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Hello (again). Can you tell me what the C5 Loadmaster school is like? How long is it and where is it located? How long does it take to get qualified to fly (after school)? Thank you.
Greetings again, David -
When I went to the school in 1980, the basic school was at Sheppard AFB, Tx, and the technical follow-on school was at Altus AFB, Ok. I am not sure if the first school at Sheppard has been relocated to Altus as well, but there was talk of it.
The first school is two months long and covers the basics of weight and balance calculations on a "generic" aircraft. You will become intimately familiar with the Form "F", and all aspects of load planning and calculations.
The second school roughly the same length, but it will cover the specific aspects of the C-5, and move on to a variety of load plans for that aircraft. You will also be introduced to all the other aspects of the C-5: Nitrogen and Oxygen systems, hydraulics, APU and door operation, preflights, etc. It will be very intense training.
I graduated from the school at the end of August and had my checkride in February, so I was in qualification training for about six months.
I envy you, going through all this for the first time. I remember going through the school myself, everything I learned and all the fun I had. You're going to be starting an exciting part of your life, one that will form experiences and adventures you will be teling your kids and grand kids. Enjoy it.
Sincerely,
James
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Answers by Expert:
James Bell
Expertise
I am a retired MSgt (2004) with 24 years experience in the aircrew career field, both as a loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1) and flight engineer (AFSC 1A1x1). I have been to every continent at one time or another, and regularly flew 300 to 500 hours a year. I have been involved in the operations in Grenada, Panama, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. I can answer most questions you may have about enlisted Air Force life in general, assignments, benefits, and enlisted aircrew operations. NOTE: If you have specific recruiting and/or medical questions about how to get into this career field as a civilian, they have changed since my time, so that is best answered by a recruiter or MEPS. I can answer questions about military personnel wanting to RETRAIN. If you are asking about being an Air Force pilot, please be advised my area of expertise is ENLISTED aircrew operations, NOT OFFICERS.
Experience
Loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1): 7 years - 2,000 hours - C-5A Galaxy cargo plane. Flight Engineer (AFSC 1A1x1C): 7 years - 2,500 hours - C-141B Starlifter cargo plane, 10 years - 3,800 hours - KC-10A Extender aerial tanker. Served as aircrew Flight Instructor, Flight Evaluator and Training Manager
Education/Credentials
Aircraft Loadmaster Initial Qualification - 1980. Mission Qualification (C-5A) - 1981. Fixed Wing Aircraft Performance Course - 1987. Initial Flight Engineer Qualification (C-141B) - 1987. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1988. KC-10 Initial Qualification Course - 1994. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1995. Instructor Qualficiation (KC-10A) - 1997. Evaluator Qualification (KC-10A) - 2000.
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