U.S. Army Selects M1 for Flight School Next Program
The contract will train 800 to 1,500 Army pilots a year and replace contractor-run helicopter instruction with a lower-cost system, officials said.
- On August 13, 2026, the U.S. Army selected M1 Support Services L.P. for the $10 billion Flight School Next program, replacing the Airbus UH-72 Lakota with the Robinson R66 to train new helicopter pilots.
- Seeking to modernize Initial Entry Rotary Wing Training, the Army is shifting to a Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated model, aiming to increase annual pilot output from 1,250 to 1,500 while significantly reducing long-term operational costs.
- M1 CEO George Krivo stated the proposal delivers a "fully integrated, innovation-rich training solution" using the R66, which features a full glass cockpit with NVG compatibility and an integrated 4k cockpit camera for student debriefing.
- The program "delivers new military helicopter pilots with far better foundational skills," said Maj. Gen. Clair Gill, commanding general of the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, while providing increased capability at significant long-term savings.
- This firm-fixed-price contract spans up to 26 years, continuing through 2052, as M1 incorporates industry best practices to prepare aviators for advanced training in aircraft including the AH-64E, UH-60M, CH-47F, C-12U, and the MV-75.
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U.S. Army awards $10 billion contract to overhaul pilot training
The U.S. Army has awarded a $10 billion contract with a potential 26-year term to overhaul how it trains new helicopter pilots, shifting initial flight instruction at Fort Rucker, Alabama, to a contractor-owned, contractor-operated model. M1 Support Services L.P., based in Denton, Texas, won the firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, beating out 10 other bidders after the […]
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Company beats Lockheed, Bell for $10 billion pilot-training contract through 2052
A Texas-based company bested Lockheed Martin and Bell to secure a $10 billion contract to train Army pilots in a deal that could last for 26 years—until 2052.
U.S. Army Selects M1 for Flight School Next Program
The U.S. Army M1 Support Services to train new pilots as part of the Flight School Next program, with the Robinson R66 helicopter replacing the UH-72 Lakota. The U.S. Army announced on Aug. 13, 2026, the selection of M1 Support Services for the Flight School Next program which will take over the training of new helicopter pilots. As part of M1’s proposal, the Robinson R66 helicopter will replace the UH-72 Lakota currently used by the service for…
M1 wins $10 billion U.S. Army Flight School Next contract to train up to 1,500 helicopter pilots annually through 2052
The single-award indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract has a 26-year period of performance and covers Initial Entry Rotary Wing training. Flight School Next will use a contractor-owned, contractor-operated model intended to improve student proficiency and reduce training costs. “We are honored to be entrusted with this vital mission,” said George Krivo, Chairman and CEO of M1. “M1 will deliver a fully integrated, innovation rich trai…
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