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HELTRARON EIGHTEEN surpasses 1,000,000 Class "A" mishap free flight hours

Marine Corps News

Story Identification #: 2005315121337
Story by Navy Lt. Scott Walters

NAVAL AIR STATION WHITING FIELD, Milton, Fla. (March 15, 2005) -- As Navy helicopter, call sign 1E061, with crewmembers Maj. Keith Kincannon and 1st. Lt. Justin Howe, shut down on the evening of March 10, 2005, they made Naval Aviation history, having just flown the squadron's 1,000,000th Class "A" mishap-free flight hour, a first of its kind achievement.

"I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this awesome milestone. It's a testament to the professionalism of all the instructors at HT-18 both past and present," said Kincannon.

Based aboard NAS Whiting Field, Milton, Fla., Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHTEEN
(HT-18) was established on March 1, 1972, and charged with the mission of training U. S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard helicopter pilots. Flying in excess of 36,000 flight hours a year, HT-18 trains approximately 300 new helicopter pilots annually in the Bell Jet Ranger TH-57.

The million-hour milestone, which has taken 27 years to achieve, is a reflection of HT-18's commitment to professionalism and safety. This achievement would not have been possible without the help of the dedicated support personnel at L3 Communications, Transtecs, Bell Helicopter, NAS Whiting Field Air Traffic Control, and Pensacola Regional Airport Air Traffic Control.

To recognize this historic milestone, a Cake Cutting Ceremony was held in the "Eagle's Nest," the HT-18 Instructor ready room. Among those present were representatives from L3 Communications. "I enjoy being part of the TH-57 program. We strive to give both squadrons, HT-18 and HT-8, the safest aircraft we can everyday," said David Carrington, TH-57 Maintenance Manager. A familiar face to all of the instructors and students alike, Suzanne Caris, from aircraft issue, said, "I am amazed to see it happen and proud to be apart of the TH-57 program for the last 16 years."

Lt.Cmdr. Chris Amador, HT-18's Safety Officer added, "A good safety program is vital to preserve resources and support mission accomplishment."

"Since the squadron was commissioned in 1972, and through the efforts of hundreds of simulator and instructor pilots and thousands of students, we were able to achieve this aviation milestone," stated Lt.Col. Ron Colyer, Commanding Officer of the Vigilant Eagles. "I feel very fortunate to be here when it happened."