Hey y’all! My name is Lauren and I am going to fill you in on what to expect for life during B-Course for the F-22. First off, I am so excited you are here! Whether you are trying to gain insight on different air frames and lifestyles, or if your significant other recently dropped 22’s and you’re trying to prepare for what life will look like after IFF, I hope this information is helpful to you! What does a day in the life of B-Course look like for you, and your pilot? Well, let’s dive right in!
WHAT IS F-22 B-COURSE?
F-22 B-Course is an eight-month training program with two TDY assignments during the last month. It is eight months of challenging, fast pace, high intensity training. Student pilots are kept very busy, and you can expect them to work long hours. The great news is they are home every evening, and every weekend! Depending on their schedule, they will work up to 12 hours a day. Those 12-hour days are typically days they fly which is about two or three days a week. They brief a couple of hours before take off, the flight lasts around an hour, and then the debrief can last upwards of 3 hours. Lighter workload days are filled with academics, studying, and getting in the simulator for extra practice. And of course, as a young wingman it is the responsibility of the students to keep up with the bar and make sure it stays fully stocked with drinks, snacks and jalapeno corn for days.
WHAT IS THE TRAINING SQUADRON LIKE?
While in B-Course, your pilot will be a part of the 43rd Fighter Squadron. This squadron has experienced instructor pilots who always have the students’ best interest in mind, and truly want to see everyone succeed. Your pilot is in good hands and will be learning from the best! The squadron has monthly events where spouses are welcome, and I highly encourage you to attend any and everything that you can! It is a fun way to bond with your class, get to know the instructor’s spouses, and enjoy everyone from the squadron outside of a work environment.
At the time I wrote this, we were stationed at Tyndall AFB. Since then, we have moved to Anchorage and are now at Elmendorf AFB. Due to the hurricane damages, B-Course has been relocated from Tyndall to Eglin AFB in Destin. New location, but I would imagine that the program should be the same! Just FYI!
HOW ARE THE TRAINING CLASSES?
There are two training classes a year with about 12-14 students in each class. The class sizes are small, and tight-knit just like the F-22 community. I may be biased, but it is truly the best community to be a part of. If you’re interested in hearing more details, please feel free to reach out to me personally and I would be happy to answer any questions you may still have!
MEET LAUREN
