outstanding Orders for the type. By locating the simulator in Singapore, CAE is positioning itself to service not just Singapore Airlines, but also other key operators in East and Southeast Asia.
Key regional customers with 777X orders include:
While Lufthansa, the global launch customer, already has access to a CAE 777X simulator in Germany, and Middle Eastern carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways maintain their own extensive training pipelines, the Singapore device fills the geographic void for the Far East market.
CAE Deploys Asia-Pacific’s First Boeing 777X Simulator to Singapore Training Hub
Strategic Infrastructure for Asian Carriers
Next-Generation Visual Technology
AirPro News Analysis: The Timing of Training
Regional Market Context
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: CAE
Training & Certification
B&H Worldwide Delivers Airbus A330 Cockpit to New Zealand for Training
B&H Worldwide transported an Airbus A330 cockpit from the UK to New Zealand for Pacific Simulators, ensuring biosecurity compliance and specialized sea freight handling.
This article is based on an official press release from B&H Worldwide.
Aerospace logistics specialist B&H Worldwide has announced the successful transport of a decommissioned Airbus A330 cockpit from the United Kingdom to Christchurch, New Zealand. The project, executed for flight training device manufacturer Pacific Simulators (PacSim), highlights the logistical complexities involved in repurposing retired aircraft components for the simulation market.
According to the company’s announcement on February 9, 2026, the operation involved a multi-modal transit route requiring precise handling to navigate strict biosecurity regulations and physical shipping constraints. The cockpit section is set to be converted into a high-fidelity, fixed-base Flight Training Device (FTD), extending the operational life of the airframe in a training capacity.
While B&H Worldwide is traditionally associated with time-critical “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) air freight services, this project utilized sea freight, presenting a different set of engineering and handling challenges. The primary constraint involved fitting the wide-body cockpit section into a standard 20-foot sea freight container.
The process began in West Sussex, UK, where the unit was collected and transported to B&H Worldwide’s London Heathrow (LHR) facility. There, the logistics team performed specialized packing to ensure the irregularly shaped, high-value avionics and structural components could withstand the maritime journey without damage.
Lee Hedges, the New Zealand Branch Manager for B&H Worldwide, emphasized the significance of this operation in demonstrating the company’s broader capabilities beyond emergency logistics.
“While we are renowned for our time-critical AOG services, this successful delivery proves our capability to handle projects of any scale and scope. The safe arrival of the A330 cockpit in Christchurch is a testament to our team’s expertise in bespoke logistics solutions.”
, Lee Hedges, NZ Branch Manager, B&H Worldwide
Shipping heavy cargo into New Zealand requires adherence to some of the strictest biosecurity standards in the world. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) enforces rigorous checks to prevent the introduction of invasive pests via sea containers. According to the release, the shipment required clearance through an Approved Transitional Facility (ATF) upon arrival in Christchurch. B&H Worldwide managed the documentation and packing materials, such as treated timber, to ensure full compliance, preventing potential delays or fumigation orders that could have compromised the sensitive electronic equipment inside the cockpit.
The delivery of this A330 cockpit underscores a growing trend in the aerospace training sector: the upcycling of retired airframes. As the global demand for pilot training increases, manufacturers like Pacific Simulators are turning to decommissioned aircraft to create Flight Training Devices (FTDs).
Unlike Full Flight Simulators (FFS), which are massive, motion-based systems costing tens of millions of dollars, FTDs often use real aircraft shells to provide tactile realism at a lower cost. From a logistics perspective, this trend creates a niche market for freight forwarders capable of moving large, fragile aircraft sections via cost-effective sea freight rather than expensive air cargo. We anticipate seeing more “hybrid” logistics projects where AOG specialists apply their handling expertise to heavy-lift sea freight to support the circular aviation economy.
Following customs and biosecurity clearance, the cockpit was delivered to Pacific Simulators’ facility in Christchurch. The unit will now undergo conversion into a simulator designed to replicate the A330 flight deck environment for pilot procedures training.
This project marks another collaboration between the logistics provider and the simulation manufacturer, reinforcing the supply chain links necessary to support the global flight training infrastructure.
