CAFB pilot earns 2nd wings

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. – Flight surgeon Capt. William Smith, under training with the 14th Flying Training Wing’s Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training program, has taken another step to becoming the Air Force’s 14th ever pilot-physician. Capt. Smith became the first pilot to earn his “Silver Wings” in the new pilot-physician selection process at CAFB during graduation Nov. 21. The path to becoming a pilot-physician in the AF requires obtaining pilot wings, serving an operational tour as an aviator and be a licensed physician and serve at least one year as a flight surgeon. "I always wanted to be a flight surgeon,” said Smith, “but I had never thought of being a pilot-physician until I got to Tyndall Air Force Base.” It was only after hearing about one pilot-physician's story he decide to pursue the unique career path. (Source: Columbus AFB, 11/25/14) Gulf Coast Note: At Tyndall, former flight surgeon Lt. Col. (Dr.) Jay Flottmann was a fully qualified F-22 pilot and the 325th Fighter Wing’s chief of flight safety. He encouraged Smith to apply for the dual-specialty program. Tyndall AFB, Fla., has the largest contingent of operational Raptors of any AFB in the country. Once Flottmann completed medical school, he was assigned to Keesler AFB for post-graduate training. While at Keesler, he decided to become a flight surgeon.