McConnell Reserve pilots and KC-46: Ready for takeoff

by Staff Sgt. Abigail Klein
931st Air Refueling Group

6/13/2014 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- With the arrival of the new KC-46 Pegasus tanker on the horizon, many McConnell Air Force Base Reserve pilots are already well-acquainted with the new airframe.

Several traditional Reservists within the 18th Air Refueling Squadron work regularly as commercial pilots and are already qualified by the Federal Aviation Administration to fly the KC-46 in its derivative form, the Boeing 767-200. With approximately 15 traditional Reservists who work as commercial airline pilots, the 18th ARS has the luxury of prior 767 airframe experience within their ranks.

"With a new aircraft, there will be a large learning curve for everyone, including pilots and boom operators, but after the extensive training program and a check-ride, all of our pilots will be extremely qualified on the KC-46," said Lt. Col. Eric Vitosh, 18th ARS commander. "The pilots that already have Boeing 767 experience will be able to share numerous techniques on how to fly the jet more efficiently."

In addition to familiarity, the KC-46 will offer 18th ARS pilots a wider range of flying capabilities than the aircraft it will eventually replace, the more than 50-year-old KC-135 Stratotanker. It is 15 to 20 percent larger than the KC-135 and can be configured to carry 58 passengers, 54 aeromedical patients or 18 cargo pallets.

The KC-46 will feature a Boeing 767 cockpit, which is the latest and most technologically-advanced cockpit Boeing produces, said Vitosh. Engine and flight displays are large LCD screens compared to the original 767, which has a similar display to the one currently found in the KC-135.

Along with the to the updated technology in the cockpit, the handling of the KC-46 will be easier on 18th ARS pilots as well, said Col. Paul Wietbrock, 931st ARG deputy commander. Wietbrock, a traditional reservist, has flown the 767 for Delta Airlines for seven years.

"The KC-46 is a bigger, heavier airplane, with bigger landing gear and bigger motors, but it actually handles a lot lighter and is more responsive than the KC-135," he said. "Along with adjusting to the controls, the KC-46's larger frame will enable aircrews to stow cargo, and serve as a force multiplier for McConnell's already critical role in the air-to-air refueling mission both stateside and overseas."

While making the transition to the new KC-46 airframe may seem daunting, the challenge of flying a variety of aircraft is not new for pilots within the 18th ARS, even those who have never flown its derivative form. The 18th ARS currently includes former KC-10 Extender, C-17 Globemaster, E-6B Mercury, E-3 Sentry and B-1 Lancer pilots, said Vitosh.

"That's what is truly great about the Air Force Reserve," said Wietbrock. "We can bring this flying experience to the Air Force. It's an exciting time for McConnell, and we are very fortunate to have so much of this experience [in the 18th ARS], which will make for a smooth transition to the KC-46."