About this Unit
The Western Army Aviation Training Site (WAATS) is a premier aviation training facility of the Army National Guard, located at the Silverbell Army Heliport near Marana, Arizona. Established in 1993, WAATS serves as the primary institution for advanced helicopter training, specializing in aircraft such as the UH-72 Lakota, UH-60 Black Hawk, and AH-64 Apache. The unit provides both initial entry and advanced instruction for Army National Guard, Army Reserve, and active duty personnel, focusing on aviation maintenance and flight training. Over the years, WAATS has earned a reputation for excellence, supporting the operational readiness of Army aviation forces nationwide.
Historical Facts
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WAATS stands for Western Army Aviation Training Site. Located near Marana, Arizona, WAATS is the primary training center for Army National Guard aviation units across the United States.
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Founded in 1986, WAATS was established to provide advanced individual training for Army National Guard helicopter pilots and maintainers, consolidating instruction previously conducted at various Army installations.
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Home to the 2-285th Assault Helicopter Battalion, WAATS supports a diverse fleet, including UH-60 Black Hawk, AH-64 Apache, and CH-47 Chinook helicopters.
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High desert location advantages: WAATS’s Arizona location offers unique training opportunities such as mountain flying, desert operations, and brownout landing scenarios—crucial for deployments to arid regions.
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International partnerships: WAATS has trained aviators from allied nations, including Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Taiwan, fostering international cooperation.
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Central to the Lakota program: WAATS was designated as the primary training site for the UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter, providing instruction and testing for the Army’s newest rotary-wing platform.
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Unique “schoolhouse” culture: Known as the “schoolhouse,” WAATS’s instructors are highly experienced pilots and maintainers, many with combat experience, who pass on operational knowledge to new generations.
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Pioneered Night Vision Goggle (NVG) training: WAATS was among the first Army National Guard sites to incorporate comprehensive NVG flight instruction into its curriculum.
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Vital during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom: WAATS rapidly expanded throughput after 9/11, training thousands of pilots and crew chiefs to meet deployment demands.
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Innovation in simulation: WAATS operates state-of-the-art flight simulators, allowing students to train for emergencies and challenging scenarios in a safe, controlled environment before taking to the skies.
