Advanced Tactical Aviation Course

Train 1 Wing pilots to assume the duties of Aviation Mission Commander for the planning and execution of aviation missions across the full spectrum of conflict.

The training requirement will be achieved through a formal course conducted in four phases:

• Phase 1 – Distance Learning
• Phase 2 – Residency (lectures and guest speaker presentations)
• Phase 3 – Tactical Exercises (done by computer simulation);
• Phase 4 – Foreign Study Exercise (FSE)

The student is taught through the mediums of electronic distance learning, in house lectures, discussions, study assignments, individual and syndicate exercises, demonstrations, tours and a large scale final exercise within a synthetic training environment. Extensive use is made of Canadian and international guest lecturers who are experts in their particular fields of study. The training is confirmed through a collection of classroom, paper and synthetic environment exercises.

The course is normally run with eight to twelve candidates. Candidates are normally Captains but exceptions can be made for officers of higher or lower rank.

1. Candidates must be experienced tactical helicopter pilots who will normally have completed one tour in an operational squadron;
2. Candidates must be capable of communicating and receiving instruction in English;
3. Candidates should be medically fit for aircrew employment and operations; and
4. No specific aircraft qualification is required for Advanced Tactical Aviation Course (ATAC) candidates. Students will receive simulator training during the course and will be expected to operate medium fidelity simulators during the exercise phase.

Course length is approximately ten weeks. The Aviation Tactics Flight normally runs one course per year.

ATAC is conducted by 403 Helicopter Operational Training Squadron, Aviation Tactics Flight at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Gagetown, located just southeast of the city of Fredericton New Brunswick. CFB Gagetown is home to the army’s Combat Training Centre and is the location of the residency phase of the ATAC. The base has excellent instructional and recreational facilities and a vast military field training and low flying area. The base has live-in facilities with accommodation and meals provided for a single daily rate.