Innovations keep T-1 training on track

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Charles Dickens
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The arrival of a new simulator innovation will ease the impact on the 14th Flying Training Wing's capability to effectively and efficiently train T-1 pilots with runway construction on Columbus AFB and looming fiscal limitations throughout the Department of Defense.

On Feb. 1, Capt. James Howayeck, 2nd Lt. Forrest Lampela, 2nd Lt. Peter Anderson and 2nd Lt. Thomas Fedesna of SUPT Class 13-07, with instruction from Robert Letourneau and Patrick Wilson, 14th Student Squadron civilian simulator instructors, flew the first networked T-1 simulator mission at Columbus AFB.

This mission was the first of two networked simulated missions scheduled to be used in the current T-1 syllabus, said Gregg Havens, T-1 Simulator Instructor.  The simulator missions that have been added to the syllabus are Air Refueling and Low Level Formation Air Drop, he said.

"Simulator training has really progressed over the last 20 years," said Lt. Col. James Hall, 48th Flying Training Squadron commander. "The AETC staff used these advancements as justification to remove two T-1 aircraft sorties from the SUPT syllabus saving money command-wide. This is just one more example of AETC's Cost Conscious Culture in action."

This simulator innovation saves approximately $7,500 in fuel for every two-ship formation flown, not including other variables such as aircraft wear and tear or routine maintenance.

Prior to the networked T-1 simulators, students had approximately 49.5 hours of simulator time, which has proven to be an effective training tool. During networked simulator missions the students can see the other attached simulated aircraft and communicate with them, to include simulated air traffic control.

"The simulators present the opportunity for realistic flying, minus the stresses and strains that are put on the body during flight," said Chuck Sanders, T-1 simulator instructor. "Everything in the simulator, regarding the instruments and panels, is an exact copy of what's in the airplane. Even looking outside, you can see the Columbus airfield and local highways."

"By linking two student simulators, we have a platform to introduce procedural concepts to the students in the Mobility Fundamentals portion of the T-1 syllabus," said Hall.