Air Force Academy cadets take to the skies in Homestead's F-16s

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jaimi Upthegrove
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Six Air Force Academy cadets, during their winter break, participated in orientation flights, flying in the backseat of an F-16 with pilots from the 93rd Fighter Squadron at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., Dec. 17 through 21.

Academy cadets are authorized an opportunity to ride on certain aircraft, Air Force wide, during a regularly scheduled training mission as a way of familiarizing them with the occupational Air Force. Here at Homestead ARB, cadets take to the skies in what is characterized by most as an unparalleled thrill ride.

"The flight was definitely the coolest thing I've ever done in my life and definitely one of my greatest experiences since being at the Academy," said Cadet Patrick Lobo, a recent orientation flight survivor and beneficiary. "I was on the fence about being a pilot, but after the flight, I am leaning a lot more toward trying to become one."

It's a long-standing tradition amongst the 93rd FW, also known as the Makos, to try and accommodate cadets who reside in south Florida. Once the cadet has the green light to fly, they're taken through the same process a regular pilot would go through before going up in the air. They're medically cleared, fitted for a flight suit, and given egress training and a mission briefing.

While in the air, the cadets experience loops, supersonic speeds, and various tactical maneuvers. The cadets are able to ask the pilots questions and converse for portions of the flight. But while they are executing tactical maneuvers, the cadet is left to endure the crucible that is the backseat of an F-16.

"Like several other Mako pilots, I was given the opportunity to fly in the F-16 as a young cadet and it completely shaped my subsequent career choices," said Lt. Col. Adam Meyers, 93rd FS F-16 pilot. "Putting some detailed perspective on airpower will have that effect - that and the Viper is just incredibly addictive. This program is a relatively low impact way to provide them what could be a career-building education."

When Lobo went into the Academy two years ago, he originally aspired to become an acquisitions officer, but the Viper's venom may be seeping into his bloodstream.

"This experience helped me to see the atmosphere associated with a fighter squadron and to actually experience the best part which is getting up in the air and flying around," he said. "Lt. Col. Meyers gave me a ride that I will certainly remember for the rest of my life."