FAIPs energize Vance AFB squadrons Published April 6, 2007 By Jennifer Carroll 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs contributing writer VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Vance AFB's primary mission is to train pilots. The majority of instructor pilots acquire experience during their assignments at other bases by learning how to fly different types of aircraft. First assignment instructor pilots, on the other hand, graduate here, attend Pilot Instructor Training at Randolph AFB, Texas, and then return to Vance AFB immediately as instructors. Major Weapon System instructor pilots have more experience and Airmanship, which FAIPs develop during their three-year assignment, according to Lt. Col. Nathan Hill, former T-37 instructor at Vance and current deputy commander of the 71st Operations Group. Giving them a lot of responsibility and many flying hours forces these young pilots to acquire Airmanship quickly. Consequently, they face a great challenge at the beginning of their Air Force career and excel at increasing their flying and instructing skills. "After their three-year assignment, FAIPs gain more Airmanship, learn more about themselves and being pilots than they might otherwise learn," he said. Capt. Chad Rogers, nearing the end of his FAIP assignment at the 25th FTS, described his experience as being very engaging and rewarding. "I enjoyed challenges such as performing flyovers at air shows," he said. "The biggest challenge is students will be flying great and, all of the sudden, they'll do something truly unexpected. You just always have to be on your toes," said 1st Lt. Alex Papp, new T-38 FAIP. According to Maj. Christopher Simon, former FAIP and current T-38 instructor, a FAIP studies a lot to make sure to be cognizant of all the rules and requirements. "This makes them the most knowledgeable concerning aircraft systems and current rules," he said. As FAIPs go directly from being a student in pilot training to being an instructor pilot in their squadron, they can better relate to the struggle of the learning process that their students undergo. FAIPs have the ability to advise student pilots by informing them about methods and efficient ways to pass a check-ride, because such techniques are freshly engrained, Lieutenant Papp explained. Lt. Col. Chris Atteberry, 25th FTS commander said, "Now that I'm an instructor myself, I see a huge value in the FAIP program. They bring a lot of energy to the squadron that we might not have otherwise. They are really excited and energized about flying for the Air Force. They fly typically more than anybody else. They are the first ones to volunteer for additional duties. It's just great to have them around." Colonels Hill and Atteberry agree there is a healthy mixture of MWS instructor pilots and FAIPs at Vance AFB. Combining the energy and the enthusiasm of FAIPs with the experience and foresight of MWS instructors creates a successful training atmosphere. "The three-year flying experience you get as a FAIP is highly valuable, when you leave this environment. So, you tend to progress a little quicker in your next assignment," Major Simon said. Capt. Thomas Graham, who was an outstanding FAIP in the 25th FTS, embodies that sentiment. After leaving Vance AFB for F-16 training at Luke AFB, Ariz., he won the Gabreski Award from the 2006 American Fighter Aces Association as the best student pilot in the air-to-air phase of formal F-15C, F-15E or F-16 B-course training. "The FAIPs can do much greater things than a lieutenant when he goes to follow-on training, if they apply themselves," Colonel Hill said.