T-6 Complete!

So I have slacked a bit since my last post...

The last month in the T-6 has been action packed with many flights and 2 check-rides.

Typical Approach Plate Used for IFR

As I mentioned, they were flying me in both Instruments and Formation at the same time.  It was un-nerving not being able to fully focus on one or the other.  Early in March, my scheduler came to me and advised me that he was going to plan my flights such that I would have my Instrument check ride by the end of that week.  This was great news and I was up for it.  That whole week was spent practicing [flying] approaches to various airports that surround Laughlin AFB.  Every flight was to mimic what the actual check ride would be like.  Flying instruments is not really that difficult.  It is a lot of level flying with very smooth and coordinated turns and power settings.  The real challenge was studying all the rules and regulations that are associated with Instrument flying.  The Air Force puts out volumes of literature regarding this subject.  Being responsible for knowing this information was key to my success during the check ride.  Needless to say, Friday came and my check ride was scheduled for the afternoon.  I had a partly cloudy and windy day which made it quite a challenge to fly that day.  The turbulence really picks up as you get closer to the ground on windy days.  After a 1.3hr flight, the IP called me up to discuss my book smarts and knowledge of emergency procedures.  It was such a relief after it was all over and told me that I did an "Excellent" job with only 4 downgrades.  I was pretty impressed with myself.  I had no idea I flew that well.  I took the grade gracefully and looked forward to celebrating that night with the rest of the guys in my flight.

T-6 Formation

There was no rest for the weary; that next day I was scheduled to start flying the last few formation flights I had left in the program.  Since I only had a few left, this meant that another check-ride was imminent.  Luckily, I loved formation flying.  I ended up flying my last formation flights with a very cool IP.  He was a LtCol who has "been there and done that."  He created a really relaxed environment and had a lot to teach and pass on to me.  I could tell he loved to fly formation as well.  Needless to say all my rides leading up to the check-ride went great.  The check-ride was bittersweet.  I was excited to be complete with all my T-6 check-rides, however, it may have been the last time I would ever perform the maneuvers that were performed on that flight.  Oh well.  Upward and onward...right?

Our UPT Class Patch

Following formation, they send you on 2 "Low Level" flights which ended up being very cool.  These flights get you close to the ground (500') to simulate some tactical flying that some pilots might see later on in their carer.  They were very relaxed flights and fun to fly.

Steph and I in front of a T-6

After finishing my low level flights...I was FINALLY T-6 complete!  It was even more special because Stephanie had been visiting me that whole week and she was able to watch me come back from my flight and debrief for the last time in T-6 land.  As a tradition, when you complete a phase of training in pilot training, you turn your flight patch upside-down to signify that you have completed the program.  It was awesome to have Steph do the honors of flipping the patch.  It meant a lot to me...now another milestone has come and gone.

One of our Engagement Pics

That next week I was able to take leave and go home for nearly a week.  Steph had left TX a few days earlier and we were not expecting to see each-other for quite a few weeks.  I kept the news of my travels home a secret from her and was able to surprise Steph at her work.  My mother and I enjoyed a nice surprise lunch and Steph was excited to have me home.  We spent that week relaxing and enjoying the things that I miss when I am in TX.  We were able to get many wedding plans taken care of to include the reception food tasting, save the dates, engagement pictures, guest lists, to name a few.  To see the rest of our pictures click here .  Stephanie and I are excited for this wedding (DUH lol) and I means a lot to us both to be able to plan some of these things together.  However, like all vacations home, they always end too early. 

 The T-1

I returned back to Laughlin AFB to enjoy some golf and other relaxing activities.  "Track Select" is another milestone in pilot training.  This is when the Air Force tells us weather we are going to go fly the T-38 (Fighter/bomber) or the T-1 (Tanker/Airlift) in our next phase of training.  Since I am reserve and know that I am in the KC-10 pipeline, I knew that I was to track T-1s.  The active duty folks did not.  This made it exciting when they announced who was going to fly these different "track" aircraft.  

So April 1st I start the T-1.  They have issued me all the standard books and materials that I will have to learn.  I really like our class and our IPs.  It should make for a good time in Phase III.


Next:  T-1 Academics then we hit the Flightline 25Apr11.  Dads wedding is over Memorial Day.  I am looking forward to coming home for that!