syllabus-directed programmed flying
training (PFT). Contrasting with the
F-15C/D community, where IPs regularly
fly in the back seat of the D-model, the
majority of the flight time for Raptor
instructors is as a flight lead, with the
student as a wingman. ‘One of the
benefits of the 43rd is that you lead
everything and you get really good
at instructing. You get to know where
students will typically struggle and you
know where to look and signs to look for
either airborne or in the debrief.’
With the operational tempo being as
high as it is, pressure is on the 43rd FS to
turn out the highest quality of student.
Soon after reaching their operational
squadron they could deploy and find
themselves in combat operations or
deployed as part of a Theater Security
Package (TSP). Rarely is the spotlight off
the F-22 community, so it is vital that the
43rd FS maintains its high standards that
are so pivotal in maintaining the lethality
of the Raptor as the number one ‘silver
bullet’ force.Above left to right:
2nd FS instructor
pilots prepare
to ‘step’ for a
mission against
the Raptor
students. USAF
F-22 pilot Maj
Max Maroska
is greeted by
former USAF
chief of staff Gen
John Jumper,
after delivering
a jet from the
factory to the
43rd FS. USAF
Right: Heading
for home, a pair
of Raptors is
accompanied by
a 2nd FS T-38A
post-mission.
USAF
Far right: Young
F-22 pilots are
well aware of
the value of a
prized slot on the
Raptor course.
Jamie Hunter(^48) RAPTOR
40-49 Raptor School C.indd 48 28/09/2017 11:41