9 years ago, Ryan was in the midst of Air Force pilot training. We had just met, and I was learning everything there was to know about T-6s and dating a pilot (even if I wouldn’t admit yet that we were dating). Now, I’ve watched dozens of our friends get their wings, including my best friend (and Matthew’s godfather). David went through pilot training a couple of years ago, after waiting most of his life to be a pilot (like most of the men and women who go through pilot training). I wrote a post the week before he started, giving him (and all other UPT students) some UPT advice and I thought I’d share it with y’all.
The truth is, your year-ish in pilot training is going to be one of the hardest and one of the most memorable of your life. Not only did I get to watch the men and women we love get their wings, but I’ve now been on the other side, as an Air Force Pilot Training flight commander’s wife (and soon, he’ll be teaching T-6s again with the Reserves!). Seeing both sides has given me the ability to know both what students go through, as well as what instructors expect.
If your significant other is looking for some advice on how to survive this incredibly trying year, have them check out this post with advice just for them.
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Air Force Pilot Training (UPT) Advice for Students
- Keep your head down, and your chin up. The IPs are going to kick your butts, but it’s only because they want the best from you and want to know that you’ll be safe in a plane, no matter where you go from your Air Force Pilot Training base.
- Don’t call yourself a pilot until you pin on those wings. No one with wings appreciates it, and you’ll be surrounded by them.
- Work hard and study hard Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Give yourselves a break Friday and Saturday nights. It’ll be your sanity, as well as when you’ll make some amazing memories (and maybe find your wife, if you’re Ryan).
- Good alcohol for your solo offering is a good move.
- Don’t get TOO drunk on cross country. You do NOT want to have to sandbag it on the way home. We still laugh about the guy in Ryan’s class who had to (with him)!
- Enjoy it! You’re going to be flying a couple of really awesome planes, surrounded by some of the best friends you’ll ever make. It really is the time of your life.
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