AS Tampere held an excursion at the Finnish Air Force Academy in April 2025
EUROAVIA AS Tampere held an excursion at the Finnish Air Force Academy on 15th April 2025. The visit focused on Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 41 (LTEKLV 41) and was hosted by Lieutenant Erkka Jokinen from the squadron.
Ten EUROAVIAns participated in the visit. Only EUROAVIA members were allowed to join the excursion.
The Finnish Air Force Academy trains all military and Border Guard Service pilots. All of them begin their careers with the Grob G115E during their military service in the Air Pilot Reserve Officer Course at the Air Force Academy. After successfully completing their military service, they have the opportunity to continue their studies at the National Defence University. Their main training aircraft during their studies are the BAE Systems Hawk MK 51 and MK 66.
Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 41 focuses primarily on the Hawks, while maintenance for the Grobs is carried out by the Finnish company Patria. During our visit, we observed typical daily maintenance operations for the aircraft. We also briefly witnessed an armament cycle practice for the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet.
The visit also included a presentation on the career opportunities offered by the Finnish Air Force. All reserve non-commissioned officers or reserve officers who have completed a suitable education can apply for positions as non-commissioned officers or special officers (e.g. lieutenant engineer).
At the end of the visit, we had the opportunity to enjoy lunch in the local staff restaurant.
Participants and the Finnish Air Force Hawk MK 66 (reg. HW-373)
On the return trip we did a stop in the Finnish Air Force Museum in Tikkakoski. The museum has the largest amount of historical military aircraft in Finland.
Finnish disused MiG-21UM (reg. MK-126) in the Finnish Air Force Museum