U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Sage, 366th Operations Group commander, prepares to taxi an F-15E Strike Eagle for the first flight in the Mountain Home Range Complex’s new airspace. The expansion will accommodate the technological advancements of modern aircraft and meet current and future training requirements for the F-15E. (U.S. Air Force photo/2nd. Lt. Bryant Davis/Released)

Airspace expansion enhances training

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Bryant Davis
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  The aerial training range at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, was expanded by more than 2,000 square miles July 26.

The new airspace will accommodate the technological advancements of modern aircraft, as well as meet current and future training requirements for the F-15E and other aircraft flown by the Air Force's sister services, coalition partners and allies.

The larger airspace puts the Mountain Home Range Complex (MHRC) on par with the renowned training ranges at Hill AFB, Utah, and Nellis AFB, Nev., providing aircrew with real-world scenarios, concurrent training operations and large-force engagements.

"The new airspace provides the opportunity for better training," said Col. Christopher Short, 366th Fighter Wing commander. "It's more realistic and provides depth, which challenges our aviators to locate low-flying aircraft and ground targets in mountainous terrain."

That depth is the result of the airspace floor being lowered 4,500 feet, giving aviators better access to mountainous terrain. The rough landscape of the MHRC is similar to mountain ranges in Afghanistan, allowing numerous training opportunities that replicate missions being flown in overseas contingency operations. Pilots can work with joint terminal attack controllers located in the mountains, rendezvous with aerial tankers and practice aerial combat - all in the same flight.

According to Byron Schmidt, Mountain Home airspace manager, the expanded airspace is the product of more than seven years of complex work, including coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration and an environmental and aeronautical analysis. The long process provided all individuals affected by the expansion an opportunity to voice their concern or support, allowing the FAA to determine the legal sufficiency of the proposal.

An inaugural flight of two F-15E Strike Eagles led by Col. Christopher Sage, 366th Operations Group commander, marked the significance of the occasion.