Behind The Yoke

Four new pilots have been selected by the US Air Force to start training in the new F-22 Raptor. Four out of eight pilots were selected after taking a five week Raptor lead-in course.  “This course is designed to be an intermediate step to (the pilots) taking the F-22 up for the first time and being successful” said one of the instructors. I couldn’t imagine being one of the eight pilots that would essentially have to wait five weeks to see if they’d be able to fly the new supersonic fighter. Had no idea that the program was so exclusive. The lead in course was done in F-16’s introducing the pilots to high-G environments and maneuvering dynamics similar to the Raptor. The pilots in the Raptor will experience nine G’s! Wow. The four pilots are now on their way to AZ where after two plus years of training they’ll be ready tackle the F-22 beast.