CAFB IPs fly Indiana & ND cadets

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - Instructor pilots (IPs) and 22 T-6 Texan IIs aircraft from the 37th Flying Training Squadron at Columbus AFB recently returned from temporary duty to conduct instructor-continuation training for end-of-year requirements in Indiana and to work with cadets from the University of Notre Dame’s Air Force ROTC unit. From Sept. 6-10, the 37th FTS accomplished 188 sorties and also increased knowledge and proficiency for all IPs in an off-station training environment. “This training was huge,” said Capt. Richard Ross, 37th FTS IP. “It proved that we … can conduct flights off home station in a safe and organized manner.” It also required IPs to thoroughly plan and provide procedures to those conducting the familiarization flights due to the fact that this was non-standard and not CAFB, he said. The 37th FTS was also invited to fly over the Notre Dame-Ball State football game. The IPs were able to work closely with the cadets to demonstrate some of the training the pilot community goes through to ensure proper pilot training on a daily basis. It’s not an everyday event that cadets are given the opportunity to fly, but 16 were given that chance after airmen with the 14th Operations Support Squadron aircrew. (Source: CAFB 09/14/18)