The NEW Air Force Pilot Training: General Wills

[@jeffreyhill1011]

Love that they didn't reinvent the wheel and just used OBS for sim recording

[@johnendalk6537]

They bought all the ps5s lol

[@AV4Life]

I’m a senior in High School, and the idea of flying a T-38 in 4 to 5 years time has always fascinated me. I’m taking my FAA written exam this month and about to join Civil Air Patrol. Wish me luck everyone.

[@rideroftheapocalypse9953]

Wishing you a great carear

[@legitsu_]

1 year later how'd go everything going good man?

[@AV4Life]

@@legitsu_ Pretty good - I actually passed my check ride last month and have almost 100 hours. Got a 93 on the written. I start college in a few weeks and plan on doing ROTC.

[@trentburgess4325]

@@AV4Life let’s goooo brother

[@kysarina]

@@AV4Life niceee

[@kenh7181]

Thanks for the cool video! In 1992 I graduated from UPT 1.0 with 197.8 actual flight hours and I recall that everyone in my class was within a couple hours of that same number. I also recall that it was rare for a student to feel mastery in any subject - it was as if the moment you really “got” something, you moved on to something new. While this was frustrating at the time, I later realized that this revealed just how tailored the program was in teaching humans to fly and that there were little to no moments wasted beyond what was necessary. I have no doubt that UPT 2.5 takes advantage of leaps in training technology, but what concerns me most are the airmanship and skills shortfalls that form the root causes of many mishaps. Over the decades, many of these skills have been ping-ponged from UPT, to RTU, to the operational units and then back again in a game of square filling and shrinking budgets where currency often trumps proficiency. As a result, I am less concerned with the exact hours/training device footprint and more concerned with the syllabus meat of teachable moments and 2.5’s ability to ensure those lessons are successfully absorbed. In closing, I’ll add that I spent several years teaching new airline pilots in their first 35 hours of actual flight following simulators. The pilots received excellent training in the most modern devices and were, themselves, the cream of the crop from a wide and impressive MWS background. I can report that almost everyone needed 5-6 sorties to begin to show proficiency - the simulator simply failed to provide the real world stressors of comms, mission pressures, real-time flow, and weather that were needed to perform in the job. The IPs in the 2.5 program will need to focus on this and, in recognizing these unintended consequences, spend more time on items that they may not have stressed in the past (e.g. how cockpit tasks vary between bright sunlight, dusk, and night) than they did in the past because there will simply be less time to impart concepts that can only be experienced in the jet.

[@TheAlmostHarmless]

One of the major changes to the syllabus was that is was designed to not allow the brain dump that comes from switching blocks of training. When you and I went through, we learned Contact flying exclusively. No instruments. God help you if you looked at a cloud. After that, it was exclusively Instruments/Nav, then exclusively Form, and so on. In the old syllabus styles, one of the most common reasons for hooking that last check was from having brain dumped the skills from previous blocks that you didn't need to survive the current one. With the new syllabus, you're technically opted to see a lot of stuff right out the gate. Students can now sandbag when there's open seats. You get instruments training in small increments sooner throughout the Qual/Trans Phase leading into Instruments\Nav. You can get exposure to Form if the IPs determine the sortie has training value. And the Mission Pase (The last Phase of training in T-6's) you act as a mission commander on combined Form/Nav out and backs. It's ~21 rides that force a student to be proficient in all things from planning, to instruments and nav, to formation, as well as real world sortie management. Students, if deemed proficient and safe enough, can even Form Out/Back solo against an IP. One of the things written into the syllabus that I loved is that we can "grenade" their plan if they're really doing well. If they need added complexity, I've straight up filed different flight plans and opened them to see how they adjust to changes. Obviously the bottom 1/3rd can't really handle that specifically, but it's an example of how we're trying to train more dynamic and actively thinking pilots, versus the old style that just regurgitated a check-ride profile. What you tend to see is students gaining proficiency over a longer period of time, which can be really frustrating when you're used to seeing the compartmentalized progress of the old style syllabus, but even my worst students did have the ability to manage dynamic missions better than I could when I went through. It's not perfect yet. Too many students, not enough instructors, technology and contracts and a pain. But it's a step in the right direction.

