Vance Air Force Base has posted an ongoing pilot training journal written by 2Lt S. Tucker Browne.  Lt Browne started his training in August of last year, first flying T-6A Texan IIs and then T-38C Talons.  His graduation from the year-long course should be soon.

His journal should have some interesting tidbits, including a look into some ongoing pilot traditions, like the solo dunk tank (recounted by another pilot here, and copied here):

On Monday, our class had the privilege of sending one of our own up into the pattern alone. The pilot, 2nd Lt. Latessa Bortner, said it was a really fun experience…

When she landed, we were ready for the age-old tradition of dunking the solo-student. The rules go, supposedly, that if a solo student avoids the other flight members and make it back to the flight room without getting dunked in the class’s tank, everyone in the flight owes that person a case of his or her favorite drink.

Luckily, we made sure we were there when she landed, and it was fun getting to throw her in a big pool against her will. Everyone is excited for their turn to go up alone and get thrown in.

The journal could be educational for those interested in a fairly benign look at pilot training.

Hopefully no one gets offended…

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