Vance AFB

A few weeks ago we stepped foot onto Vance AFB  --  home of the 71^st Flying Training Wing. We got to learn about some sweet aircraft for our new season coming next year.

We did run into some obstacles along the way -- cold rain on day 1, being on the runway with our hats and sunglasses on (Silly Jeff. Gotta watch that FOD!), and accidently running into a phone to sound an emergency can’t take Vicky anywhere). SMH

We even had a pretty awesome chaperone with us named Corey. He escorted us around the base. Since we were walking around in “civilian” clothes and carrying a bunch of camera gear, we looked kinda suspicious. Thanks for having our backs, Corey!

We also got to meet some awesome trainer pilots -- Derek & Michelle. They told us all about the T-38 Talon and T6 Texan aircraft!

Some stats on the T-6A II Texan aircraft: 

• T-6 is a single-engine, two-seat trainer used for Joint Primary Pilot Training (JPPT) to teach students in basic flying skills to advance to the next training
• PT6A-68 turbo-prop engine that delivers 1,100 horsepower (that’s a LOT of horses)
• Climbs 3,100 feet per minute and can reach 18,000 feet in less than six minutes.
• Speed: 320 mph

If you thought that was impressive, check out what the T-38 can do:

• T-38 is a twin-engine, supersonic jet trainer and used for joint specialized undergrad training
• Two General Electric J85-GE-5 turbojet engines with afterburners
• Climbs from sea level to nearly 30,000 feet in one minute and needs about 2,300 feet of runway to take off. WOWZA
• Speed: 812 mph

One last aircraft we learned about was T-1A Jayhawk:

• T-1 is a medium-range, twin-engine used for the advanced phase of undergrad pilot training
• Two JT15D-5B turbofan engines
• Speed: 538 mph

We want to thank all of Vance AFB for letting us visit and film some awesome material. Stay tuned for “What’s The Deal?” season 3 – “Air and Space”!!