Fledgling Eagles Learn To Fly
(March 13, 2010) |
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1st Lt. Clayton Couch gives a low-level brief to Capt. Tom
Bean for their flight Feb. 5, 2010, at Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. Lieutenant
Couch is weapons systems officer student and Captain Bean is a student pilot
attending the 333rd Fighter Squadron Basic Course. |
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SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C.
(3/9/2010 - AFNS) -- Twenty-four F-15E Strike
Eagle pilots and weapon systems officers
graduated the 333rd Fighter Squadron basic
course during a ceremony March 6 at the Walnut
Creek Country Club in Goldsboro, N.C.
"The 'B-Course,' as it is affectionately known,
is a nine-month program designed to mold novice
pilots and weapon systems officers into
competent aviators capable of employing the
world's most lethal fighter aircraft, the F-15E
Strike Eagle," said Capt. James Valpiani, a
333rd FS student pilot.
It is the longest of four courses conducted at
the 333rd FS.
"The 333rd (FS) is the largest fighter squadron
and formal training unit in the Air Force," said
Maj. Trent Hill, the 333rd FS assistant director
of operations. "We produce more combat aircrews
for America than anyone else."
The B-Course curriculum consists of academics,
simulators and flight training that involve all
aspects of the F-15E mission. Students start
with basic flying maneuvers and steadily ramp-up
to the more challenging air-to-air and
air-to-ground missions.
"Instructors grade students on their ability to
perform the tasks on a scale from zero to four,
totally unable to accomplish a task, to being
able to accomplish (the task) |
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with no errors, respectively," said Capt. Peter Yule, a 4th Training Squadron
instructor pilot. |
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Training isn't limited to the classroom, the simulator or
even the flightdeck. It doesn't stop at the end of a normal
duty day either. Students study late into the night and on
weekends to ensure they are prepared for every training
event.
"The intensity of this course far exceeds anything else I
have ever done, to include flight training," said Capt. Tom
Bean, a 333rd FS student pilot. "Our learning is additive
and never stops throughout an aviator's career."
In addition to providing an intense challenge, the course
also helps to build students' confidence.
"It has shown me I can get through a very tough and
demanding work schedule and training program," said 1st Lt.
Clayton Couch, a 333 FS student WSO. "With determination,
hard work and teamwork, there is no limit to what can be
done." |
By
USAF TSgt. Lesley Waters
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Copyright 2010 |
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Reprinted from
Air Force News Service
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