Pilot-for-day visits 309th Fighter Squadron Published June 18, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Melanie Holochwost 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- When Isaiah "ZEZE" Acosta woke up June 11, he thought it was going to be another ordinary day, until he was given the ultimate surprise -- the opportunity to be the next pilot-for-a-day at Luke Air Force Base. The 10-year-old was chosen to participate in the PFAD program through Phoenix Children's Hospital. Born without a jaw, and unable to speak or eat solid foods, he is required to eat and drink through a g-tube. "ZEZE knew that he was coming to Luke, but didn't know when," said Tarah Acosta, ZEZE's mother. "He kept getting sick, so we had to reschedule a few times. We decided to keep the date a secret, so he wouldn't feel bad if he missed it." When able, the family brought him to Luke, and the day began with a tour of the 309th Fighter Squadron. Maj. Brandon McBrayer, 56th Training Squadron Training System chief, gave ZEZE a flight suit and patches, and he received coins throughout the day. Major McBrayer took the family out to the flightline where ZEZE got to sit in his own F-16 Fighting Falcon. "Although he seemed excited the entire day, ZEZE's eyes really lit up when he saw his name on the side of the jet," Major McBrayer said. The next stop was the fire department where ZEZE donned fire gear. Then, everyone watched jets take off and land at the end of the runway. After lunch at Club Five Six, ZEZE and his family went to the simulators, which was exciting for everyone. "My favorite part of the day was being in the simulator," ZEZE said. "It felt like I was really flying a jet, and it was a lot of fun." Major McBrayer said he volunteered to lead this tour because he likes children. "These PFAD kids don't have it easy," he said. "It is nice to see the joy in their faces when they see certain things around the base. It's nice to have the opportunity to inspire them."