[@CaoimhinOMaol]

As a Flt Commander in 38's at Laughlin I floated the idea of strong students doing great in the formation phase a ride 2-ship with nothing but tactical out to the area and tactical all the way back. Went nowhere. We had to do a full profile to get them ready to pass a check-ride. Tried to push some students gently to push a little to see what their limits might be. For example: their flying as #2 and lead calls for a straight ahead rejoin. Most would get accelerate to do a rejoin with 50 knots overtake and always handle it and get a grade of Excellent. So I would tell 2Lt Spike to try it with 100 Knots overtake and see if that works for you. The phrase I hated hearing through my 4-year ATC tour : "YOU CAN'T TEACH THAT TO A STUDENT!"@@TheAlmostHarmless

[@hugoglenn9741]

@@TheAlmostHarmless wrong, instruments in sims was introduced before the contact checkride, however, not to a point of dumping or,getting diverted from what you needed to know for the solo or checkride.

[@TheAlmostHarmless]

@@hugoglenn9741 Right, I was referring to the flying blocks of training specifically. Basically every block of training was preceded by relevant sims, and it's still that way. I would have to find an old copy of my syllabus to check exactly where one got opted for instrument sims, however any instrument flying in the aircraft was done by the IP (on the books anyway). Caveat that of course with the fact that prior to UPT 2.5, the syllabus still ebbed and flowed every year with what events opted which and when. If you flew instruments during your Contact Phase, it wouldn't surprise me at all.

[@doggoshorts5837]

This is cool new training because that is exactly what I want to do when I grow up

[@HasardLee]

That's to hear---keep after it 👊

[@elihood6474]

Same

[@laex1x]

Yea same

[@snj-5678]

Same

[@ethanjohnson4157]

Been working towards becoming a fighter pilot my entire life

[@CrazyGunNoob]

So this is the real reason we have a GPU shortage lol

[@jnlk2505]

Xd

[@EMNemesis]

Pretty much.

[@rohitpbhave]

Rofl

[@punishedsneed]

Alright. You got me to laugh. You earned the like.

[@753238]

CRYPTO MINING AND AI CREATION ARE THE NO. 1 and 2 REASONS

[@theVRpilot]

VR is honestly such a game changer! I remember my first flight in VR in 2014 in DCS! Now with MSFS I get to fly approaches that I provide for pilots, GA and Commercial in South Florida and it has increased my understanding and perspective for what pilots are dealing with and looking for as I am calling airports or traffic to them because of how CLEAR and HD and accurately modeled it is! Thanks for sharing!

[@HasardLee]

Agreed, it's the future--glad you enjoyed the video!

[@EndersVRcade]

@@HasardLee what is/where can I find the P3E software mentioned that is available to the public? I have the same VR headset at home and really would like to try it with that software.

[@anneturner1403]

I live near Randolph and really enjoy hearing the planes flying around in a path. Many people don't understand what these planes are doing, but being a Mom of a retired USAF, I certainly do...

[@thomsonsmith95]

Hello Anne How are you doing today?

[@mpesposito6973]

Gotta say I loved this video! Probably one of my favorites from your channel. So glad to hear that the training is advancing with the times and the extent to which the Air Force is focusing on the students and how to make it better for them rather than forcing someone to conform. Currently studying for the AFOQT and if all goes well I can’t wait to get to UPT!

[@sueandpatrick]

Good luck Mathew!!

[@Carlos27thFS]

What's great about this, is the higher ups see the impact Hasards' KZbin vids has on future pilots. Most regular companies would deny any idea like this. I call it the ego of the higher ups. Only they know what's best.

[@SomeDayPilot13]

Your content just keeps getting better and better. This is how I wanted to follow a Pilot in the Military on social media! So much new content and information! Keep it coming Hasard!!!!!

[@Husker5454]

Its amazing how far technology has come to the stage where now any civilian can pick up say DCS and a hotas and learn how to fly a fighter jet . That alone is a base line that didnt exsist 20 years ago . Having these things available to then augment to a military level must be a godsend in training just being how easily accessible this kind of technology is for both costs and readiness .

[@kcbroncohater]

And DCS is so detailed in the cockpits. The simulator is fantastic.

