From 14 until 18 May 2018, eight European nations participate in the unique MART* training that is again hosted by the Italian Air Force 3rd Wing based at Villafranca di Verona airbase. They train under EATC lead and for the first time according to the recent “EATC Aircraft Recovery Aide-mémoire”. In this years’ edition, five EATC member nations (Belgium, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Italy) plus Lithuania, the United Kingdom and Switzerland train together. Some of the participating nations** also assist with trainers and pool and share their equipment for training purposes.
The EATC Aircraft Recovery Aide-mémoire (EARM)
The EARM has just been finalised by EATC in close cooperation with the member nations. The objective of this guide is to develop common skills based on a standard syllabus and to effectuate the harmonisation of air recovery processes within the nations participating in the training. The EARM was especially developed for training purposes embracing air transport assets, fighter aircraft and helicopters.
The training cycle consists of one day of academics followed by three days of hands-on training. Upon completion, EATC issues a certificate to the trainees. Following it is up to the respective nation to certify their national personnel as an “aircraft recovery team member”.
MART is a unique example of multinational training coupled with pooling and sharing of air recovery capabilities. EATC’s efforts aim at a reinforced standardisation and harmonisation as well as at a future mutual recognition among the nations.
* MART (Multinational Aircraft Recovery Training) has been organised since 2012 on a yearly basis and it is a unique training for air recovery in Europe. The objective is to train generic aircraft recovery techniques by using specific recovery equipment and decommissioned aircraft.
** DEU, FRA, ITA, NLD and GBR