Step 1: Initial Flight Screening (IFS)

Today was the first step in my long journey of pilot training. Because it costs roughly $2,000,000 to put someone through the initial stage of pilot training, the Air Force decided that we needed a screening process that would weed out people who simply aren't cut out for flying, people who really don't want to be flying, and people who just don't have the attitude or mindset to fly. So, we go through this program, a civilian run operation, called Initial Flight Screening, IFS.

Today was our first day and involved introductory briefings, the AF Fitness test, and the start of academics. We will have 3 more days of strictly academics and we will cover topics like aircraft systems, aerodynamic principles, airplane performance, communications, airport operations, weather, navigation, and flight procedures.

On Tuesday we have our first flight, known as the Dollar Ride. Then, through the next few weeks, we will have more advanced navigation classes scheduled in between our 14 total flights. These flights include a solo (flight 13) and a "check ride" (flight 14). After the check ride we're done, heading back to our pilot training bases officially "screened" to start Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT), the next stage of pilot training.

For IFS we fly in the Diamond DA-20 Katana. This trainer has the best safety record of any trainer and in the tens of thousands of flight hours in IFS there have been (knock on wood) no fatalities. So for those who are worried about that, don't be!

I will try and keep you all updated on how everything is going. I may be really busy with flying and studying but I'll do my best. If you have any questions about what I'm doing and what's happening, please don't hesitate to ask!