Military helicopter training is taking place in Concord, New Hampshire, from August 3 to August 13, 2025. The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade from Fort Drum, New York, is leading these exercises to help Army pilots get ready for flying in tough, high-altitude areas. Residents in Concord and nearby towns will notice more helicopters flying low, especially around Concord Municipal Airport and the White Mountain National Forest. The Army says this is normal training and not connected to any emergency or special security event.
The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, known for being one of the most deployed Army aviation units, started this round of training on Sunday, August 3, 2025. The exercises will continue through Wednesday, August 13, 2025. This training comes right after the brigade returned from a deployment in the Middle East. The Army uses these sessions to help pilots adjust after being overseas and to make sure they are ready for any mission.
Why Military Helicopter Training in Concord Matters
The main goal of this military helicopter training is to prepare pilots for flying in mountains and at high altitudes. Captain Daniel Andrews, the public affairs officer for the brigade, explained, “Helicopters behave differently in high altitude, and it affects how much power they are able to exert over the aircraft.” This means pilots need special practice to handle the unique challenges of flying in places like the White Mountain National Forest.
People living in Concord and the surrounding area have been told to expect more helicopter noise and low flights during this period. The Army wants everyone to know that these flights are planned and safe. They are not expected to cause problems for regular airplane traffic or public safety. The Army has also made it clear that this is not an emergency or a response to any threat.
How the Training Fits Into Army Plans
This training is part of a bigger effort by the U.S. Army to improve how it trains pilots. In the last year, the Army has looked closely at its aviation training after several accidents and concerns about safety. As a result, the Army is changing how new pilots learn to fly. They are moving away from using the LUH-72A Lakota helicopter for basic training and will start using simpler, single-engine helicopters instead. However, these changes are not yet in place and do not affect the current training in Concord.
The Army plans to roll out the new training model after a request for proposals later in 2025. The full switch to the new system is expected by the 2027 fiscal year. For now, the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade continues to use the current methods to make sure pilots are ready for any situation.
Training exercises began
Training exercises concluded
Request for proposals for new training model planned
Full switch to new training system expected
Army review of training effectiveness after exercises
What Residents Should Expect
During the training, people in Concord and nearby towns will see and hear more helicopters than usual. The flights will be lower and more frequent, especially near the airport and the national forest. The Army has worked with local officials to make sure everyone knows what to expect. They have also set up ways for people to ask questions or share concerns.
If you have questions or want to report noise issues, you can contact Jane Miller at the Concord Monitor ([email protected]). For official Army information, the Fort Drum Public Affairs Office is available at https://home.army.mil/drum/. Local government and airport authorities can also help with community concerns.
Background on the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade
The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade has a long history of training in different environments to keep its pilots ready for any mission. After returning from overseas deployments, the brigade often holds these types of exercises to help pilots adjust and stay sharp. The focus on mountainous, high-altitude flying is especially important because helicopters react differently in these conditions. Pilots need to know how to handle changes in air pressure, wind, and the way the helicopter responds.
Captain Andrews said, “This training is critical for our pilots. It helps them understand how their aircraft will perform in real-world situations, especially in places where the air is thin and the terrain is rough.” The Army wants to make sure its pilots can handle any challenge, whether at home or abroad.
Army Training Reforms and What’s Next
The Army’s review of its pilot training program started after several high-profile helicopter accidents. The goal is to make training safer and more effective. The new training plan will use simpler helicopters for basic skills, which should help new pilots learn faster and with fewer risks. Even though these changes are coming, they do not affect the current military helicopter training in Concord.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these reforms are part of a larger push to improve safety and readiness across all Army aviation units. The Army hopes that by updating its training, it can prevent future accidents and make sure pilots are always prepared.
Community Impact and Solutions
While the training is important for Army readiness, it does have an impact on the local community. Increased helicopter noise and low flights can be disruptive, especially for people living near the airport or the national forest. The Army and local officials have tried to reduce problems by:
- Notifying residents in advance about the training schedule
- Coordinating with local airports to avoid conflicts with civilian flights
- Providing contact information for questions or complaints
If you are affected by the noise or have concerns about the training, you can reach out to the Concord Monitor or local authorities. They can help explain what is happening and pass along any feedback to the Army.
Looking Ahead
The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade will finish its training in Concord on August 13, 2025. After that, the Army will review how the exercises went and use what they learn to improve future training. The Army’s new pilot training model is still in the works and will not be in place until at least 2027.
For now, residents should know that the increased helicopter activity is temporary and part of routine Army operations. No new policies or emergency rules have been put in place for this event. The Army is focused on keeping its pilots ready and safe, while also working with the community to reduce any problems.
For more official updates on military helicopter training and other local news, visit the Concord Monitor. If you want to learn more about Army aviation and training, the Fort Drum Public Affairs Office is a helpful resource.
By staying informed and working together, the community and the Army can make sure these important training exercises go smoothly for everyone involved.
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