The UH-72A Lakota’s advanced Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) offers U.S. Army student pilots unmatched training flexibility to learn and refine the basic level skills necessary before transitioning to operational mission training.

With the press of a few buttons, pilots can select from five distinct stabilization modes – each purpose-built to match specific training objectives and skill progression.

The UH-72A Lakota can train Army aviators in the safety of a twin-engine helicopter while simultaneously preparing students for transition to advanced training flight modes.

• Level 1 develops traditional “stick-and-rudder” skills. With the push of a single button on the cyclic, students manually control every aspect of flight control inputs. Students can train and demonstrate proficiency in all basic flight tasks and maneuvers in manual mode, before advancing to more complex training tasks and instrument modes.
• Levels 2 and 3 allow the aviator to run through the different stabilizations and act as an intermediary between stick and rudder and advanced aircraft training.
• Level 4 and Level 5 deliver the highest level of automated assistance during hover and cruise flight.

While the UH-72A Lakota transitions seamlessly between all five AFCS levels, aligning flight characteristics with the pilot’s current skill level and training goals, Level 1 offers the most immersive and valuable training experience – producing confident, capable, and adaptable pilots with exceptional situational awareness and flight control.

With its unmatched safety record, superior training versatility, the UH-72A Lakota remains the premier platform for preparing America’s next generation of Army aviators.