[@Garou-si5jz]

And the great thing is dcs if free! (Apart from buying planes)

[@sebas793]

@@Garou-si5jz and apart from buying theaters... and buying upgrades, etc.

[@Garou-si5jz]

@@sebas793 yeah sadly

[@kcbroncohater]

@@sebas793 I have been flying for two years and it hasn't cost me a dime. You get several aircraft from American to Russian air craft and props to multi engine jets.. I can see this not only working for real pilots as well as drone pilots.

[@ppwb35]

Just love the access your chain of command is giving you and us access to. keep the content coming.

[@imc2cavu]

Best vid yet. Well done sir.

[@HasardLee]

Thanks!

[@M8E8L]

I smiled with joy when I saw the VR headsets. That stuff actually works! Closest thing you get to flying without actually being in a cockpit.

[@bradbrandon2506]

That's really great news about our new training program. Congratulations on getting the Two Star to join you; that really blew me away! Your videos not only keep me interested, but ulso fill me with determination to really be the best I can be, not to mention fill me with pride for our country. As always, thank you and hooah!

[@bradbrandon2506]

Thank you, sir!

[@michaelnorthrop1205]

I'm an ICU doc (I used to fly) and it's fascinating to see the you talk about the same concepts we are beginning to use and integrate for medical training and patient safety.

[@D00kerT]

This stuff is great. Really appreciate this kind of right from the horse's mouth informative content!

[@blackmen18]

What a fantastic video! Love how the folks are soloing on the 4th sortie.

[@ethanwilliams9383]

Starting AFROTC in august, hope to be there someday

[@DrDrew-mw2gy]

Don't make that mistake

[@mathguy8685]

Don't listen to @Dr. Drew, go in there, do your best and be an active wingman

[@Rider95king]

This was just amazing how air force is actually progressing in pilot training. I love what General said at the end it is not made to make it easy but to make them a better pilot.

[@smoothskiing2000]

Your channel is addicting to an average guy ... great content ! .. listen to it on my way to work .. thanks for your service brother

[@HasardLee]

Much appreciated, glad you enjoy it!

[@MrFarnanonical]

Damn, this is a huge step up from your other videos production-wise. nice job.

[@Phildo8]

“The God’s Eye” tech in the F-35 helmet is flat out amazing!!!

[@iangoodwin345]

Another fascinating presentation Hasard. Thanks again for such a fascinating insight into the world of fighter pilots!

[@Hraptor]

Who knew that all those hours in DCS were really a form of training

[@109bmd3]

That is amazing, thanks for bringing us along. Stay safe everyone!

[@phila3884]

Just found this- I had to chuckle at the cartoon of the guy sitting with a plunger "practicing" the lessons. That really was a recommended study technique, straight from our instructors back in the Dark Ages of UPT!! No joke.

[@bobbyguns100]

This was amazing hasard, you’re video production is really on point man!

[@ak2ut509]

Thank you for making your videos. My 14 yr old is aiming to be a USAF pilot and your videos are great for him to learn about the flight programs.

[@omarp.rawidigdo1357]

8:47 is that piano tiles 3?

[@samuele.4630]

By far your best video yet!! I love this content! Keep em coming

[@HasardLee]

Thank you! Will do

[@justincase4359]

This channel is amazing how many KZbinrs have access to an actual General willing to come on their Channel and explain things to us the way this gentleman just did

[@riderraphael1097]

Starting Academics for UPT 2.5 in a month and a half, cant wait to hit the flightline again

[@DillonG1435]

Anyway you can send me a DM? Not super in touch with YT and how to do that lol

[@msmith7341]

Good Luck. I was PTN v3

[@riderraphael1097]

@@DillonG1435 I'm not too sure either, is there anything specific you have questions about or anything like that?

[@riderraphael1097]

@@msmith7341 At what base? Do you have any advice for things I should start looking at outside the boldface/ops limits? Or techniques that you used to learn all the material?

[@DillonG1435]

@@riderraphael1097 what do they have you doing before hand? Just found out I'll be out there come October 🤙🤙 totally forgot about 2.5 so flexing now and prepping for this versus the old UPT

[@imdeg9821]

Absolutely blown away by the editing of this video. Great work and thank you for the content!

