The RPA pilot requires many of the same skills and knowledge bases as the pilot of a traditional aircraft.Īfter RPA Flight Screening at Pueblo, the RPA pilot students attend RPA Instrument Qualification course at JBSA-Randolph a simulator only course in dedicated T-6 Fixed Training Devices. They are also thrust straight into actual combat upon reaching mission ready status, so it was essential that AETC trained as many basic skills as possible in the undergraduate training to prepare the RPA pilots for flight in National/International Airspace and readiness to enter the Formal Training Unit for their assigned RPA. Unlike traditional pilots who would expect to be wingmen or co-pilots in initial combat mission ready status, the RPA pilots are immediately solo and in charge of their mission upon reaching mission ready status. Air Force pilot training and designed to train Pilot-in-Command skills to the fledgling RPA pilots. New to the AETC flight training programs, the RPA pilot training program, known as Undergraduate RPA Training or URT, was built around the lessons learned from more than 65 years of U.S. Approximately 160 students per year will be selected for duty flying Remotely Piloted Aircraft. Students selected to fly helicopters train in the TH-1H at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

Both airlift/tanker track and fighter/bomber track training continues at Columbus, Laughlin, or Vance Air Force Bases. Student pilots headed for bomber or fighter assignments are assigned to the bomber/fighter track and train in the T-38. Prospective airlift and tanker pilots are assigned to the airlift/tanker track and train in the T-1 Jayhawk. Air Force aircraft and lays the foundation for the advanced phase and for future responsibilities as military officers and leaders.Īfter the primary phase of specialized training, student pilots are selected for one of three advanced training tracks based on needs of the Air Force and their class standing. Primary Flying Training is designed to teach the basic flying fundamentals necessary to safely operate any U.S. Officer development training to strengthen the graduate's leadership skills, officer qualities, and understanding of the role of the military pilot as an officer and supervisor.

Ground training to supplement and reinforce flying training.Ĭ. Flying training to teach the principles and techniques used in operating advanced aircraft.ī. Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training is divided into three phases, Academic/Ground Training, Primary Flying Training, and Advanced Flying Training.Ī. Then they move onto a fighter-trainer, the T-38 Talon, and continue building the skills necessary to become a fighter pilot. Student pilots fly the T-6 Texan II mastering contact, instrument, low-level and formation flying. Air Force officers and officers from various air forces of our NATO allies. Pilot candidates then attend either Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training at Sheppard AFB, Texas, or Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training at Columbus AFB, Mississippi, Laughlin AFB, Texas, or Vance AFB, Oklahoma.Īt ENJJPT, students learn with, and are taught by, U.S. Air Education and Training Command conducts flying training and is responsible for training aircrews and air battle managers, as well as conducting cadet airmanship programs at the United States Air Force Academy for more than 3,400 cadets per year.Īir Force pilot, Remotely Piloted Aircraft pilot, and combat systems officer candidates begin with Initial Flight Screening/RPA Flight Screening at Pueblo, Colorado, to gauge aptitude for flight and introduce candidates to the rigors of military aviation and training.

Air force pilot breathing techniques