Final class of F-15C pilots graduate
Posted : Saturday May 15, 2010 9:14:03 EDT
The era of training new F-15C pilots ended in the active-duty Air Force
today, when the final five students graduated from the basic course at
Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.
The base's 325th Fighter Wing trained about 3,900 pilots over the past 22
years with a course that combines academics, simulator time and flights. But
the last of Tyndall's 48 F-15s is expected to leave by Sept. 30 as part of
the Air Force's restructuring plan.
The service isn't completely dropping its F-15C basic course: The Oregon
National Guard will continue to train new pilots. And officers learning to
fly F-15Es take the basic course at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.
"The last class had a unique mix of officers," Lt. Col. Scott Yancy,
commander of Tyndall's 95th Fighter Squadron, said in a release. "We had a
B-1 pilot transition to the F-15, a maintenance officer move into the
cockpit and three lieutenants come to us right out of flight school.
"One of the keys to success for getting through this demanding course is
teamwork. Despite their various backgrounds, this class bonded quickly and
it showed in their demeanor around the squadron and their tactical prowess
on the flight line."