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Warriors |
| Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training
was created to train pilots for the NATO alliance. At ENJJPT, student pilots
face some of the toughest pilot training in the world. Students spend their
days training in the air, on the ground, and with the aid of simulators.
The first phase of training prepares students for flying. Parasailing, ejection seat training, and altitude chamber rides highlight these first three weeks. The physiological training unit is responsible for all initial and recurrency physiological training for aircrews. They ensure all aircrew members are equipped with the knowledge to survive in the high "G" force and high altitude environment of fighter aircraft. Academic training also begins during phase one. It continues for approximately 40 weeks, running concurrent with flying activities through phases two and three. Topics include aircraft systems, aerodynamics, instrument flight rules, weather, navigation, and low altitude flying. Approximately 300 classroom hours and ten academic tests are administered by civilian instructors, all of whom are former military pilots. Student pilots first take to
the air in the T-37 "Tweet" during Phase Two of training. Throughout this
phase the 89th Flying Training Squadron is responsible for all flying and
ground instruction. The T-37 is a fully aerobatic jet aircraft where students
gain basic proficiency in aerobatics (contact), weather (instruments),
formation, spin recognition and recovery, and low altitude navigation.
Tradition demands a trip to the "dunk tank" after a solo flight
In the T-38 "Talon," students experience supersonic flight during the advanced phase of jet training known as Phase Three. The 90th Flying Training Squadron is responsible for all instruction during this phase. The T-38 is a high performance jet trainer whose speed and handling characteristics closely resemble those of most fighter aircraft. In the T-38, students expand their skills of aerobatic, instrument, formation, and low level flying to develop the fundamentals needed for flying tactical fighter aircraft. Students face an additional five checkrides in this phase of training. Camaraderie as well as competition continue to grow as students near the end of training and bid for their future assignments. The pinnacle of training occurs two weeks prior to graduation on "Assignment Night" when student pilots are notified of their follow on aircraft assignments. This momentous event is a reflection of each student's achievement as assignments are granted according to performance throughout the course. Military Training Officers are responsible for coordinating and executing the assignment process as well as the final graduation program. A formal graduation ceremony marks the end of an exciting yet difficult year of training. An international gathering of family and friends bears witness to the occassion. Students receive their nation's wings and take on their role as military pilots for the NATO alliance. For these new pilots it is the beginning of a dynamic and rewarding career as a military aviator. A select few from each class are recognized for superior efforts with awards for Distinguished Graduates, Top Formation Flyer, Academic Achievement, and the AETC Commander's Trophy for the overall top graduate. In addition to Undergraduate Pilot Training, ENJJPT also teaches an Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals course. Conducted by the 88th Flying Training Squadron, IFF is a graduate training course that teaches the basics of fighter combat. It is a six week syllabus covering various aspects of aerial combat, low level attack, tactical maneuvering, bombing, and strafing. The IFF course uses the AT-38, a specially modified version of the T-38 carrying an external armament and weapons delivery system. It is a familiar aircraft that allows students to concentrate on fundamental fighter maneuvers instead of learning a new aircraft system. Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States all participate in this program together. |