Tag Archives: UPT Student Training

Dollar Ride Bills? Really?

One of the additional duties we assigned the students was “Snack Bar Officer.” In this capacity, students manned our squadron snack bars for a period of 2 to 3 hours; manning the cash register, making coffee, stocking shelves and so … Continue reading

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Those Deep Blue Eyes

Every now and then I hear a story that’s just too good not to include. This is one to them… Last week I was down to San Antonio, TX for a gathering of former ‘Cheetahs;’ members of the 560th Flying … Continue reading

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“Boomer”

“Boomer” was our Class Commander in UPT (Undergraduate Pilot Training).  Probably, kind of thought of as our “Den Mother.”  In this capacity he was responsible for all the ‘administrative things’ that came our way.  He was also responsible for kicking … Continue reading

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Flying “Tweets”

The T-37 was our primary jet trainer when I went through UPT (Undergraduate Pilot Training). It was built by Cessna, and served its function well as our primary jet trainer, at the time.  It may have been ‘slow,’ (in relative … Continue reading

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UPT Student Critiques

As students finished up they were offered the opportunity to submit Flight Line Critiques.  I took over “O” Flight in the 25th FTS in Feb ’76.  The class we had at the time was about a third of the way … Continue reading

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Perspective: UPT Operations

When I went through UPT (Undergraduate Pilot Training) in 1970/71, we had 11 pilot training bases.  In the late ’60’s, early ’70’s, we were producing around 2,500 pilots per year.  With a “wash-out” rate of nearly 50%, that meant taking … Continue reading

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K2Bs?

I hadn’t heard of”K2B’s” either, until I entered pilot training in 1970.  This was the designation of our flight suits at the time.  They were sage green, made of poplin; lightweight and comfortable. These K2Bs weren’t the most ‘stylish,’ but … Continue reading

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Flight Pay

I have often said, “I didn’t join the Air Force to get rich, and they saw to it that I didn’t!”  LOL… Early in my flying career our flight pay was $400 per month.  Okay, file this for a second, … Continue reading

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“Super?”

In early ’76, Lt. Col. Dick Hansen reported to the squadron (25thFTS) as our new commander.  Dick was an ‘energetic’ individual; always with a big smile and an ‘upbeat’ demeanor.  Upbeat to where it was contagious.  Refreshing. One of the … Continue reading

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“Que Est Non Pilatus, Est Non Faex”

This expression, “Que Est Non Pilatus Est Non Faex,” loosely translated, was said to mean: “If you ain’t a pilot, you ain’t shit.”  It used to hang on a sign that spanned the entrances between the 8th Flying Training Squadron … Continue reading

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