HomeNews

News Search

News

Results:
Tag: pilot training
Clear
  • Master Sgt. Christopher Smith Jr., 47th Security Forces Squadron operations superintendent, was assigned to Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, directly after his military training instructor assignment at Air Force Basic Military Training. As an MTI, he enjoyed being able to take an Airman who was on the fence or not quite cutting it, and set them on the right track with proper direction and motivation. “It wasn’t always about yelling and punishment,” he said. “That’s a part of the job and a way to establish authority, but there is so much more to shaping an Airman than screaming and pretending to be angry.” (U.S. Air Force graphic by Airman 1st Class Anne McCready)

    Airman’s Spotlight: Master Sgt. Christopher Smith Jr.

    Master Sgt. Christopher Smith Jr., 47th Security Forces Squadron operations superintendent, was assigned to Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, directly after his military training instructor assignment at Air Force Basic Military Training. As an MTI, he enjoyed being able to take an Airman who was on the fence or not quite cutting it, and set them on
  • Lt. Col. Andrew Katz, 47th Operation Support Squadron commander, talks about gaining a new focus, taking initiative, and how innovation can be simple. In his squadron, he says, “If you touch it, you own it,” and he encourages his people take ownership of problems in their work centers and provide ground-breaking solutions. (Courtesy photo)

    Search for Initiative and Ownership

    When Gen. David Goldfein became Chief of Staff of the Air Force in mid-2016, he called squadrons the “beating heart” of the service and promised his first year as chief would focus on revitalizing the squadron, as the core-fighting unit of the Air Force. Now, with this new focus, it’s critical for one to dig deeper to discover the root of this shift in mindset— generating initiative and ownership.
  • 2nd Lt. Eric Wiggins and other student pilots from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training class 20-05 practice their parachute landing falls, Jan. 17, 2019, at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. They used two and four foot platforms to jump from, and when they fell, they practiced making 5 points of contact during the roll. According to instructors, if they were to land feet-first from a parachute jump, they could potentially break their legs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anne McCready)

    The 47th AOPTU prepares student pilots to land a career in flight

    2nd Lt. Eric Wiggins and other student pilots from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training class 20-05 practice their parachute landing falls, Jan. 17, 2019, at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. They used two and four foot platforms to jump from, and when they fell, they practiced making 5 points of contact during the roll. According to instructors,
  • A student pilot assigned to the 87th Flying Training Squadron, immerses himself into a prototype virtual reality training solution at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 16, 2019. Instructor pilots from the 87th Flying Training Squadron, like Capt. Jason Dark, are looking to boost traditional classroom lessons on aircraft maneuvers and provide a better course for students with the help of virtual reality. (U.S. Air Force illustration by Senior Airman Benjamin N. Valmoja)

    Virtual reality steals the show

    With technology ever-evolving, the Air Force believes its training should too. Virtual reality, or VR, is growing quickly, and Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, is hopping on the bandwagon.
  • Capt. Trevor Ibarra, 85th Flying Training Squadron gradebook officer and instructor pilot, was chosen by wing leadership to be the “XLer” of the week, for the week of Dec. 12, 2018, at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. The “XLer” award, presented by Col. Lee Gentile, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, is given to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to their unit and the Laughlin mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin N. Valmoja)

    XLer of the week: Capt. Trevor Ibarra

    Capt. Trevor Ibarra, 85th Flying Training Squadron gradebook officer and instructor pilot, was chosen by wing leadership to be the “XLer” of the week, for the week of Dec. 12, 2018, at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. The “XLer” award, presented by Col. Lee Gentile, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, is given to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to their unit and the Laughlin mission.
  • Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 19-03 graduates after 52 weeks of training at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 14, 2018. Laughlin is the home of the 47th Flying Training Wing, whose mission is to train the next generation of multi-domain combat aviators, deploy mission-ready warriors and develop professional, confident leaders. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Airman 1st Class Anne McCready)

    SUPT class 19-03 set to graduate

    All Laughlin members are invited to attend Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 19-03’s graduation ceremony at 10 a.m., Dec. 14, 2018, in Anderson Hall, here.
  • Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 19-02 graduates after 52 weeks of training at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Nov. 16, 2018. Laughlin is the home of the 47th Flying Training Wing, whose mission is to train the next generation of multi-domain combat aviators, deploy mission-ready warriors and develop professional, confident leaders. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Airman 1st Class Anne McCready)

    SUPT Class 19-02 set to graduate

    All Laughlin members are invited to attend Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 19-02’s graduation ceremony at 10 a.m., Nov. 16, 2018, in Anderson Hall, here. Col. Lee Gentile, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, will be the guest speaker.
  • Maj. Gen. Patrick Doherty, 19th Air Force commander, is responsible for and oversees over 45 percent of the Air Force’s annual flying hour program that trains more than 32,000 U.S. and allied aircrew annually flying 28 different type of aircraft. The 19th Air Force, based out of Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, is composed of more than 36,000 total force personnel and 1,608 aircraft assigned to 17 wings located across the U.S. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anne McCready)

    Airman's Spotlight: Maj. Gen. Patrick Doherty

    Maj. Gen. Patrick Doherty, 19th Air Force commander, is responsible for and oversees over 45 percent of the Air Force’s annual flying hour program that trains more than 32,000 U.S. and allied aircrew annually flying 28 different type of aircraft. The 19th Air Force, based out of Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, is composed of more than
  • Second Lt. Justin Greene, 47th Student Squadron student pilot awaiting training, chose to chase a career in military aviation and is waiting to start pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. As his turn to suit up gets closer, he is excited to achieve his goal of receiving the U.S. Air Force’s silver wings. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Senior Airman Benjamin N. Valmoja)

    Airman Spotlight: 2nd Lt. Justin Greene

    Pilot training can be a goal people dream of their entire life, and some never see it all the way through. It is understandable that the period of time between being selected for pilot training and actually starting the course could be a time of intense anticipation. 2nd Lt. Justin Greene is currently awaiting pilot training and said he can’t wait for what’s to come.
  • Deborah Pagan, 47th Flying Training Wing Comptroller Squadron financial budget analyst, is part of a team who assist units and members of Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas with financial business concerning government expenses. Pagan enjoys helping Airmen understand financial processes better so they are empowered to complete the mission and not worry about possibly committing fraud, waste or abuse. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Airman 1st Class Anne McCready)

    Airman’s Spotlight: Deborah Pagan

    Many shy away from handling financial issues due to complexity, and dealing with government finances can seem especially daunting. The repercussions could be severe if there is suspected fraud waste and abuse in question. That is why it is important for Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, to have a team of analysts, who oversee government purchase cardholders, how vouchers are filed and many more financial doings. Deborah Pagan, 47th Flying Training Wing Comptroller Squadron financial budget analyst, has worked five years in finance and 10 years as the 47th Operations Group resource advisor, helping Airmen sort through the financial fog of government expenses.
RSS