Air Force Pilot Training Behind the Scenes: A Guided Tour

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This is the ultimate video for anyone who's ever dreamed of going to Air Force pilot training (UPT). Pilot and bestselling author Dan Stratman had unprecedented behind the scenes access as he takes you on a step-by-step guided tour of one of the coolest experiences in aviation.
Stratman shows you what to expect as you tackle each step on the path to earning the coveted silver wings of a U S Air Force pilot.
As a bonus, Stratman talks about the exciting new changes coming to pilot training that feel like they were taken straight from science fiction. He ends the video by introducing you to the futuristic new trainer jet, the T-7A Red Hawk, coming soon to Air Force pilot training.
Pass it on to anyone you know who’s ever dreamed of being an Air Force pilot.

[@lacrossecoach]

UPT was the toughest, emotionally and physically draining year in my life. It pushes you to your limits. There were days I wasn’t sure I’d make it, other days when I was fed up with it and wanted to quit. It’s not meant to be easy, but to complete the training and earn your wings makes it all worthwhile. It’s a challenging adventure, but I’ll never forget it.

[@authordanstratman1949]

Hi, this is Dan. My UPT class was 82-05 at Laughlin AFB. I went on the fly the T-33 at Tyndall and the C-141 at Norton. After that I flew for Northwest airlines and Delta. I'd be interested in hearing about your path.

[@matthewchido8450]

Im just curious what makes it so challenging. Is it the amount of information that is expected of you to learn?

[@dahawk8574]

UPT is actually a breeze for some studs. Like those who have been fighter WSOs. You start on Day 1 being basically a copilot, knowing how to fly formation, knowing all the rules, etc. Some WSOs have even been taught how to land. Some pilots will teach this as their 'life insurance'. This video never mentions the 'retreads', but they're actually an important part of the UPT process, because those coming in as Jr Capts will typically 'share the wealth' of their experience to the 2Lts who are wet behind the ears. Class Leaders are an important aspect of how UPT classes make it through what for them is the toughest year of their life. As for washout rates being '10-20%', this video also could have mentioned the brutal years pre-SUPT when washout rates approached 50%. You'd hear stories of a 'Death House', where 5 roommates shared a place, and none of them made it through the year. Off to missles you go. Or the lucky ones got Nav School. But after you've washed out of UPT once, if you later earned Nav Wings, and even got a fighter, the USAF would not give you any second chance at becoming a pilot. At least, I've never heard of that ever happening.

[@grahamhill6340]

Mr. Stratman you really know your stuff when it comes to THE RIGHT STUFF and USAF history... I see the comments were turned-off on your EDWARDS AIR BASE Ultimate Guide, and as always your presentations are first-rate... But, I was surprised that you didn't mention as part of the base's iconic history people like Pancho Barnes and John Ford... being a dry lake bed and the flatest place on earth, Ford shot the indian chase for STAGECOACH there, and Pancho Barnes has a very big connection to USAF history, and sadly the way they got her off her land... The base that saw the biggest loss of test pilots anywhere in the world, all those who paid the ultimate price for technological advancement. Today the military is more about pleasing the big contractors than the other way around, if only a fraction of the trillions wasted was spent on our country's infrastructure, but at least America's freeway system, velco, internet and smartphones were paid out of it. It's strongly suspected that Edwards is the real Area 51 when it comes to the dark secrets and super-advanced weaponary, obviously you're not going to talk about that, but being as we're both of the Baby Boomer generation, the age-group that enjoyed the very best life had to offer and America was... well, enough of me, but I bet deep down you know exactly what I mean! I'd say "thank you for your service" a patronizing worn out cliche that politicians like to use in phony patriotic speeches and never when they vote to cut veterans benefits... so instead I'll sincerely thank and congratulate you on being both a credit to the USAF and a fine writer to boot!

[@rampantpiper]

I love the information. My son is a cadet 4th class at the Academy and has aspirations for pilot training. It is interesting to see what he would be up against after graduation. (Dietitian is not spelled with a “C” but it is a common mistake)

[@authordanstratman1949]

Best of luck to your son if he pursues pilot training. Also, thanks for catching the spelling error.

[@stricklandgarageaviation2864]

I went through Moody 7104 and we didn't break our wings in half. Must be something new. When do trainees get put in heavies or fighters? Is it class standing?

[@authordanstratman1949]

Hi, this is Dan. My UPT class was 82-05 at Laughlin AFB. We didn't break our wings in half at that time either. I went on the fly the T-33 at Tyndall and the C-141 at Norton. After that I flew for Northwest airlines and Delta. I'd be interested in hearing about your path. I assume class rank and what the students put on their dream sheet determines if they go to heavies or fighters.

[@booneboone9705]

Did retire as both commercial and military pilot