Welcome to TW1 F.I.T.U.

A Message from the OIC

Welcome to Training Air Wing ONE (TW-1) Fixed wing Instructor Training Unit (FITU). Our mission is to produce highly skilled T-45C Instructor Pilots (IPs) for the two training squadrons at NAS Meridian. Ensuring quality training for our next generation of IPs is critical to TW-1's mission of providing newly designated aviators t the fleet.

Instructors Under Training (IUTs) report from widely diverse fleet communities. They each arrive with a unique array of strengths and degrees of proficiency. Our FITU IPs from the Navy and Marine Corps will consider your background and tailor your instruction to ensure you receive the optimal training experience. No matter what your background, you will find the syllabus to be a challenge.

It is your responsibility to arrive both mentally and physically prepared to assume your role as an IUT. You should arrive well prepared for each event and ask intelligent questions. Our Instructor cadre possesses a wealth of information and experience to guide you through the process of becoming a squadron IP. Their knowledge of the aircraft, training environment, and student tendencies will prepare you for your future role. Utilize this resource wisely. Ultimately, this is YOUR training. You will be treated with the respect and courtesy of a winged aviator and held to the highest standards.

We will attempt to be as flexible as possible when working with you and your personal needs. If you require time to address personal issues (i.e., housing, school enrollment for children, spouse employment, etc.), just ask. We can work with your schedule to afford you time, if necessary. All leave requests will be routed through the FITU and tempered by your syllabus progression.

Your squadron Commanding Officer will have a vested interested in you and your progression throughout training. Take the time to visit your squadron and meet with the leadership so they, too, can get to know you. Additionally, you are strongly encouraged to attend squadron functions and spend time in your squadron spaces getting to know the IPs and staff.

Finally, an end-of-course critique will be completed at the end of your training. These critiques are your opportunity to directly impact the shape of our operations. Any suggestions regarding improvement of training or administrative functions will be appreciated. If there is an area of immediate concern, please notify me or any FITU Instructor. We are always open to consider new ideas and suggested improvements. We value your assessment and feedback.

Welcome aboard and good luck!

CDR Brandon "Billy" Ray
TW1 FITU OIC