Takin' it to the Air

After 3 weeks of physiological and systems training I finally got to fly a jet this week! Our very first flight is called our "dollar ride." My ride was first thing on Monday. I was scheduled to fly with my assigned IP, but just prior to our pre-flight brief the Operations Group Commander, a German Colonel, showed up to our flight room and asked who he'd be flying with...guess who. I was the first student he had ever done a "dollar ride" with so it was a day of firsts. The purpose of this first flight is to get a general feel for the jet and get a local area orientation. I can't tell you how confusing an orientation it was. We were flying around at about 8,000 ft and he would say..."see that bridge," or "that town over there is ..." It will take me a few more tries to get it all down. Flying was awesome though! Since he is the #2 guy for the whole training wing we got to do a few extra patterns and landings than the other students...not a bad deal.

Tuesday and Wednesday were mostly studying, simulators, and quizzes for me. We did another academic block this week on Flying Fundamentals. It's referred to as the "cats and dogs" lesson because it has all the random instruction that didn't fit anywhere else...basic map reading, instrumentation, aircraft forms, and airspace rules. We test on the material tomorrow. In addition, on Tuesday, I was trained on recorder duty. Long story short, you may have seen those red and white checkered buildings near runways...well, I was part of the team that sat in there and controlled the local airspace. It was pretty a good experience. We are tasked with that duty every week or so.

Thursday was my first instructional flight. During this flight we went out to one of the practice areas and practiced basic maneuvering like steep turns, climbing and descending, and the IP even threw a loop in there. I spent the entire night the day before studying radio calls, and traffic patterns...must've left all the knowledge at home because when I got into the jet you wouldn't have known I studied much. The instructors said that it's like half your brain turns off when you get in the jet...that's where the experience will help in the future. It was truly an overwhelming experience. I felt a little better by reminding myself that I currently only have 2.3 hours in the aircraft. Each time will be better.

The fact that I am in pilot training finally hit me this week though. As I was flying I looked out the side of the aircraft, and painted on the wing in big blue letters was "USAF," it kinda gave me the chills. I can't believe I'm getting paid for this!!!

This next week starts off tough. Monday I have an emergency procedure simulator, a flight, an emergency procedure quiz, and an academic test...sheesh! Well...I'm off to bed since I have to wake up at 4...blah!

Systems and More

This week was full of academics. From Monday to Thursday we learned all about the different systems in the T-37. The instruction included general aircraft knowledge, hydraulics, engines, electrical system, air conditioning...or lack thereof, egress, instrumentation, and malfunction identification. There was a mix of classroom instruction and computer based training. It's a little difficult doing all this training without actually touching the aircraft because there isn't anything to apply the knowledge to until you actually see it in action. Thursday afternoon we got to go out and actually look at one of the aircraft to put everything into perspective...sort of.

Friday was test day...at 6:00 am! I wasn't sure if my brain would function so early in the morning...especially since it is solar powered and the sun wasn't up yet. The test was 34 question, multiple-choice on the computer...very similar to the tests I took in my aircraft maintenance training. For those of you maintainers out there, it was about the same level of difficulty too...just a little more detail in regard to operating limitations. Turns out I had just enough brain power to pass the early morning test and move onto the next phase of training...the flight line!

We proceeded to our flight room following our test to complete our first few "P Missions." I'm not even sure what that means...but it was just more academics. Additionally, we watched about 2.5 hours of vintage (1980s) Air Force videos that discussed basic pre-flight inspection and other really exciting stuff...blah! After this training all of us got to go to the flight simulator to practice everything through takeoff. I've got most of the procedures down pretty well, but we'll see how the acutal application goes on Monday. The day finished off with yet another test. Our current uniform of the day is blues...until our entire flight can complete 3 consecutive ops limit/boldface tests with zero mistakes...I'm talking no missed dashes, commas, spelling, etc. It's quite a bit of knowledge but I think I got it all down correctly...should find out Monday. Unfortunately, a few people know they made mistakes...so a few more days before we get to wear flight suits permanently...oh well.

So, tomorrow (Monday) will be must first flight! This ride is refered to as our "Dollar Ride" where we basically get to demonstrate if we can start and taxi the aircraft, then the instructor pilot (IP) flies around to all the important visual reference points in the area. We're supposed to present the instructor with a decorated $1 bill commemorating the event...my IP is going to be disappointed with my artistic abilities. I am extremely excited to fly tomorrow...I think it will finally bring about the realization that I am at pilot training...as will the debrief where I'll be told how bad I suck...lol!

How to Survive

This week began back in Physiological Training. We all went through training in the altitude chamber. This chamber simulates the pressure change and lack of oxygen while at high altitude (we went up to 35,000 feet). While at 25,000 feet we removed our oxygen mask so that we could feel what it was like to experience oxygen deprivation, and see how our bodies reacted individually. Each person has their own symptoms so it is important to be able to recognize the signs of oxygen deprivation if there is an aircraft problem. My symptoms included light-headedness, tingling, and a tiny bit of nausea. Once you feel that you are experiencing any symptoms you put your mask back on and all returns to normal in seconds. Apparently one of the guys in the first group to go in didn't recognize his symptoms and was about to pass out...not unusual for those who push the envelope.

After our altitude training wrapped up we were instructed on survival techniques if we are ever required to eject. This training included many different subjects ranging from how to build a shelter, what things are good (and not good) to eat in the wild, and general survival-related stuff. Probably the funniest thing I learned was how to make a "squirrel pole." Basically, you lean a pole against a tree and tie several little nooses along the pole to snag a squirrel. Kinda funny...tying little lassos. There is a much more in-depth survival training that I'll be required to attend following my flying training where I'll actually have to live of the land for a few days.

Thursday was test day, both academic and physical. The academic cover the survival stuff and wasn't too difficult. The physical test is called the Fighter Aircrew Conditioning Test. In order to be a fighter pilot you are required to pass this test which consists of arm curls, bench press, pull downs, hamstring curls, leg press, push ups, sit ups, and another leg press. The weight each person is required to lift is a percentage of their body weight. I was a little nervous about the bench press and pull downs, but I passed with flying colors...as did everyone in the class. It was nice to get that out of the way.

On Friday we began our Systems academics. The first thing we did was take a tour of the maintenance area...which made me feel at home. All the maintenance here is civilian contracted, so it is a little weird not having "blue suiters" out on the flight line. Following our tour we had about 4 hours of computer-based training that covered the basic parts of the aircraft, the instruments and indicators in the aircraft, and how to troubleshoot some basic malfunctions. We'll spend the next week doing both computer and class Systems training.

Friday evening we were required to attend Assignment night for the class that will graduate in 2 weeks. It is at this event that students are told which type of aircraft they will be flying following graduation. The possibilities are F-16, F-15C, F-15E, F-22, A-10, B-2, B-1, B-52, or stay here as an instructor in the T-37 or T-38. In general, people going through training here are striving for a fighter...but there are usually at least one bomber and instructor slot (sometimes more) per class. This class had a very good "drop" with only one bomber and no instructor slots. It was fun to see what I'll be going through a year from now.

Only one more week and we'll be off to the flight line...can't wait!!!