No matter the nationality, pilots speak same language
by Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.
Air Force Print News
7/23/2006 - SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- United States and European pilots may have language barriers but at the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training wing, they all speak the same language -- avionics.
In the 55-week ENJJPT program, approximately 250 American and European students earn their wings yearly. Of those graduating, about 65 percent are American pilots and the remainder are European. The integrated training of U.S. and European forces prepares NATO pilots for real-world operations.
"We train like we fight -- with a coalition flavor in training which translates into a seamless working environment in the field," said Col. Jeff Kendall, 80th Fighter Wing commander.
In 1974, the NATO alliance created the ENJJPT program to overcome poor weather conditions and restricted airspace in Europe. NATO and the U.S. decided that Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, could offer the best combination of good flying weather and adequate training airspace, plus it had growth potential.
In its top two positions, the ENJJPT wing has a U.S. Air Force wing commander and a German air force operations group commander.
As an example of this integrated structure, an American student pilot may have a Norwegian instructor, a Dutch flight commander, an Italian section commander, a German operations officer and a Danish squadron commander.
"A line of trust between NATO pilots forms because of this training environment," Colonel Kendall said.
"All NATO pilots come through this program," said Capt. Lars Holten, who attended as a student in 1994. After flying an F-16 Fighting Falcon for 10 years and serving in Afghanistan, Captain Holten is now an instructor with the ENJJPT program.
"What makes ENJJPT different is the diverse perspectives and techniques I learn from my international friends," said 1st Lt. Stephen Thomas.
Armed with real-world pilot experience, clear weather, modern facilities and training jets such as the T-37 Tweet and T-38 Talon, the ENJJPT wing sends most of its students into weapon systems aircraft -- bombers and fighters.
What really sets this Texas facility apart are its state-of-the-art flight simulators, providing unique tactical, weather and emergency scenarios.
"Our simulators save the Air Force money while providing invaluable training," said Lt. Col. Jeff Roach.
An upcoming upgrade to the ENJJPT arsenal will be the replacement of the T-38 Talon trainer with the T-6 Texan in 2008.
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