Vance pilots fly T-6 to CAP encampment in Tulsa

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VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Two pilots with the 33rd Flying Training Squadron at Vance AFB, Okla., flew a T-6A Texan II trainer to Tulsa International Airport in Tulsa, Okla., June 15, to participate in a Civil Air Patrol summer encampment.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Evan Hill and U.S. Air Force Capt. Dan Healey flew the single-engine turbo-prop aircraft to the Tulsa airport, home of the Oklahoma Air National Guard's 138th Fighter Wing. There, 120 CAP cadets attending the 2011 Oklahoma Wing Summer Encampment got a close up look at the Air Force's primary trainer.

The 138th FW flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a single-engine, compact, multi-role fighter aircraft.

Healey gave the cadets a briefing on Vance's unique joint environment and what training is accomplished during the three major phases of Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training.

Hill gave the cadets a tour of the T-6 and provided the unique perspective of being a Marine pilot while flying and training with the Air Force.

CAP Capt. Travis Kyle, the encampment commander, appreciated the 33rd FTS instructor pilots taking time out of their day to speak to the cadets. "To be able to see a T-6 and an F-16 next to each other and see what is required to make that transition is impressive," Kyle said.

"The cadets were excited to see one of the best presentations we had all week. The cadets loved it," said Kyle.

Healey is a former CAP cadet and got his first solo flight at a CAP encampment. "I never forgot how I got my start in aviation," he said. "I enjoy helping out CAP any chance I can get and hopefully give those cadets some motivation to achieve their dreams.

"It only seems like yesterday I was wearing a CAP uniform wondering how I can get my hands on the controls of an aircraft," said Healey.

The weeklong encampment is required for CAP cadets as they progress in the cadet program. During the week they learn Air Force customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, aerospace education, teamwork, and leadership.

CAP is the official auxiliary of the Air Force and has three primary missions: aerospace education of both CAP members and the public at large, emergency services, and cadet programs. To learn more about CAP go to www.gocivilairpatrol.com.