Class 56-G aviation cadet visits Vance, flys T-1 simulator

  • Published
  • By Joe B. Wiles
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  An aviation cadet from Vance's Class 56-G, and his wife, attended the graduation of Class 09-02 Nov. 14 and toured the base as the guests of 1st Lt. Sam McAnally, a first assignment instructor pilot with the 32nd Flying Training Squadron.

As an added bonus, Terry Turner flew a T-1 simulator mission with Lieutenant McAnally during his tour. 

The idea for the tour began when Lt. Col. Lane Benefield, 32nd FTS director of operations, recently met Mr. Turner at an Enid Joint Recreation Triad football game.

When he discovered Mr. Turner had been an aviation cadet at Vance in the 1950s, he invited him and his wife, Pat, to come see the base. 

Mr. Turner served in the Air Force for 14 years after receiving his wings. He flew the C-119 Flying Boxcar, C-118 Liftmaster, C-47Skytrain, RB-50 Superfortress reconnaissance version and KB-50 Superfortress air refueling version. 

Class 56-G included 10 second lieutenants, 45 aviation cadets and two foreign students. "The difference between the cadets and the lieutenants was money, and they could be married and live off base," said Mr. Turner. 

Don Sedlacek, with Lear Siegler on base, was the T-1 simulator operator during Mr. Turner's flight.