Well, it's been 5 busy weeks, and I kind of forgot to update the blog.
The first three weeks have been very, very busy for most of us. After the TMP flights and SETP, we had many curriculum events to accomplish, many reports to write, include the first draft of the TIM, or technical information memorandum, which is the TMp report. Also, the engineers had to do their structure checkrides (and the first flight checkride for those of us that were left behind). The structure checkride happens in the control room, with a student and an IP flying the F16, and we have to closely monitor a large number of crtical parameters during dynamic maneuvers.
The other academic events included the engine out demo, weapon deliveries (pilots only), the F-15E system eval, the F-15D CFP (for the pilots only), the air to air lab, ASTAR (a modified Saab 340 with lots of systems inside to evaluate), Gliders (FQ and spins).
After that, we want on the field trips. First, 6 pilots went to Tucson, AZ, to fly the A-10 ! Then, we all went to Eglin AFB for tours and presentations of their activites, and to Patuxent River NAS, home to Navy TPS, where we got to fly a lot : F-18F for most of us, and helicopters : H-72 (also called EC-145), UH-60 (Blackhawk) or H-58 (Kiowa). Some also flew the U-6 Beaver, a tail dragger with a big radial engine. The week was quite busy but we still found the time to go to nice places in the evenings. We all got very jealous of USNTPS : they have trees and water !!!! (and a nice building). What a refreshing change after so many months in Edwards. It even rained for a while !
And then, the capstone trips : 2 went to China Lake to fly the Apache and the Growler (F-18G), 9 went to France and flew Mirage 2000 and Alphajet, and 5 to Spain to fly the Casa 101 and the Casa 212. These flight will be followed, as usual, by a report.
We are now ready for the home run to graduation : 40 days left, 6 weeks including the last one which will be mainly dedicated to outprocessing.
What we have left : systems checkride for the pilots and our CSO, some leftovers 1st flight or structure checkrides for FTEs, the Vista flights (a highly modifed F-16 which can simulate any flight qualities, similar the the Learjet VSS but with higher G performance), the ASI (avionics system intagration) lab, and glider spins. and also some qual evals : KC-135, C-17, HU-16, Extra 300 and the Blimp. Not everybody will get to fly on each of these aircraft though. That's for the fun. We also have to finish reports, including weapon deliveries, engine out, ASTARS, F-15 system Eval, Capstone, and obviously the TIM and the TMP PRR(test management project - preliminary review report, a one hour oral presntation which will be on monday of the last week of class). And then, on december 10th, graduation. It's getting closer !!!
