SUPT class 22-01 graduates; new era begins Published Oct. 25, 2021 By Airman 1st Class Jessica Haynie 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. – Class 22-01, the first fiscal year 2022 Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training class, graduated five aviators, four from allied forces, Oct. 22, 2021, on Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. One facet of training at Columbus AFB is the international training program. Class 22-01 graduated two pilots from Saudi Arabia, one from Japan, and one from Uzbekistan. U.S. Air Force Col. Seth Graham, 14th Flying Training Wing commander, shared his experience and advice to the newest aviators. “You are here to do something noble,” said Graham. “Remember that everyday your paycheck is a down payment on something in the future. You are not getting paid for what you do today. You are getting paid for what your country may ask you to do in the future.” These aviators have prevailed throughout 52 weeks of challenging training, earning the right to become Air Force pilots. “The fact that you are here in this class is chance,” said Graham. “So much of your career going forward is going to be luck and chance. I think the sooner you can accept that, the happier you will be with how things turn out.” The year-long pilot training program begins with a six-week preflight phase of academics and physiological training to prepare students for flight. The second phase, primary training, is conducted in the single-engine, turboprop T-6A Texan II at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. Students learn aircraft flight characteristics, emergency procedures, takeoff and landing procedures, aerobatics and formation flying. Students also practice night, instrument and cross country navigation flying. “Thank you for what you have put into training,” said Graham. “Without you, we would not be here.” After graduation the pilots will depart Columbus Air Force Base and begin their next journey to train in their respective aircraft.