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Cadets from 94th FTS are the future of aviation

USAFA Glider 1 Future of Aviation

U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs/Oct. 31, 2017

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. — The Future of Aviation is our theme this week as we gear up for the Air Force vs Army football game this weekend. We spoke to cadets across the Academy who want to be pilots, remotely piloted aircraft pilots or air battle managers.

We asked them:
What attracted you to the Academy?
What has been your favorite experience related to the Aero research you’ve done?
What career field do you want or are going into to?
How do you think your Aero experience will contribute to your Air Force career?

The following cadets are from the soaring program in the 94th Flying Training Squadron:

C1C Luke Farrell
  • A desire to get a high quality education, the opportunity to fly, and to serve my country while achieving my dreams.
  • Being a part of the Sailplane Racing Team has been an amazing experience for me, from flying over the mountains in Lake Tahoe to the plains of the Texas Panhandle, I have been able to see the United States like never before.
  • Pilot
  • The necessity to think critically, and then quickly evaluate multiple decisions at a time to make the best choice of the lot.
USAFA Glider 2 Future of Aviation
C1C Tori Gilster
  • My dad is a 1985 Graduate who flew for the Air Force and have always been attracted to the idea of flying for the Air Force.
  • The friends I have made in the soaring program! We do a ton of things together and there is nowhere else I would rather be than at the airfield with them.
  • I am extremely excited to say that the Air Force is letting me fly RPAs in the next phase of my life!
  • I learned the importance of caring for people. As an instructor you have to be able to read your audience and the more you instruct people the more you realize the importance of caring for them and what they are passionate about.

USAFA Glider 4USAFA Glider 5 Future of Aviation

C1C Josh Flores
  • I was attracted to USAFA for the service and the opportunities unique to this institution. Between airmanship, travel opportunities, and the people you meet, this place is second to none.
  • My favorite experience has been the trust placed in us cadets to teach future generations. That responsibility is humbling and unmatched.
  • Pilot
  • There have been plenty of times where the challenges of upgrade or instruction knocked me down but you just have to pick yourself up and keep working.
C1C Joshua Holden
  • Ever since I was a kid I have always wanted to fly, later on moving to an Air Force town in Warner Robins I learned about the Air Force Academy.
  • My favorite experience has to have been my first AMC flight my four degree year, I came in with my PPL but flying a glider and doing aerobatic maneuvers was the coolest experience ever.
  • Pilot
  • I’ve learned there is no such thing as a perfect flight, but that is what drives us to do more. Every flight is an opportunity for improvement.
C1C Ryan Lee
  • I always knew that I wanted to serve in the military. My dad pointed me towards the Service Academies, and USAFA decided to take me under its wing!
  • My AMC flight during AM-250 my freshman year. Flying with a Firstie from my squadron and on the Acro Team was one of the most eye-opening experiences I’ve ever had and it made me want to fly in the Air Force!
  • Pilot
  • The most important thing I’ve learned through Airmanship is the importance of being as competent as possible. When you’re in a life or death situation, it’s all on you to make the right decision for both you and (more importantly) your student.
USAFA Glider 6 Future of Aviation
C2C Garrett Patnode
  • My dad is a 1985 Graduate who flew for the Air Force and have always been attracted to the idea of flying for the Air Force.
  • Flying on the Aerobatic Team.
  • Hopefully a pilot
  • Flying Discipline, very different than  the conformity on the hill. Being an instructor teaches you that there is more than one right or wrong answer

Learn more about the future of aviation and our airmanship programs.