[@MIKE-dj8gv]

Amazing video and fantastic to see the new technologies in the service amazing job everyone tnx Hazard for the EXCELLENT video 👏👍

[@F3PIZZA]

I just started the vid but had to comment before I forgot! Ken Cooper! The Flying Show has an episode in the 35’s simulator with Ken walking the host through a few things. Sometimes if I’m having a bad day, I watch that video because of Ken because it makes me happy. (Low key, I have a dream of getting a flight in one of those simulators! Lol) All of this stuff, all of you guys, this all helps me sleep at night and puffs my patriotism through the roof. Thanks for great content, Hasard. Glad the AF has your back with this endeavor.

[@CaoimhinOMaol]

Funny. At Laughlin the Deputy Commander for Operations saw me inside the BX (base Exchange) with my flight suit sleeves pushed up just like that. The next day I was called into my Squadron Commanders office to gently slapped for it. Something about 'Not setting a good example' for the students'. Nice to see they are more relaxed about it.

[@ethanglazed3204]

I’ll be doing this in 3 years time! Thanks for all the info Hasard!

[@854gabryel]

Good for you man. What stage are you in right now?

[@WolfdogSNS]

I was in PTN V2, nice to see how far they've come since those days!

[@msmith7341]

Nice! Also a PTN grad. They just get nicer stuff eh?

[@WolfdogSNS]

@@msmith7341 sure looks like it. Those new Sims and setups look sick

[@markredacted8547]

Absolutely incredible to see that the USAF has finally started using Falcon9 multiplayer dynamic campaign, Microsoft Flight sim X, Lockheed Martin Prepar3d, and maybe DCS, something a lot of us Sim pilots been using for many years 😜. In all seriousness I'm really impressed train your pilots smarter not harder, a lot more Air-Forces around the world are slow to adopt this technology and this approach. Thanks Hasard, I really appreciated the behind the scenes especially hearing "train the individual you got, not the one you want" it reminded me of a description of the average school system[...] You have a monkey, a goldfish, a dolphin, and a dog the teacher tells them to climb the tree. Again thank you as a failed fighter pilot (too tall in my country) to commercial pilot and avid Sim fighter, I appreciate the behind the scenes.

[@crewdawg52]

Boy has it changed since I went to Reese AFB. UPT Class 85-01

[@benz500r]

One of the best and interesting videos on this subject matter.

[@vinnie5O]

This is some great information sir !, currently a CEA looking to get into pilot training after going to school and this really summarizes it all, Thanks again for the information sir !

[@jamesholmes6900]

The VR aspect is a game changer. I used to play with the pilot view controlled from a mouse or the hat on the joystick. I added VR, and I'm able to visually track any targets and my flight path much easier.

[@truthtalker5550]

This process needs to be applied to Universities and other schooling as well.

[@ericlawrence9729]

Thanks for sharing, great video. Keep up the great work.

[@imago150]

This was such a nice video! As a private pilot who wants to pursue a pilot career in the air force, this was very informative and just overall exciting. Thank you for continuing to be an inspiration

[@sugewhitejacoby8654]

I was Ranger 80-87. So I was a grunt and never experienced any training anywhere near this scale. Amazing

[@lllllRBlllll]

Great video with good information and editing. Thanks!

[@charmande80]

Great video, would love to see you do one for the RPA pilot side of the house that has followed a similar path for its training. Getting your perspective as a manned pilot on their training or possibly bringing in an expert to cohost the video with you would be top notch. Thanks for the great content.

[@robertbenzon6941]

USAF UPT class 72-08 here. All us grads went through the last half of the program in T-38s back then. The reason was that we would all supposedly be able to fly any Air Force aircraft. Those that couldn't hack the Talon went on to navigator school. I don't think I would make it through UPT today.

[@farmgene]

Excellent video! Thanks for posting!

[@chetanverma1780]

This is so cool.Even I'm preparing for Indian Air force ❤️🔥

[@geoluc2357]

Work hard and good luck

[@tristanallain1483]

GOOD LUCK!❤️

[@chetanverma1780]

@@geoluc2357 thank you ❤️

[@chetanverma1780]

@@tristanallain1483 thank you ❤️

[@supremeleader5516]

I am too

[@PoortoPilot]

I like this approach to training. I believe we need to constantly direct some focus towards improving learning/teaching methods - it always results into an improvement in life itself

[@fourthking]

Great Vid, Hasard! I am ready to re-enlist after now being retired to become a NEXT Gen AF pilot...! 😁🤓😎

[@LK-bz9sk]

Hasard. The coolest dude on the internet.

