Formation SOLO

Laughlin AFB Flight line - T-6's

This week turned out to be a great week.  On Tuesday, I had my last academic exam for the T-6.  It was such a relief to walk out of that exam knowing that I do not have to worry about studying for an exam until I start T-1s.  This lets me focus more on things that are relevant to my current flying. 

As I have mentioned before, they are really pushing the formation flying on me...which I'm not complaining about.  It is a relatively short block of training and I am having a lot of fun doing it.  On Wednesday, I flew formation in the morning and then in the afternoon my IP told me that I was going to be doing a formation sortie...SOLO!  Let me just tell you:  It was the most exhilarating flight I have ever flown!  It is a special feeling when you know that you are the Aircraft Commander.  The responsibility to fly safe and manage the $5mil aircraft all on your own is something student pilots are eager to take on.  When I landed and took off my g-suit, my flight suit was soaked from sweat.  I cant imagine why? LOL.  This marks the last time that I will ever be solo in a USAF aircraft again.  So I suppose you could say that this was a milestone in my USAF career. 

T-6 Cockpit

Now the fun continues, but takes on a serious tone as my formation check-ride is only about a week and a half away.  They are teaching us [students] some more advanced maneuvers in the meantime which are very interesting and fun. 

Next up:  Formation check-ride followed up by cross country trip Mid-Feb.