Fledgling eagles learn to fly

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Lesley Waters
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The sky's the limit for the 333rd Fighter Squadron's Basic Course graduates of Class 09 CBE. Twenty four F-15E Strike Eagle pilots and weapon systems officers completed the B-Course and graduated during a ceremony at the Walnut Creek Country Club in Goldsboro, N.C., March 6.

"The 'B-Course,' as it is affectionately known, is a nine-month program designed to mold novice pilots and weapon systems officers into competent aviators capable of employing the world's most lethal fighter aircraft - the F-15E Strike Eagle," said Capt. James Valpiani, 333rd Fighter Squadron student pilot.

It is the longest of four courses conducted at the 333rd Fighter Squadron, home of the Lancers. The other three courses include instructor, transition, and senior officer checkout. The instructor course lasts about 10 weeks and teaches experienced F-15E aircrews how to be instructors. The transition course is four months long and trains fighter crews converting to the Strike Eagle or crews who have been out of the aircraft for a few years due to staff assignments. The Senior Officer Checkout Course lasts one month and trains senior officers assigned to a base with F-15Es.

"The 333rd is the largest fighter squadron and formal training unit in the Air Force," said Maj. Trent Hill, 333rd FS assistant director of operations. "We produce more combat aircrews for America than anyone else."

The B-Course curriculum consists of academics, simulators and flight training, which involve all aspects of the F-15E mission. Students start with basic flying maneuvers and steadily ramp-up to the more challenging air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

"Instructors grade students on their ability to perform the tasks on a scale from zero to four, totally unable to accomplish a task, to being able to accomplish (the task) with no errors, respectively," said Capt. Peter Yule, 4th Training Squadron instructor pilot.

Training is not limited to the classroom, the simulator or even the cockpit; it does not stop at the end of a normal duty day either. Students study late into the night and on weekends to ensure they are prepared for every training event.

"The intensity of this course far exceeds anything else I have ever done, to include flight training," said Capt. Tom Bean, 333rd FS student pilot. "Our learning is additive and never stops throughout an aviator's career."
In addition to providing an intense challenge, the course also helps to build students' confidence.

"It has shown me I can get through a very tough and demanding work schedule and training program," said 1st Lt. Clayton Couch, 333 FS student WSO. "With determination, hard work and teamwork, there is no limit to what can be done."