The U.S. Army is launching an overhaul of its pilot training program aimed at restoring fundamental flying skills and improving safety, Defense News reported.

The changes come as Army leaders have acknowledged growing concerns about pilot readiness following fatal incidents—including the January 29 collision between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet near Washington, D.C.

According to Defense News, as part of the revamp, the Army is shifting away from current LUH-72A Lakota training helicopters and instead replacing them with simpler, single-engine aircraft like the Robinson R66 or Bell 505, to improve basic stick-and-rudder skills and reduce costs.

The Army is also exploring a contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) model, where private industry would t

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