NNS020613-03. First Marines Get Back in V-22
By Gidge Dady, Naval Air Systems Command V-22 Public Affairs
PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (NNS) -- As two Marines climbed back into the MV-22 on June 4 after nearly 18 months, "ooh-rahs" echoed throughout Hangar 109, home of the V-22 Integrated Test Team. Maj. Paul Ryan, MV-22 government flight test director and Staff Sgt. Denis Oliverio, V-22 developmental test crew chief, are the first Marines to get re-qualified in the Osprey since it was grounded following the Dec. 11, 2000, mishap.
"Climbing back into the aircraft felt like clock-work. The V-22 team and aircraft were completely prepped and ready to go. The aircraft flew great, it was very 'tight' and performed well. I continue to be impressed by its performance and this flight was a great experience," said Ryan who has more than 175 hours in the MV-22.
This flight enabled both Marines to regain their currency in the MV-22. Ryan and Oliverio flew with Tom MacDonald, chief V-22 Integrated Test Team pilot for this training flight. The 2 1/2 hour flight, which was conducted within 20 miles of the test facility, included low airspeed maneuvers, vertical takeoffs and landings, short takeoffs and rolling landings, 360 degree turns, three conversions, flying at various airspeeds in airplane mode, and an instrument approach.
Over the next several months, a total of six Marine and contractor pilots will begin flying to become current as well. Prior to getting current in the Osprey, pilots continue to train in simulators, make use of computer-based training, and log flight time in other rotor and fixed wing aircraft.
The Osprey returned to flight on May 29, marking the resumption of developmental flight testing here that could last several years. Over the next 18 months and prior to the fleet getting the Block A Upgrade V-22 aircraft, up to seven MV-22 Ospreys all modified with hydraulic and flight control software systems, changes will be part of the methodical and event driven developmental flight test program that V-22 program officials state will "prove out" the capabilities and performance of this aircraft.
"I am happy with all the incredible work that has been done during our 'down time' and I am confident that we are returning to flight with a safe aircraft. It was a great feeling to be back in the air with the Osprey," said Oliverio whose flight time in the V-22 exceeds 250 hours. As part of the phased approach to return to flight, the Osprey will fly a certain number of flight hours and then undergo inspections to ensure that all modifications continue to meet established criteria for safe flight. These inspections will continue throughout the test program here.
"We have a great machine that is mechanically cleaner and safer both in hardware and software than ever before. I am very confident that we are well on our way to delivering a highly capable and safe replacement aircraft for the Marine Corps medium lift and the Air Force Special Operations missions," said Ryan.
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