360 MAE (Mira Arhikis Ekpedefsis - Basic Training Squadron)
 Their mission is to provide basic training for air cadets with basic procedures and flight manoeuvres to enable the selection of those deemed capable of advancing to flight training. Currently 360 MAE comprises; 18 instructor pilots, 38 mechanics/technicians, eight civilians and nine soldiers.
The Supreme Air Council defines the course for the student pilots. In the first year each student starts with the transition or pre-solo section which consists of 12 sorties and 14.5 hours in duration as a co-pilot. This is followed by the orientation section which has three sorties totalling 4.2 hours in duration as a co-pilot ending followed by the student’s first solo flight which is a take-off and landing just 20 minutes later. The course adds up to 16 sorties and 19 hours in the air. Back in 2004 25% of the 100 students failed to meet the necessary standard and were rejected. Since that time standards have improved Major (Pilot) Dimitris Zervos a 360 MAE instructor reported that he would expect this year around 15% of the 110 students will be lost after the initial screening which takes place after two to three months and at the end of the first stage.
Ground training is provided with flight preparation lessons, lectures, flight simulators and computer based training. They have found that Microsoft’s PC based Flight Simulator for the Cessna 172 to be of great benefit. It is not unusual for students to ‘play’ with the simulator at home typically using the F-16 Fighting Falcon package, which is not discouraged by the instructors as reported by Major Zervos.
Cessna T-41D Mescalero
Initial flight training aircraft is completed on the Cessna T-41D Mescalero (military version of the Cessna 172 Skyhawk). The Hellenic Air Force received 21 T-41 between 1969 and 1970, today 19 remain in service. One aircraft was lost in September 2005 in the mountains due to engine failure. The student survived the impact in part due to the HAF’s policy of using flying helmets. All maintenance for the aircraft is carried out onsite. The Dekelia based T-41D are also utilised for fire-fighting air patrols and for the renewal of flying licenses.
The United States Air Force (USAF) in 1964 decided to use the Cessna 172 Skyhawk as its primary trainer to screen potential pilots. They initially ordered 237 T-41A’s, later the US Army followed with an order for the T-41B. In 1968 the USAF ordered 52 of the upgraded T-41C variant aircraft for use in the USAF Academy. The T-41C's, unlike the T-41As with the old 145hp, have a 210hp engine. In 1996 the T-41D was produced as an upgrade with better avionics and a constant speed variable pitch propeller. Eventually 855 T-41’s were built by Cessna for military operators around the world. The engine is so powerful for its size it can cruise at speeds are around 120 to 125 knots, and climb speeds of 1,000 feet (305 meters) to 1,750 ft (533m) per minute. All versions of the T-41 have fixed landing gear. The T-41D is equipped with modern avionics and other equipment consistent with military missions, including a GPS system.
For the students that pass the first year of the course they progress to the 120 Air Training Wing (Pteriga EkpitheysIs Aeros) at Kalamata where they will fly the Raytheon T-6 Texan II and a further 48 flights of 60 hours in duration. In the final year students fly 54 sorties which total 70 hours. With a total 150 flight hours successful pilots graduate from the academy with the rank of Pilot Officer (Anthiposminagos). Conversion training continues at their allocated Wing. |
The 359 MAEDY was established in March 1968 to provide the public sector with aerial fire-fighting and agricultural services, including crop-dusting and aerial seeding.
The unit was initially established with Bell 47G-3B-2 and Bell 47G-5 helicopters for crop-dusting from Elefsis air base before they moved to their current base at Dekelia in 1970. Here they were allocated Douglas C-47A/B Dakotas which were adapted for crop-dusting. 
