command patchFixed-Wing Instructor Training Unit // TRAWING 5

Welcome to Fixed Wing Instructor Training Unit (FITU)

A Message from the OIC

Welcome to Training Air Wing FIVE (TW-5) Fixed-Wing Instructor Training Unit (FITU). Our mission is to make you a safe and competent T-6B Primary Instructor Pilot (IP). You will in-turn be asked to safely and efficiently produce Primary graduates. This is not a traditional "shore" tour, but a "production" tour. As a line IP, you will normally be scheduled for two flights per day, five days a week.

The T-6 is one of the safest training aircraft in the U.S. inventory and is a pleasure to fly, but it is a great equalizer of pilots. The aircraft will not help you: there is no heading or altitude hold, no flight director, and no auto-pilot. The typical student comes to Primary with only 9 hours of C-172 (or equivalent) time. Your job is to teach them how to fly and solo in an 1100hp turbo-prop with a glass cockpit and HUD.

Instructors Under Training (IUTs) report from widely diverse fleet backgrounds. FITU Standardization Instructors (SIs) will consider your fleet experience to better tailor your training. No matter what your background, you will find the flight instructor syllabus challenging.

The first few weeks of the syllabus are demanding and you will experience the "fire hose" effect you knew as a student. I expect you to study hard, be prepared, and ask questions throughout your time in the FITU. FITU instructors possess a wealth of information and experience in everything from the aircraft and local area to teaching students and preparing you for that role. Utilize the SIs and your time wisely; this is YOUR training. While you will be treated with the professional courtesy due a winged aviator, you will be held to the highest standards of knowledge and in-flight execution.

We will attempt to be as flexible as possible when working with you and your personal needs. If you require time to handle personal issues, just ask. All leave requests are routed through the FITU, tempered by your syllabus progression, and approved by your parent squadron. Your goal is to graduate the FITU in 120 to 130 days.

Your squadron Commanding Officer will be interested in you and your progression throughout training. Take the time to visit your squadron and meet with the leadership and wardroom so they can get to know you.

Finally, critiques have been included in your check-in package. Please complete these and return them as you finish each stage of your training. These critiques are your way to directly impact the shape of instructor training. We value your assessment and new ideas for improvement.

Welcome aboard!

Scroll to Top