DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Davis-Monthan hosted Air Combat Command’s Heritage Flight Training Course in Tucson, Arizona, from March 3–7, 2021.
The HFTC is an annual event that trains and certifies members of the four ACC single-ship demonstration teams for their upcoming airshow season, which includes national and international events.
“This course, hosted at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, contributes to our readiness by strengthening the Air Force’s recruiting and retention programs,” said Lt Col Chris McAlear, Air Combat Command chief of aerial events. “Through this certification process, demonstration team pilots are prepared to perform at airshows across the world.”
Along with getting individual team certifications for the A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-16 Viper, F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II demonstration teams’ aircraft. The teams trained and flew in formation with World War II, Korean and Vietnam War–era aircraft, representing the lineage of American airpower for the Air Force Heritage Foundation.
“The Heritage Flight Training Course ensures our Air Combat Command demonstration teams are certified and capable of safely flying alongside Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation pilots,” McAlear said. “Together, they help inform people about our force’s mission and history of service.”
While the other demonstration team pilots all previously participated in HFTC 2020, this was the first time for Capt. Haden Fullam, who was certified by Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, as the new A-10 Demonstration Team pilot.
“Being a part of Heritage Flight for the first time was an awesome experience that I won’t forget,” Fullam said. “This experience with the other demonstration teams and the Warbirds, is critical before we kick off our season and helps us all understand better what it is like to fly alongside each other. This ensures we’re able to demonstrate our capabilities as safely as possible.”
By showcasing decades of airpower, the HFTC promotes the safety of our Airmen, connects actively serving and retired service men and women, and educates the public about the mission and capabilities of the U.S. Air Force.