US Army Fixed Wing Course

Fixed Wing Multi Engine Qualification Course (FWMEQC)
Information Sheet
Information current as of September 23rd, 2005.

-Course description
The course is designed to provide the student with the necessary flight skills and knowledge for qualification as an aviator in the fixed wing multiengine aircraft. The Fixed Wing course is approximately 3 months in length.

This course is taught by Flight Safety International (FSI)- civilian flight instructors - and is a bit different than what you have experienced in typical Army courses.

The first two days of instruction take place at the Ft Rucker Aeromed clinic reviewing aeromed. You also take a trip into the altitude chamber where you get first hand experience of hypoxia and its symptoms and where you will also experience a rapid decompression.

The first month is spent at FSI on the Dothan Airport. After two days of ground school academics at FSI, you will begin flying the Cessna 182 and learn the fundamentals of fixed wing flying. You will focus on maneuvers and instrument flying. Regardless of your instrument proficiency level, this is a great refresher as you fly multiple instrument approaces nearly every day. Academics include: aerodynamics, powerplant, weight and balance, take off and landing data, maneuvers, operations, engineering, airspace, regulations, and instruments. You will also have one flight in an aerobatic aircraft (Zlin) where you will learn how to apply the corrective actions during a Spin. During this phase you will receive approximately 28 hours of C182 time. At the end of this phase you will take a check ride given by a FSI instructor pilot.

Month two is spent in Daleville at the FSI simulators (near Larry's BBQ). This phase uses a level D simulator to teach you how to fly the C12. Focus is on learning the C12 system, emergency procedures and more instrument flying. Instruments, intruments and more instruments! At the end of this phase you will receive an instrument evaluation by Army green suiters (DES or Eval platoon). During this phase you will fly 50+ hours in the C12 simulator and get your fill of instrument flying.

The final month is spent back at FSI on the Dothan Airport. Here you will get hands on experience flying the C12. Approximately 25 hours of C12 time. At the end of this phase, you will take a final checkride given by Army green suiters.

-Certificates and Ratings
This course is not designed to give you civilian ratings. However, if you are interested in attaining your ratings, contact Mr. John Lawrence (205) 884-0421 when you begin the final phase of training. He will discuss the details and the ratings that you are able to achieve. Be sure to bring your Commercial helicopter license with you (if you got one in flight school).

-What to bring to school
Flight suits (one piece preferred); flight records (although they probably won't be used); one PT uniform for the weigh in; your family (you will have a lot of time to spend with them); LAN cable; laptop; civilian clothing for the simulator phase of training; wiz wheel; cheap clipboard; FAA Commercial Helicopter license (will need to get your ratings).

-What not to bring to school
Kneeboard; helmet; flight bag; flight gloves; manuals; headset

-Directions
In Dothan, Flight Safety is located on the northeast side of the Dothan airport - it is opposite the airport terminal.

In Daleville, Flight Safety is located near Larry's BBQ and the Waffle House on Highway 84. Here is a map that Flight Safety has provided.

-Where to stay
*Be sure to check with Billeting for any changes in Ruckers billetting policies before you move off post. Because the majority of the course is taught at the Dothan airport, you will be given a statement of nonavailability (SNA) from Ft Rucker. Check in with Rucker Billetting to get your SNA before you check into your apartment. I recommend staying at the Best Western in Dothan during the 1st and 3rd months of the course and the Daleville Inn in Daleville for the 2nd month. If you bring your family, then Dothan TDY rentals is the place for you.

Best Western Inns and Suites
3285 Montgomery Highway
Dothn, Alabama 36303
(334) 793-4376
Ask Markieth for the Executive suites or the Business suites. Pleanty of room to live and a kitchen to cook in.

Dothan TDY Rentals
http://www.dothantdyhomes.com/index.html

Taragon Apartments
http://www.tarragonhillsapartments.com/

Daleville Inn
108 N Daleville Ave
Daleville, AL 36322
(334) 503-9335
The 500 building has nice suites with washer and dryer, kitchen etc.

-Rental Car Information

Avis Rental Car
Dothan, AL 36301
United States
(334) 983-3574

Hertz Rental Car
Dothan, AL 36301
United States
(334) 983-4514

National Rental Car
Dothan, AL 36301
United States
(334) 983-3584

-Links
Ft Rucker Website
http://www.rucker.army.mil/

Ft Rucker Schools Info
http://www.rucker.army.mil/activities/postschoolsinfo.html

ATRRS Course List
https://www.atrrs.army.mil/atrrscc/

Travel Pay Services
http://www.dod.mil/dfas/money/travel/

Per Diem rates
https://secureapp2.hqda.pentagon.mil/perdiem/perdiemrates.html

Fixed Wing Career Manager page
https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/active/opwod/klup.htm