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!!!