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Hellenic Air Force Radio Navigators Academy


The school is a modern, well-organized training Unit. It enhances the AF flying and air transport related mission by providing competent air crews specialized in using navigation systems, which are also well-versed in aeronautics necessary for a secure and precise Aircraft course.

Nowadays, the Academy aims mainly at the development of candidates’ abilities as radio navigators through the appropriate and systematic training including military training, which will enhance their skills and morale in order to carry out their task successfully.

Mission

The Academy’s mission is to develop, through a thorough curriculum, competent radio navigator NCOs in order to deal with particularly demanding responsibilities as aircrew members, as well as various responsibilities assigned to them within an organization of high technological standards such as the Hellenic Air Force.

Emblem

The Academy’s emblem depicts the AF’s escutcheon with the image of the Globe and the wings as well as the Great Bear and Cassiopeia constellations, symbols, since ancient times, of navigation. The verse in Ancient Creek “ΑΣΤΡΟΙΣ ΤΗΝ ΟΔΟΝ ΕΤΕΚΜΑΙΡΟΥ» by the philosopher and historian Arrianos (Alexander’s Ascent” Book I, Chapter XVI, verse 6) is also written on the top of the emblem, meaning: “The stars show us the right way” (Loucian).

Organization 

The Radio Navigators NCO Academy (S.I.R) is operating as an independent Unit of the Hellenic Air Force. (equivalent to a Group).

Location

The Academy is located at the Dekeleia Air Base, Tatoi, at a distance of about 18 km from the City of Athens. As the Radio Navigators NCO Academy does not operate on a continuous basis it does not dispose its own premises. Therefore it is hosted at the premises of the Technical NCO Academy (STYA).  

Historic Background

World War I
The history of navigators in the HAF led to the subsequent establishment of the Academy and   begins during the period of World War I and the years between the two World Wars, when navigators, called air observers, had been used in aircraft of that age.

World War II – Establishment of the Academy (1942-1951)
In 1942 the comprehensive training of 18 months duration of the Greek Navigators–Bombers in South Africa and  Rodesia began with BALTIMOR aircraft, in order to meet the manning requirements  of the aircraft that were fighting in North Africa and Crete. The first 50 radio navigator-bombers and air radio operators graduated from the Navigation School in South Rhodesia during the period 1942-1944.
The training continued until 1945 and the last class completed its training in England due to the meanwhile end of World War II. After the end of World War II, the navigators were hired as NCOs  by law in 1946 and most of them have served on important posts as well as at the Air Cadet Academy, established in 1951. Since 1951, the Academy started operating according to the respective foreign Academies’ standards and provided the Hellenic AF with competent air navigators and radio operators.

Korea (1950)
The navigators’ contribution to wartime operations had also been continued after World War II with their participation in the Korean War. On November 8th, 1950, 9 aircraft C-47 were navigated from Elefsina Airport to Korea.  During the war they participated in a great number of operations, air transportations, parachuting, supplies, data gathering concerning the enemies’ posts etc.

Cyprus (1974)
The navigators’ contribution to wartime operations also continued in 1974 with their substantial contribution to the “NIKH” operation with the objective of supporting the Greek-Cypriots.

1951
Establishment of the Air Cadet Academy (S.I.A). The first series of the Air Cadet Academy graduated in December 1951, whereas the 2nd series enrolled in 1966.  During the period between the first and the second series, the HAF requirements concerning navigators were covered by four series of radio operator navigators, graduates from the KEEPA (Training Centre of Reserve Air Crews)

1977
In 1977 the Air Cadet Academy was renamed to Radio Navigators NCO Academy.

2002
Attendance of women at the academy for the first time

13 series of Navigators have graduated from the Radio Navigators NCO Academy.

Education & Training provided

Education/Training constitutes the Academy’s basic mission and aims at the provision of knowledge of high standards, so that the graduates become excellent professional Radio Navigators and competent cadres of Hellenic Air Force.

Training is distinguished in: Flight, Academic, Military and Physical Training

After the students’ enrollment at the Academy the Basic Military Training starts with the aim to mould the cadet’s character to a well-trained NCO of HAF, and a Special Physical Training Program with the aim of contributing to the improvement of the cadet’s physical condition and physique.

After the completion of the Basic Military Training and the swearing-in ceremony starts the Academic, Flight, Physical and Military Training, which take place during  whole period of attendance at the Academy. 

In addition to the courses, the Academy provides educational visits, journeys and lectures in national, military and social issues.

The programming and the materialization of the training are accomplished according to the General Program of the Academy, approved by the Air Training Command.

Training Duration

The attendance at the Academy lasts for two academic years. Every academic year is divided into two periods of 6 months each.

Training Support

The Academy uses educational reference books from book stores, T.E.I (Technical Educational Institutions). For courses that cannot be covered by the above mentioned sources, professors and Military Instructors are assigned with the writing of the necessary manuals.

For the flight training, the Academy uses the special configured C-130AUP aircraft, whose flights can be recorded by a portable computer and are being analyzed extensively after their termination. Flight simulator and Electronic Navigation Designing program are also used in ground preparation.

Teaching Personnel

The Teaching Personnel of the Academy comprises teachers (University and Higher Education Institutions graduates) and military instructors (trainers) (for specialization courses and flight training).

Activities

During the attendance at the Academy further educational visits of cultural and historical interest are being accomplished.

 Graduates’ career

Service in 

  • Squadrons of transportation aircraft or other types of aircraft according to the requirements of HAF.
  • Combat Wing Staff
  • Radio Navigators Academy and other Training Centers and Units.

Duties during his career

    • Responsible air crew member
    • Transportation Aircraft Squadron Navigation Office Assistant
    • Squadron Radio Navigator Training Officer
    • Squadron Maps Navigation Office Officer
    • Wing/Group/Squadron Intelligence and Operation Officer
    • Trainers/Instructors at Training Centers and Units according to their specialty