110th Aviation Brigade: Leading Military Helicopter Training
The 110th Aviation Brigade of the United States Army plays a pivotal role in overseeing all initial entry flight training at the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence located in Fort Novosel, Alabama. With a robust fleet of over 500 helicopters operating across five airfields, the brigade trains nearly 2000 Army aviators each year, earning its reputation as the largest military helicopter training organization globally.
Structure and Components
The brigade is organized into several key components, including:
- Headquarters
- Academics Section
- Night Vision Device Section
- Four subordinate aviation battalions:
- 1st Battalion, 11th Aviation Regiment (Air Traffic Control)
- 1st Battalion, 14th Aviation Regiment, stationed at Hanchey Army Heliport (AH-64D/E)
- 1st Battalion, 212th Aviation Regiment, located at Lowe Army Heliport and Shell Army Heliport (UH-60M)
- 1st Battalion, 223rd Aviation Regiment, based at Cairns Army Airfield and Knox Army Heliport (UH-72 & CH-47F)
- Army Reserve Augmentation Brigade Headquarters
Historical Overview
The lineage of the 110th Aviation Brigade traces back to its activation on 30 June 1965 as the 10th Aviation Group, evolving from the 10th Air Transport Brigade (Test). Originally supporting the 11th Airborne Division (Air Assault), the group remained operational at Fort Benning, Georgia, to provide comprehensive training for Aviation companies heading to Vietnam.
The 10th Aviation Group was inactivated and later redesignated in 2004. On 1 March 2005, it was officially renamed the 110th Aviation Brigade, with the Aviation Training Brigade at Fort Novosel taking on its designation and lineage. The brigade’s mission is clear: to supply the Army and allied forces with professionally trained aviators and non-rated crew members through meticulous planning, coordination, and execution of flight instruction.
Training and Support Operations
In addition to flight training, the brigade provides crucial crash rescue and air ambulance support to both USAACE and the surrounding communities. It also serves as the Department of the Army Night Vision Device Training and Operations Staff Agency.
Individual Battalions
1st Battalion, 11th Aviation Regiment
The 1-11th Aviation Regiment, reassigned to the 110th Aviation Brigade in October 2010, is responsible for providing air traffic services for all aviation training at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, including managing the Army’s largest Radar Approach Control.
1st Battalion, 14th Aviation Regiment
Located at Hanchey Army Heliport, the 1-14th Aviation Regiment specializes in training aviators on the Boeing AH-64D/E Apache.
1st Battalion, 223rd Aviation Regiment
At Cairns Army Airfield and Knox AHP, the 1-223rd Aviation Regiment trains aviators and flight engineers on the Boeing CH-47D/F Chinook aircraft, alongside primary and instrument evaluations and Beechcraft C-12 Huron fixed-wing qualification courses. Notably, C Company, 1-223rd Aviation Regiment, conducts training on the Mil Mi-17 helicopters.
1st Battalion, 212th Aviation Regiment
The 1-212th Aviation Regiment, based at Lowe AHP and Shell AHP, provides training on the Sikorsky UH-60A/L/M Black Hawk aircraft and conducts evaluation flights for Initial Entry Rotary Wing students.
Lineage and Honors
Initially constituted on 30 June 1965 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 10th Aviation Group, the unit has undergone several redesignations and inactivations but continues to uphold its legacy as a leading aviation training entity.
Recognitions
In recognition of its exemplary service, the 110th Aviation Brigade has been awarded the Army Superior Unit Award, Streamer embroidered 1997.
Conclusion
The 110th Aviation Brigade remains at the forefront of military aviation training, ensuring that Army aviators are equipped with the skills necessary to meet the challenges of modern warfare.