SCHOOLING AVIATORS

Erik Bruijns and Mark deGreeuw profile 72º Stormo, Italy’s military helicopter training unit. TH-500B MM81307 ‘72-44’ during a close formation training flight. All photos ErikBruijns and Mark de Greeuw LOCATED JUST to the west of Frosinonein central Italy, 72º Stormo’s compact home base buzzes with activity. Set amid mountainous terrain, it’s an ideal environment for learning to fly helicopters, and all Italian military and paramilitary pilots begin their training here. Built in 1936, the base has always had a flight training role,