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Kelly AFB in San Antonio, Texas, USAF’s longest serving base, graduated the first group of F-16 fighter pilots after vacating the pilot training mission more than fifty years ago. Under instruction from 149th FW of the Texas ANG, pilots who had never flown the F-16 spent four months qualifying in basic F-16 functions, two-ship air-to-air combat, and four-ship air-to-surface combat. Former F-16 pilots took a three-month refresher course. Before flying, pilots completed classroom, computer, and flight simulator instruction. They then trained in the two-seat F-16D before soloing in the single-seat F-16C after four rides. Student pilots were evaluated after each simulation and each flight. Flying takes place over remote areas in south and west Texas.
The seven-month B Course pilots completed last November is the first full-blown flying training course for students who have never flown. “When they complete the B Course and the final evaluation, they will be combat-ready F-16 pilots,” said Maj. Phil Vaneau, chief of training for the 182nd FS.
 The 149th volunteered for the F-16 flying training mission to help alleviate the F-16 pilot shortage in USAF and the reserve forces. Twenty-one pilots in the wing’s 182nd FS obtained the necessary training to qualify as academic and flying instructors. Former F-16 pilots, now civilian contract employees, provide part of the academic and simulator instruction. The base was remodeled to prepare the flight operations, flight simulator, and academic facilities.
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