Airman’s spotlight: 2nd Lt. Hieu Pham

By Airman 1st Class Anne McCready, 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs / Published June 07, 2018

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Second Lieutenant Hieu Pham, 47th Student Squadron student pilot, flies in a simulator as a part of his phase III Student Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, June, 6, 2018. Pham discusses pilot training, how it compares to his life before the military, and how he believes it will affect his future. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Airman 1st Class Anne McCready)

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas— Second Lieutenant Hieu Pham, 47th Student Squadron student pilot, discusses pilot training, how it compares to his life before the military, and how he believes it will affect his future.

“Pilot training is definitely a lot harder than college or ROTC,” Pham said. “I’ve been given a lot more responsibility here with fewer people looking after me, and along with that responsibility, I’m held more accountable for my actions.”

Things like nutrition, fitness and studying are left up to him now, and he has to know how to navigate 12-hour days and intensive training.

Pham says SUPT gives him something to look forward to, knowing it will set up future success both technically and when working with others.

“Pilot training encourages me to better myself because I’m part of a team, which is fun because I have people to work with, but it’s also competitive and it makes me try to be better every day,” said Pham.