Ala-78 at Granada-Armilla Air Force Base Spain

During early February 2024 Aviation Reporting was invited by Granada-Armilla Air base "Ala-78" in Spain to visit their current training wing of Helicopters. A meet and greet by hosts at the main gate for out early morning visit was followed by a Q & A session with the base Commander Officer Colonel Miguel Duran, who was very pleased to receive us onto the base. The tour began with the historical air park, followed by ramps/hangers and then concluded with a elevated platform to photograph the training operations of the EC-120 and S-76 Helicopters. A very enjoyable and informative morning on base with the men and women of Ala-78.

Location

Ala 78 is based at Armilla Air Base, located near Granada in southern Spain. This base is one of the oldest active airfields in Spain, with a history dating back to its initial use for military aviation training purposes.

History 

The origins of Armilla Air Base can be traced back to the 1920s. It was officially established in 1922 as a training base for the Spanish Air Force, which was then in its infancy. The base was initially used for pilot training and other aviation-related activities, playing a crucial role in developing Spain's early air capabilities. During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Armilla Air Base became a strategic location. It was used by Republican forces as a base for training and operations. The airfield saw significant activity, including aerial combat and bombing missions, as the Republicans attempted to resist the Nationalist forces. After the Nationalist victory, the base continued to be an important military asset under General Francisco Franco's regime. In the post-war period, Armilla Air Base underwent several expansions and upgrades. The Cold War era brought about increased military activity and modernization across the Spanish military, including its air force. Armilla was upgraded to accommodate new types of aircraft and expanded its role in training and operational readiness. In the contemporary period, Armilla Air Base is primarily known for its role as the home of Ala 78, which focuses on helicopter pilot training. This specialization has made Armilla a central hub for rotary-wing aviation within the Spanish Air Force.

Tour Hosts

Captain Gabrielo de Castro a EC-120 instructor pilot and a member of the "Patruila Aspa" Air Force Helicopter demonstration team.

Captain Gerardo Mochon a former fixed wing pilot who flew C-212s and P-3s and now head of Protocol and external relations.

Training and Operations

Ala 78 is responsible for providing comprehensive helicopter pilot training, which includes basic flight instruction, advanced operational training and specialized courses. A typical student will receive at least 50 hours of flight training on the EC-120 before moving onto the S-76 which also requires at least 50 hours of training. Recently the base has a received and new Flight Simulator for the training of pilots on the newly arrived Aibus EC-135.

The training program encompasses various aspects such as:

Basic Flight Training: New pilots receive their initial instruction in helicopter operations, learning fundamental skills necessary for safe and effective flying.

Advanced Training: More experienced pilots undergo advanced courses that cover complex maneuvers, tactical operations, and mission-specific training.

Specialised Training: This includes instruction in search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and other specialized missions that helicopters are uniquely suited for.

Aircraft

Ala 78 operates a fleet of helicopters tailored to its training mission. The aircraft used typically include

Airbus EC-120: A light training helicopter well-suited for basic and advanced pilot instruction (to be slowly replaced by the EC-135 in 2025/26).

Airbus H-135: A versatile twin-engine helicopter used for advanced training and operational readiness (four delivered so far in 2024).

Sikorsky S-76: A medium sized utility helicopter (due commence withdrawl of type in early 2025).

Role and Importance

The primary role of Ala 78 is to ensure that the Spanish Air Force has a steady supply of highly skilled helicopter pilots. 

These pilots are essential for a wide range of military operations, including:

Search and Rescue "SAR"

Helicopters are often deployed for SAR missions, where their ability to operate in challenging environments is crucial.

Medical Evacuation "MEDEVAC": Rapid response and transportation of injured personnel from the field to medical facilities.

Transport and Logistics: Movement of troops, equipment and supplies.

Tactical Operations: Support for special forces and other tactical units.

Conclusion

Ala-78 along with the Spanish Navy are undergoing modernisation of their Helicopter fleet over the coming the years.

With the introduction of the new Airbus H-135 through 2024 onwards the Air Force will have a brand new training platform for it's student pilots. It is expected that by late 2026 Ala-78 will only be flying the H-135 at this base.

Aviation Reporting wish to thank our hosts on base for a fantastic morning with Ala-78. Being away from the UK's rain filled grey skies just made the snow topped mountains, blue sky and full sunshine even more enjoyable, a busy morning with a lot of flying was just what we needed, the sound of camera's clicking was music to our ears. Special thanks to the UK Defence Attache Madrid, Captain Castro for excellent flying in his EC-120 below our vantage point and Captain Mochon for the full base access and know the photographic vantage point we required.

Author: Mark Forest

Interviews: Edward Davison

Photography: Robert Leech & Christopher Hipkin