[@FlyingProbe]

Dayum that was an awesome video about some dope tech! Thanks a lot!

[@rinzler9775]

When something works, don't change it - enhance it, but don't change it. This is good as it allows a lot of learning on the ground to make the expensive "airtime" more efficient.

[@kenhelmers2603]

Great video! Thanks folks :)

[@bertg.6056]

Excellent video, Hasard. Hooboy, pilot training has sure changed ! Blinking lights and tennis balls? Who knew??

[@GRIMPJW]

Nice video! I went to school at Embry-Riddle at RAFB, class of 2002. Great school, great AFB.

[@FIGGOAT]

Amazing stuff! Hat's off to the guys who put this together.

[@blakeh2219]

Makes me more excited than ever to message a recruiter and get an appointment to talk to someone about this stuff Edit: This stuff gets me so excited that I can't sleep

[@jamesyork5796]

Okl

[@jamesyork5796]

Okl

[@gunjack2064]

Same here. Had my screening call, but no recruiter has ever called me in a month lol

[@blakeh2219]

@@gunjack2064 go after it dawg. If that's you're dream man go get it

[@medln5357]

now this is a step-up of your usual content, great work man!

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

Wow, very cool, much better program than I went through in 74. Although the old T37 film clips we watched were different. I still remember the good old boy accented narrator warning “do not throttle burst”. I never did in any aircraft I flew or my autos. 😊

[@UraniumEagle]

Awesome to see all the 3D printed custom hardware setups here! Would love to know more about what went into building those setups.

[@shobithrkava2144]

Awesome video as always!!

[@atomicnoexcept]

Phenomenal job on this!!! ❤️❤️🥳🥳

[@hey9433]

5:00 That's amazing how the Air Force is recording their simulator flights on OBS, same way any other gameplay youtuber would for their channel lol.

[@dangiraffe5271]

Can’t believe you came to San Antonio! I live here and watch you when I can I can’t wait to be a pilot myself.

[@schalkkruger368]

hey man, love what you do !!! keep it up !

[@mahmoodsoleja9068]

Great effort ! Keep it up . 👍

[@shinygemsbro]

1:09 That's alot of bosses 😂

[@kaito1213]

I just hear Impostor impostor

[@SpdDemonAL]

I mean he is a Major general lol

[@rohitpbhave]

Finally after seeing this people will realize that some of the study simulators available are not just "computer games" but are a good tool that can help a pilot learn flying without the risk of making mistakes like in a real airplane. Obviously, this can't replace real flying, but like the general said, if one can solo on a 4th sortie, imagine what we can teach from 4th to 44th sortie in the real plane

[@philipmoonga7104]

Good technology 👏... I would worry less about G-loc VR 😎.... Nice video sir and thank you for the information

[@OscarA.BenitesNavarro]

I only have my employment authorization document , im born in honduras i moved to my country after processing my inmigration status , my inmigration lawyer told me to wait me a year in honduras ,bc i lost my legal permit to reentry the US , that means i can wait me a year for my greencard then i can have a career in the US Airforce as a pilot with good engineering.

[@keanuwick1082]

I'm 42 now but I wanted to be a pilot so bad when I was younger. There's Pictures of me in cockpits at air shows with fighter jet Pilots when I was a kid. But I have worse than 20/70 vision... so the closest I can get now is flight simulator and games like Battlefield and even Space games like Star Citizen and Elite dangerous. Maybe in another lifetime.

[@unspoken7705]

Couple more years , ill get there soon🙏🏽

[@HasardLee]

keep at it 👊

[@unspoken7705]

@@HasardLee youre one of my bigggest inspirations , ill be on my way USAFA soon

[@unknown3032]

Damn hasard. You stepped up!

[@geoluc2357]

Great video as always ! Greetings from southern France 🇨🇵🇺🇲

[@rideroftheapocalypse9953]

La mole airport lol

[@armandoarechiga2018]

awsome video, really enjoyed it and I hope to get to meet you one day and discuss some topics about fighter pilots and etc. as I inspire to be one and really look up to you.

