Pre-flight briefing

Col. Patrick Wade, 419th Vice Commander, briefs Congressman Jason Chaffetz in preparation for an F-16 familiarization flight. Wade told him about the various maneuvers he was planning to perform while in the air and some safety precautions they would take in the event of an emergency. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech Sgt. Richard Gonzales)

419th gives Utah congressman bird's eye view of mission

Published Nov. 5, 2011
By Bryan Magaña
419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UTAH -- The 419th Fighter Wing welcomed Rep. Jason Chaffetz today, offering an up-close look at Utah's only Air Force Reserve unit. The high point of the congressman's visit was a familiarization flight in an F-16 aircraft.

The two-term Republican represents Utah's 3rd congressional district, which is home to a portion of the Utah Test and Training Range, used by Hill's fighter wings to conduct F-16 routine training missions.

Chaffetz joined Col. Pat Wade, 419th FW vice commander, for a training mission in the skies across Utah's west desert. He got a bird's eye view of the UTTR to see - and feel - how AF Reserve pilots do business. The flight included a demonstration of air-to-air intercepts, along with aerial acrobatics such as loops, aileron rolls and supersonic runs.

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Pre-flight briefing

Off we go

Buckle up

419th gives Utah congressman bird's eye view of mission