Argentine Air Force Air Attaché visits Columbus

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Day
  • 14th FLying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Maj. Gen. Xavier Isaac, the Argentine Defense and Air Attaché to the United States, visited Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi April 17 – 19, 2017.

Isaac’s visit focused on the progress of the 2nd Lt. Franco Zattara, the Argentine student in pilot training, to learn more about Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training and to view the Aviation Leadership Program in action.

“This is my first trip to Columbus and I am very excited to be here,” Isaac said. “I was greatly impressed with the size of the base and its facilities. As a former wing commander, it is great to see the same kind of training and similar processes going on.”

The USAF Aviation Leadership Program is a “scholarship” for pilot training. The scholarship also includes English language training for countries not exempt from English testing. English language training is provided at the Defense Language Institute, with follow on aviation training hosted by the 14th Flying Training Wing.

“We have had this exchange program with the U.S. Air Force for the last 25 years,” Isaac said. “Both of our air forces benefit from having those exchange pilots. I have seen this project from the very beginning and there are so many positive things we have adopted and introduced into our way of instruction that we have learned.”

While here, Isaac toured the various flying squadrons accompanied by Argentine air force Capt. Sebastian Ardiles, 49th Fighter Training Squadron Instructor Pilot. He viewed ALP, SUPT and Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals first-hand and noted on how processes for both air forces could be improved.

“There are a lot more changes in store for this program,” Isaac said. “That is one of my big responsibilities: finding new ways to make this program better and to expand it. It is always great to see our students working hand-in-hand with fellow air force officers.”