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Racing champion gains pilot insight in Talon flight

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller
  • 82nd Training Wing Public
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Eight-time American Motorcycle Association National Enduro Champion Mike Lafferty and motorcycle photojournalist Shan Moore visited the 80th Flying Training Wing May 4-6 to get a first-hand look at pilot training. 

After experiencing the pilot training in simulators, the visit culminated with an incentive flight in the T-38 Talon from the 88th Flying Training Squadron. 

"Flying was awesome. This was definitely an experience that I wanted to take advantage of," Mr. Lafferty said. 

Lt. Col. James Robinson, 80th Operations Support Squadron, said Mr. Lafferty went through standard training before the flight to get the real experience of pilot training. The training included ejection seat training, a visit to aircrew life support and training in a T-38 simulator. 

Mr. Lafferty said he learned a lot and gained a lot of respect for men and women in service, especially pilots. 

"A lot more detail goes into training pilots than I thought," he said. "Seeing all of this is an experience of a lifetime." 

Colonel Robinson said the weather almost caused problems for Mr. Lafferty's flight. 

"We were very lucky to fly today. Because of the weather his training got cut short (May 5,)" Colonel Robinson said.
 
Mr. Moore said he learned a lot while being at Sheppard and he also saw some similarities between Mr. Lafferty and the pilots. 

"Mike would be a good pilot," Mr. Moore said. "He's focused and goal oriented. He has that mentality because motorcycle riders set goals from the beginning to become better racers." 

Mr. Moore is a freelance photographer that covers different aspects of motorcycle racing. He said he covers about five of Mr. Lafferty's races every year and is writing an article about their experience at Sheppard.