number of different-category students,
their primary focus is on getting the Cat 1
replacement pilot straight from the training
command ready to report to a fl eet F/A-18
squadron. In the T-45 portion of fl ight training
the student is introduced to the basics of
what is expected of them in their careers;
they’ve dropped practice bombs at El Centro,
California, learned about BFM while fi ghting
their classmates and instructors in other
T-45s, and even gone to the boat. At this point
they are Naval Aviators.
When a new pilot fi rst reports to the FRS, he
or she should have around 200 to 250 fl ight
hours in various aircraft. They then begin
to expand on the basics they learned in the
training command. Once the pilot is ready for
the Fighter Weapons phase they will fi rst be
exposed to the aircraft’s radar, how it works,
its different modes, how to lock up a target,
track multiple targets and determine who
is who. Most of this training begins in the
simulators and is then conducted in-house at
the FRS. A student will also begin learning
BFM in the F/A-18. At this time, the FRS will
take a class to Key West for the tactics phase
of the replacement pilot’s development.The training these new students receive
while on detachment to Key West varies
between a number of realistic scenarios from
the real world. By the time they reach this
phase of training, they are very comfortable in
the jet but will have only fought against other
F/A-18s, so the ability to see another airframe
is important to the development of both
pilots and WSOs. When asked what VFC-111
brings to the fi ght, VFA-106 ‘boss’ CDR B.
Blackmer commented: ‘VFC-111’s idyllic
professionalism and tactical prowess in the
training environment provides an excellent
opportunity for our aviators to explore
all areas of the F/A-18’s fl ight regime; the
students quickly learn what the advantages
and limits are with both aircraft.’Out on the range
Key West is ideally suited for the training
environment. From take-off, aircraft transiting
north-west are in the Whiskey 174 Military
Operations Area within fi ve minutes. This
vast complex comprises over 20,000 square
nautical miles of airspace reserved for the
US Navy. It is here that VFC-111 begins its
presentations for the FRS. Initial set-upsThe cramped cockpit of the nimble F-5 is
highly rewarding for naval aviators. This is
a true ‘stick and rudder’ ghter.Below: A VFC-111
‘Tiger’ leads a pair
of VAQ-129 EA-18G
Growlers out to the
range for some air
combat experience.46 May 2015 http://www.combataircraft.net42-51 VFC-111 C.indd 46 19/03/2015 10:27