Columbus AFB FAIPs experience mobility airpower first-hand

A T-1 Jayhawk lands at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, while a C-17 Globemaster III waits to taxi, Nov. 15, 2022. The T-1 is a medium-range, twin-engine jet trainer used in the advanced phase of specialized undergraduate pilot training for students selected to fly airlift or tanker aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Christenson)

Columbus AFB FAIPs experience mobility airpower first-hand

U.S. Air Force Capt. Brendan Bailey, 48th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, attaches a pitot cover on a T-1 Jayhawk at Altus Air Force Base (AFB), Oklahoma, Nov. 15, 2022. Bailey was able to fly on the KC-46 Pegasus and watch in-flight refueling while at Altus AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Christenson)

Columbus AFB FAIPs experience mobility airpower first-hand

U.S. Air Force Col. Blaine Baker, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander, greets a first assignment instructor pilot (FAIP) at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Nov. 15, 2022. Baker met with the FAIPs to discuss their future aspirations and answer questions about the mobility airpower force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Christenson)

Columbus AFB FAIPs experience mobility airpower first-hand

U.S. Air Force Capt. Brendan Bailey, 48th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, observes a “touch-and-go” procedure in the KC-46 Pegasus at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Nov. 16, 2022. Bailey was able to learn about the KC-46 capabilities including takeoff and landing and air fueling. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Christenson)

Columbus AFB FAIPs experience mobility airpower first-hand

U.S. Air Force Capt. Brendan Bailey, 48th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, watches as Senior Master Sgt. Christopher Yontz, 56th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator instructor, refuels a C-17 Globemaster III in Nebraska airspace, Nov. 26, 2022. The KC-46 Pegasus has a fuel capacity of more than 212,000 pounds. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Christenson)

Columbus AFB FAIPs experience mobility airpower first-hand

A patch with “FAIP Mafia'' is worn by a first assignment instructor pilot while watching air fueling on a KC-46 Pegasus in Nebraska airspace, Nov. 16, 2022. FAIPs are assigned at every undergraduate pilot training base, to teach the next generation of pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Christenson)

Columbus AFB FAIPs experience mobility airpower first-hand

First assignment instructor pilots (FAIP) from Columbus Air Force Base (AFB), Mississippi, pose for a group photo at Altus AFB, Oklahoma, Nov. 15, 2022. FAIPs are selected to remain at their undergraduate pilot training base to instruct incoming students. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Christenson)

Columbus AFB FAIPs experience mobility airpower first-hand

Published Nov. 18, 2022
By Senior Airman Kayla Christenson
97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --

Eight First Assignment Instructor Pilots from Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, visited Altus AFB, Oklahoma, Nov. 15-17, 2022, to get first-hand experience on the KC-46 Pegasus and C-17 Globemaster III. FAIPs are selected to remain at their undergraduate pilot training base to instruct incoming students. The pilots split up to fly on either a KC-46 or C-17 where they were able to observe the operations and mission sets of the aircraft.