New Zealand AF visits Vance

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Wildo Rosario, the Life Support Flight production supervisor, explains the contents of an emergency kit on the ejection seat of a T-6 Texan II to New Zealand Air Force representatives June 16 at the Life Support shop here. The New Zealanders visited Vance to gain a greater understanding of the T-6 Texan II which they purchased earlier this year. (U.S. Air Force photo/2nd Lt. Mark Habermeyer)

New Zealand AF visits Team Vance

Published June 18, 2014
By 2nd Lt. Mark Habermeyer
71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Several members of the New Zealand Air Force visited Vance Air Force Base June 16 to learn about the T-6A Texan II.

The New Zealand Air Force is replacing the CT-4E with the T-6 as a primary training aircraft.

The members attended a T-6 operations and maintenance brief, observed a simulator flight and toured the Life Support Flight.

Lt. Col. Troy Henderson, the 8th Flying Training Squadron commander, briefed the military representatives on the pros and cons of the T-6, and the instructor pilot to student ratio that is recommended for a training program.

While the New Zealand military representatives were only at Vance for a day, the tour provided great insight into the operational and support aspect of the T-6, said New Zealand Air Force Squadron Leader Steve Wright.