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Wing revives orientation flight program

  • Published
  • By Capt. Travis Keenan
  • 52nd Operations Support Squadron
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  Spangdahlem Air base Instruction 11-401 is probably one that many Sabers are unfamiliar with.

As the document that governs the 52nd Fighter Wing's Orientation Flight Program, it has not seen a lot of use in the last year. That changed significantly this month.

On Aug. 1, Senior Airman Jeffrey Dressler, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, became the first Airman at Spangdahlem Air Base to receive an Incentive Orientation flight in the mighty F-16 Fighting Falcon in 2008.

Five other Airman followed suit and had the opportunity to do more than watch F-16s from the ground.

"I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to fly an incentive sortie," said Senior Master Sgt. Donald Tubbs, 52nd Security Forces Squadron. "I can honestly say this is something I've wanted to do my entire career, and I was finally given the chance."

SABI 11-401 contains a description of the different flights that comprise the program as well as a detailed explanation of how those flights are distributed to the wing. Within the program there are five categories of flights.

Incentive Flights

The purpose of an incentive flight is to provide a visible reward to military personnel for outstanding service and to motivate others to similar performance levels. This category of orientation flight is an option that is available to the majority of Sabers.

Incentive sorties are awarded to Spangdahlem Airmen who receive an annual or quarterly wing level award in one of the five following categories: Airman, non-commissioned officer, senior non-commissioned officer, company grade officer and first sergeant of the year. Sergeant Tubbs was awarded his ride for taking the gold in the senior NCO category of the year for the wing in 2006. This creates a pool of 21 award winners.

Additionally, group commanders can recommend anyone under their command who has received a quarterly level or higher award in the United States Air Forces in Europe command for the opportunity to receive an incentive flight. These nominations require 52 FW commander approval.

"The ride was awesome," said Sergeant Tubbs. "I wasn't as nervous as I thought I was going to be. I kind of had the same feeling as when I'm getting ready to fly on an airliner. That was up until the point when (the pilot) hit full throttle getting ready for takeoff. The ride was very smooth and entertaining.

"I would do it again in a heartbeat. It was great to get a firsthand look at how our pilots train to fly, fight and win," said Sergeant Tubbs. "They have my utmost respect."

"I had a blast," said Airman 1st Class Henry Matsuoka, 52nd Operations Support Squadron, who also received an incentive flight. "I can't believe (pilots) get to do that for a living."

Familiarization Flights

These flights seek to familiarize individuals who normally have aviation-related responsibilities with United States Air Force aircraft and missions. Personnel eligible for one-time fam flights are include traffic controllers, ground control intercept controllers and personnel who directly contribute to the 52 FW flying mission such as Army ground liaison team members, weather forecasters and observers, dedicated crew chiefs and Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape instructors.

Those eligible for recurring fam flights are flight surgeons, A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots, intelligence personnel, electronic warfare officers and officers in Awaiting Pilot Training status.

Distinguished Visitor Flights

These flights are used to display USAF weapons systems to individuals so that they might gain a better understanding of the particular mission.

Spouse Orientation Flights

These flights display to military spouses the unit aircraft and mission so as to enhance their understanding of the military member's contribution to the USAF mission. Unfortunately, the USAF does not permit these rides in fighter aircraft. Because of this restriction, Spangdahlem AB spouses are instead afforded an annual opportunity to taxi in an F-16.

Another unique opportunity is the chance to ride on a tanker aircraft while it refuels Spangdahlem AB aircraft. This is only an option when guest units have tankers that are operating out of Spangdahlem AB.

Who does what?

It is the responsibility of the 52nd OSS Current Operations Scheduling to manage the program and ensure that the incentive flights are fairly distributed. After earning a wing annual or quarterly award, Sabers own an incentive slot.

Before the flier is eligible, he or she must attain a passenger physical from the flights surgeon's office ensuring they are physically capable, complete physiological training in preparation for experiencing G-forces, and participate in an emergency procedure trainer. These events are all scheduled the Wednesday prior to the incentive flight.

The 52nd FW Orientation Flight Program provides a unique opportunity for those Sabers that set themselves apart in the day-to-day work place. By earning the positive recognition of their leadership and peers, Sabers can now open the door to an experience that is impossible to get in any other organization in the world.
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