Does Pakistan use T-37 for basic training. Like in IAF, there are three phases of training
1-HPT 32-Basic Training
2-Kiran-Middle Level Training
3.Advanced Training-There was nothing in this category for a couple of decades. IAF pilots jumped from 2nd to 4th level.
4.MiG 21
In the current pilot overhaul the phases would be as follows:
1.Proposed trainer made by HAL
2.IJT(Intermediate Jet Trainer)-HAL
3.Hawk AJT(Advanced Jet Trainer)-BAe Systems
4.Any squdron they are posted in, that squandrons trainer.
Hi
Fatman has already replied , I will just attempt to pick from where he left...
Once a flight cadet completes his Bachelors degree, the real fun begins or for some : The real horror...
First, he/she starts ab-initio training on MFI-17 ( Mushshak) at Primary Flying Training Wing (PFT) and learns the basics of flying...once successfully completed the solo phase, cadets begin with basic and gradually proceed to advance manoeuvres....Lots of attrition takes place at this stage and I would say that more than half of the course/class is dropped out permanently from further flying due to various reasons which could be slow progress / lack of flying aptitude / air-sickness/ or many cant cope with the harsh environments so they just simply give up.....
The ones who qualify PFT, proceed to the Jet world on either T-37 or K-8, know as Basic Flying Training (BFT).....Besides solo stage, cadets learn Instrument flying, Advanced manoeuvres, few combat manoeuvres , High / Low level Navigation , formation and night flying....Again, many are dropped out due to slow progress and attrition continues in each phase of flying...
The lucky ones who survive PFT and BFT get the commission in PAF as an officer in the GD(P) branch and are considered eligible to wear the elite Flying Wing on their uniforms....But their miseries aren’t over yet and the sword of suspension still hangs over their heads....
PFT and BFT are done at PAF Academy Risalpur...After graduating from academy, now for the young budding officers, their next destination is PAF Mianwali.. They report to FCU - Fighter conversion Unit and fly FT-5 for around six months...Unlike MFI-17 and T-37 that have side by side seats,Ft-5 has tendom seats and much faster than T-37...Here they get a bit of a touch of fighter flying....many battle formations and few fighting manoeuvres are learnt...Again few unlucky ones are dropped out at this stage as well....
Next stop, OCU - Operational Conversion Unit on F-7P....By this time , Boys are becoming Men ....stakes are usually very high in OCUs....and the real fun begins ...One flies a supersonic fighter jet for the first time....officers learn Air to Air/ Air to Ground Gunnery, Air Combat ( 1 V 1 , 1 V 2 , 2V2), Missile firing , various air combat manoeuvres , low level strikes and lots of other fighter flying related stuff....Few drop out here as well and sent either to helicopters or Transport aircrafts...
Pheeeeww....The ones who finally survive the OCU as well...are ready to join the ranks of the fighter squadrons in PAF....they are posted to various bases and continue to polish and hone their fighter flying skills in the squadrons...
So this is how it goes from a civilian guy to a fighter pilot......>>>..Initial selection tests----->>ISSB----->>Medical------->>Final merit at Air HQ----->>Reporting at Academy---->>Military training along with gaining the Bachelors degree---->>PFT --->>BFT----->>
Graduation from Academy------>>FCU---->>OCU---->>Fighter Squadron (at last)
Although, its seems a very long, strenuous and a demanding journey all the way but trust me: In the end IT’S WORTH IT....