On Monday our time, the first of the continuation traing commences at Amberley for crews that are already qualified to operate the C17.
This will mean that no longer will crews have to go to the USAF for simulator rides.
On February 1st the first students to convert through the simulator program will undertake simulator instruction. A big step forward for 36 squadron.
Initually the RAAF sent I think it was five crews to the USA for training (bearing in mind we only originally took delivery of one airframe. The USAF also sent an instructor pilot to Australia and we also picked up at least one qualified captain who had been on exchange duty with the USAF.
In regard to Loadmasters the initual ones came from C130 squadrons. The loadmaster chief instructor is ex Air Force and works for Boeing under their contract to do the simulator training for the C17.
It also appears that the Loadmaster training part of the simulator is in place and enables the student to perform all his pre flight duties.
As I indicated previously the simulator is owned by the RAAF and Boeing is there to provide the staff to allow it to be operated.
It does appear that the simulator being made available to the RAAF was part of the agreement when purchase of the airplane was contracted.
Perhaps some ;lateral thinking by the RAF/RAAF could turn into a win win situation, where the RAaF could train new Loadmasters for you, and maybe provide RAF simulator requirements for all crew positions.
The benefit for the RAAF other than more efficient use of the simulator, would be the exchange of operational and other experiences coming from the RAF.
Of course your shortage of Loadmaster training slots, could be by either exchanging staff or by sending Loadmasters to Australia fro training.
Now that should open up the old Chestnut of airman aircrew.
A thought
regards
Col