[@benvanderlugt710]

Do you think you could do a video or a short about what you do when your not flying and what you could do. Also love your videos

[@HasardLee]

Good idea, I'll add it to the list

[@benvanderlugt710]

@@HasardLee thank you for Inspiring me and many others

[@kenbryant2570]

That was a great video. I learned a lot.

[@SNAP6969]

Had the opportunity to meet Maj Gen Craig Wills back in 2020 during the start of covid. The epitome of a great leader and a man everyone loves to follow. Awesome guy

[@larrylehman751]

Wow fantastic I appreciate you doing these videos I didn’t have a clue as to understanding what military pilots have to endure to fly jets thanks captain hazz

[@JoeSwallows]

Great episode Hasard!

[@allenkemp3124]

Awesome Justin!

[@simtaylor61]

Would be fascinated to know, as long as it isn't classified or anything, what flight sims they're using for training. Also, if possible, what the software they're using to monitor the students.

[@78strat18]

Right now they're running Prepar3d compatible with PilotEdge

[@Dg-zj6jo]

General Wills real top gun wow great stuff guys i bet the hardest thing is trying to log on to the new lightning aircraft there a bit complex iv heard thanks for a great video

[@Hug_life]

Hey Hasard, I was at CES Las Vegas(consumer electronics show) just last week and I stopped by this one companies booth and they manufacture fighter helmets that have augmented reality built in so that you can simulate and display enemy aircraft flying around and dog fighting! It was a wild concept and was wondering if you’ve heard anything about that?

[@elguapo8245]

Hasard do a video on your take on the UFO/UAP news and the navy pilots interviews

[@Krome5555]

Man I wanted to be an airforce pilot so badly way back when...even got accepted to the Airforce academy... but ended up deciding to go to an 8 year med school program because I wasn't sure about my motion sickness in planes.

[@HasardLee]

we have doctors that are also pilots--there are a few programs for that

[@elguapo8245]

@@HasardLee can you elaborate on that? V interested

[@Name-ps9fx]

Freakin’ awesome! I remember seeing a video about a European country (France?) that was using VR and a very realistic flight sim (not DCS, but comparable) to initially train their pilots...exciting time to be alive (and icing on the cake if you’re young enough to take advantage of it!)

[@manrex5238]

Very cool man I’m a big fan of aviation and your channel follower thanks for your job and your service

[@Cyb3r-lux]

14 yr old and in a really big military family. All in different branches but barely any in the air force. When I graduate from highschool, I already decided that if I don't have anyone/anything keeping me at home or don't know what to do imma try my absolute hardest to do my dream job. ✨👩‍✈️ I so badly want to be a fighter pilot 🤩

[@friendofenkidu3391]

The U.S. Navy has a prototype aviation training program called Project Avenger that is based off the Air Force's UPT 2.5 program. Project Avenger is currently underway for some (not all) student naval aviators in primary flight training at NAS Corpus Christi, and will start soon at NAS Whiting Field.

[@HasardLee]

That's good to hear, this is the future

[@HeyBigChriss]

Do you think when COVID is over that there will be more opportunities to get a pilot slot? I know right now with COVID, board cancellations, UPT clogged up, it’s more competitive than ever to get a slot. Do you see this changing in the near future?

[@Beaston2XXX]

That’s the nature of the beast with the boards. Navy is real bad about opening and closing the pilot pipeline and they wonder why every 5-10 years there’s a huge pilot shortfall and throw money at everyone when people figure out that life on the boat for 9 months sucks no matter how much flying you get out of it. Tack on COVID and no port calls no wonder everyone is getting out. Stick to the Air Force and don’t quit till you get a slot then just don’t suck at flying!

[@kadenhacker]

@Hasard Lee What was the software the IP mentioned around 6:00? Did he say P3E? I would love to get the software they're using.

[@videditorEB1]

P3D.

[@emiliochapa6024]

Great Video Hazzard!

[@officialjeremiahrussell]

Going into my senior year of high school and I’m going to ROTC at Sac State and lookin to be a F-35 pilot. (Going through pilot training now)