After 12 training flights (plus a post-Christmas “refresher” called an 86-ride) and approximately 5 sim sessions, my husband has finally climbed mountain #1 in UPT: the T-6 initial solo. It was an exciting day for all of us! H & I met our escort (C’s flightmate) in the flight room while C was briefing with his instructor.
 |
| C & his IP |
After his briefing, he went to “step” for his flight – check in with the SUP, get a weather brief, airfield status, and any other pertinent information, then receive an aircraft assignment. From there, we followed him over to Life Support, where he donned all of his gear (g-suit, helmet, etc.) to prepare for his flight.
 |
| Suiting up |
For the first part of the flight, his instructor joined him for 3 normal landings, a go-around, and a break-out and reentry of the pattern, to ensure proficiency before he took off on his own. Upon landing, the instructor hopped out and C was ready to “fly solo”. (Pun completely intended)
 |
| Duel to Solo |
Before heading out, the IPs have a fun tradition in which they switch name tags with the student to signify “handing over” their wings. This is followed by some sort of pep talk. (In this case, "Have fun. Don't kill yourself.")
 |
| Switching name tags |
During the initial solo, the student stays in the pattern and practices as many landings as possible before returning, lasting about 30-45 minutes.
 |
| Signaling for engine start |
After the flight, we had a chance for a few photo ops and congratulatory hugs,
 |
| Our trio |
but then C had to prepare to enter stealth mode. Per Air Force tradition, the student is subjected to being tossed in the “dunk tank” after their first solo. (Which, the day before, was covered in ice and has a perpetual layer of muck resting on the bottom)
 |
| The dunk tank |
If the student is able to sneak past his classmates and make it to the flight room without being caught and dunked, each flight member owes him/her a case of their favorite beverage. C (and his instructor, who was eligible for dunking since it was his first solo as an IP) managed to make it back. So, while he will be enjoying a plethora of beverages, he got drenched anyway, just to honor tradition.
H and I were so proud, watching C take off in an Air Force jet all on his own! There may be more to come, but: Hurdle #1 complete.
 |
| T-6 Initial Solo: Complete |
“It’s pretty cool when you’re doing 230 knots at 500 feet, in a 60-degree bank, pulling 4 G’s.” ~ C
