First Assignment Instructor Pilots visit McConnell

First Assignment Instructor Pilots assigned to the 48th Flight Training Squadron, walk back to their aircraft after visiting McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The T-1 Jayhawk instructor pilots, from Columbus AFB, Mississippi, toured several bases to learn more about various aircraft and missions they may be assigned to in the future. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tara Fadenrecht)

First Assignment Instructor Pilots visit McConnell

First Assignment Instructor Pilots assigned to the 48th Flight Training Squadron, stand in front of a KC-135 Stratotanker April 2, 2017, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The FAIPs visited McConnell to gain a better understanding of the tanker and the base mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tara Fadenrecht)

First Assignment Instructor Pilots visit McConnell

First Assignment Instructor Pilots assigned to the 48th Flight Training Squadron, wait to board a KC-135 Stratotanker April 2, 2017, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. During their visit here, the FAIPs talked with KC-135 pilots and learned more about what it takes to be a tanker pilot. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tara Fadenrecht)

First Assignment Instructor Pilots visit McConnell

Published April 3, 2017
By Senior Airman Tara Fadenrecht
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Nineteen First Assignment Instructor Pilots visited McConnell Air Force Base, April 2.

The FAIPs, currently stationed at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, as T-1 Jayhawk instructor pilots, made the trip to get a closer look at the KC-135 Stratotanker and learn about the base mission before they are assigned to an aircraft.

“The pilots completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and were asked to remain at Columbus AFB as instructors instead of moving to Air Mobility Command,” said Capt. Curtis Dejaco, 350th Air Refueling Squadron executive officer. “They compete with FAIPs from across Air Education and Training Command for assignments at the end of their three-year tour. They visited two other bases this [past] weekend, but [we had] the opportunity to showcase our aircraft and mission as the best in AMC.”

The group listened to briefings from KC-135 pilots and boarded a tanker to get a better feel for the aircraft.

“The benefit is actually being able to see the aircraft we might be [assigned] to,” said 1st Lt. Ian Ellington, 48th Flight Training Squadron FAIP. “I’ve never actually been inside a KC-135, so physically getting into the [aircraft] and [seeing] how you fit in the cockpit was definitely worth the trip.”