With Basic Flight Training behind us - it’s now time to go through the A-10C Advanced Aircraft Training Qualification Campaign. Let’s roll up our sleeves and see how we do here…
Our first sortie out of Kobuleti will be a daytime refueling mission. I flew this mission twice. The first time, after my first attempt at plugging into the tanker, he was not impressed and he cleaned up and left the area. I tried the provided practice mission (which shortcuts to the meat of the mission to allow you to practice the refueling portion) and had good success, so I flew the qualification mission again and managed to get through it.
As usual, a full startup procedure is required. There is plenty of time to meet our 0700 lift time…
We’ll be departing with around 5550 lbs. of fuel…
An important part of the mission is hitting the rendezvous points on time - so it is necessary to dive into the CDU to edit the waypoint to add the DTOT (Desired Time on Target)…
Other flights are doing their thing…
Reaching the end of the runway where we’ll wait a few minutes for our takeoff time…
After takeoff, we are given headings and altitudes to get us on our way…
Throughout the flight to the rendezvous we get tips on flying, checklists, and other items important to completing the mission…
Setting the TACAN to receive the tanker signal…
The requirement is to connect and reconnect to the tanker a few times prior to reaching the terminate waypoint - which is why we want to arrive at the tanker on time…
Lots of tips and lots to do for a rookie tanking student…
The airspace is abuzz with activity around the tanker…
Refueling door open…
Down to 4,000 lbs…plenty of gas, but light enough to allow for several connects…
Nudging up under the tanker. After the failed mission and the practice mission, I have a good idea of the sight picture through the HUD and concentrate on just flying the tanker itself and the bulb that the boom comes out of rather than the tip of the boom…
Success…!
We back out and reconnect a few times before we are cleared out of the area for a return to base…
Arriving back at Kobuleti…
Mission accomplished - Qualified Minus - not sure why it was a Minus, but I’ll take it!
