Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP), the NATO unit tasked with developing leadership, mission planning and other tactical air operations skills and doctrine know-how for coalition and allied flying crews, is confirmed to continue flying courses in year 2012. The number of flying courses, however, will be cut down to only four; tentatively starting on 16 January, 30 April, 10 September and 5 November.
This change should result in a larger-than-usual number of aircraft visiting Albacete Air Base at Los Llanos, where the TLP organisation settled down in 2009. Flying courses will continue to operate in their usual evening schedule, while night flights are also planned for 2012. Participating nations gathered in Los Llanos in November 2011 to plan flying courses, which will see about 600 aircraft participating in 2012. Spanish Air Force is expected to participate in three of the year’s flying courses.
The reduction in flying courses (2011 featured five, instead of four, such courses) is attributed to budget cuts resulting from the on-going economical and NATO force commitments in other parts of the World (Afghanistan, Libya, etc.). Course length, however, will not be altered and continue to extend for four weeks. Three of the weeks will feature evening flying, while the fourth will be dedicated to night flying operations.
References: Tactical Leadership Programme (official) and Scramble.