Sources: B&H Worldwide
B&H Worldwide Executes Complex A330 Cockpit Delivery for Pacific Simulators
Navigating “Bespoke” Logistical Challenges
Biosecurity and Regulatory Compliance
AirPro News Analysis: The Shift Toward Sustainable Training Assets
Final Delivery and Repurposing
Photo Credit: B&H Worldwide
Training & Certification
Lockheed Martin Advances to Phase III of Army Flight School Next
Lockheed Martin selects Robinson R66 NxG helicopter and advanced simulation for US Army Flight School Next Phase III bid.
This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin.
Lockheed Martin announced on February 4, 2026, that it has successfully advanced to Phase III of the U.S. Army’s Flight School Next (FSN) competition. As part of its bid to become the prime contractor for the Army’s Initial Entry Rotary-Wing (IERW) Training program, the company has selected the Robinson R66 NxG helicopter as its primary training platform.
According to the company’s official statement, the bid positions Lockheed Martin as a “prime training systems integrator.” The proposal combines the commercially proven Robinson airframe with Lockheed’s proprietary simulation and training management technologies. The FSN program aims to replace the Army’s current fleet of twin-engine UH-72 Lakotas with a more cost-effective, contractor-owned solution.
Lockheed Martin’s proposal relies on the Robinson R66 NxG (“Next Generation”), a modern iteration of the standard turbine helicopter. While the airframe is supplied by Robinson Helicopter Company, Lockheed Martin would serve as the prime contractor responsible for the entire training enterprise, including the syllabus, logistics, and instruction.
The R66 NxG features the Rolls-Royce RR300 turbine engine, which Lockheed Martin highlights for its reliability and lower operating costs compared to the current twin-engine training fleet. Key upgrades for the “NxG” configuration include:
David Smith, President and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, emphasized the domestic roots of the platform in the press release:
“Our selection of Robinson brings a safe, proven and innovative platform to the table… The R66 offers a modern, American-made solution.”
Beyond the hardware, Lockheed Martin is pitching a “Turnkey Training System” that leverages its “21st Century Security” vision. The company states that its solution incorporates advanced modeling and simulation to streamline pilot production.
Specific technologies cited in the announcement include LM-LIFT™, a data-driven learning management system designed to track student performance, and TRAESER™, a “digital twin” of the flight school. These systems are intended to optimize aircraft maintenance scheduling and resource allocation to ensure the high throughput required by the Army.
Todd Morar, VP of Air and Commercial Solutions at Lockheed Martin, stated: “For years we have been refining a comprehensive solution that aligns with the Army’s vision for a modern, affordable and high-quality training pipeline that will produce fundamentally better aviators.”
The Flight School Next program represents a significant shift in the Army’s training philosophy. By moving to a Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated (COCO) model, the Army seeks to purchase “training services” rather than owning the aircraft and facilities directly. The program requires the training of 900 to 1,500 pilots annually over a 26-year period of performance.
While Lockheed Martin’s press release focuses on its own advancement, broader industry context indicates a competitive field. The program aims to replace the UH-72 Lakota to reduce operating costs while modernizing the curriculum. A final contract award is expected by September 30, 2026.
Lockheed Martin’s advancement to Phase III highlights a strategic divergence in the competition. By branding the aircraft as the “R66 NxG,” Lockheed appears to be differentiating its offering from competitors who may be pitching the standard R66 airframe. The “NxG” designation likely serves to emphasize the integration of Lockheed’s high-tech simulation ecosystem with the airframe, framing the helicopter as a component of a larger “system” rather than a standalone commodity.
Furthermore, the shift back to a single-engine trainer for initial entry students suggests the Army is prioritizing cost-efficiency and fundamental “stick and rudder” skills. Lockheed’s emphasis on its global experience, citing similar military flight school programs in the UK, Australia, and Singapore, suggests it is banking on its reputation as a large-scale logistics and systems manager to win the contract over service-focused or OEMs-focused rivals.
Sources: Lockheed Martin Press Release
Lockheed Martin Advances to Phase III of Army Flight School Next, Taps Robinson R66 NxG
The “NxG” Platform and Training System
Integration with Advanced Simulation
Program Context and Competitive Landscape
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
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