First Polish-trained F-16 pilots

The first three Polish-trained F-16 pilots completed their training Friday in an air force base in Poznan. To date F-16 crews were schooled in the US.

The training course lasted from December 2009 and covered theory, simulator practice and training flights.

Air force general Wlodzimierz Usarek said that the three new pilots brought the total number of Polish F-16 pilots to 46. Usarek added that Poland planned to train 72 F-16 pilots by the end of next year.

The air force base in Poznan-Krzesiny operates 32 of Poland's 48 F-16 fighters.

A further four air force pilots have begun the F-16 course in Poznan.(mb)

==pap