14th Flying Training Wing hosts Pilot for a Day

Derrick James, 8-year-old Pilot for a Day participant, and 1st Lt. Adam King, 48th Flying Training Squadron Instructor Pilot, give a thumbs-up inside a T-1A Jayhawk Dec. 22 at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. James and his family were paired with host instructor pilots from the 41st Flying Training Squadron for a day of “red carpet” treatment. Observing Air Force tradition, James had his name printed on a jet, making that aircraft officially his for the day. (U.S. Air Force photo/Melissa Doublin)

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14th Flying Training Wing hosts Pilot for a Day

Will Omeara, 14th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Chief, presents a hat signed by several Team BLAZE community members to Derrick James, 8-year-old Pilot for a Day participant, Dec. 22 at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. He was also given a flight suit complete with nametag and patches, and took a photo in the suit with his jet, traditionally known as a “hero shot.” (U.S. Air Force photo/Sharon Ybarra)

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14th Flying Training Wing hosts Pilot for a Day

Derrick James, 8-year-old Pilot for a Day participant, right, his mother and two siblings stand next to a T-6 Texan II Dec. 22 at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. During the day, James and his family learned about the base’s mission, visited static aircraft displays and more. (U.S. Air Force photo/Melissa Doublin)

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14th Flying Training Wing hosts Pilot for a Day

Derrick James, 8-year-old Pilot for a Day participant, shakes hands with Col. John Nichols, 14th Flying Training Wing Commander, after receiving his flight suit and having his patches pinned on by Nichols Dec. 22 at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. During the day, James and his family learned about the base’s mission, visited static aircraft displays, toured various units and ended the day “flying” in a T-6 Texan II simulator. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kaleb Snay)

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14th Flying Training Wing hosts Pilot for a Day

Published Dec. 22, 2015

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Derrick James, 8-year-old Pilot for a Day participant, and 1st Lt. Adam King, 48th Flying Training Squadron Instructor Pilot, give a thumbs-up inside a T-1A Jayhawk Dec. 22 at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. James and his family were paired with host instructor pilots from the 41st Flying Training Squadron for a day of “red carpet” treatment. Observing Air Force tradition, James had his name printed on a jet, making that aircraft officially his for the day. (U.S. Air Force photo/Melissa Doublin)