Alaska Reserve F-22 pilot helps preserve aviation history

by Tech. Sgt. Dana Rosso
477th Fighter Group Public Affairs

8/4/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- During the 477th Fighter Group's August Unit Training Assembly weekend here Aug. 2-3 Lt. Col. Kevin Sutterfield flew two sorties as a flight examiner, providing check rides to other Reserve pilots. A fairly typical weekend for a Reserve F-22 pilot assigned to the 477th FG. Last weekend, during the JBER Open House Sutterfield was able to share his passion for history and love of aviation to the over 250,000 spectators who watched the show.

"I started flying with the Commemorative Air Force about a year ago. Initially in the T-6/Harvard and then in the BT-13," said Sutterfield. "It was a special opportunity to fly the T-6 during the JBER show as part of the warbird flyby, because we were honoring Mike Hunt, a 92 year old WWII veteran and Alaska flying legend."

The goal of the Commemorative Air Force is to preserve the airplanes in a fly-able state and demonstrate them around the state of Alaska.

"Flying these vintage airplanes is fun," said Sutterfield. "But the true joy is connecting with the crowds, especially the kids. We have to connect the next generation to 'The Greatest Generation' if we hope to pass on their inspiring stories."

As the son of a U.S. Air Force pilot, Sutterfield's love of flying began at an early age.

"My dad was a fighter pilot and taught me how to fly when I was high school," said Sutterfield. "I still hear Dad's voice in the back of my head when I'm making a landing: 'Easy....make it smooth'."

Sutterfield and his father will get to fly together again during the Reno Air Races in September.

"Dad also introduced me to racing in Reno. It's a great combination of speed, skill and comradery. My dad is infectiously curious and is always trying something different or learning something new," he said. "That has taught me that flying the F-22 in not the pinnacle, it is just one of the many exciting things happening in aviation."

As a rookie pilot, Sutterfield had to complete Pylon Racing School. The week long school held in Reno in July gave pilots a chance to prepare, practice and become certified to race in the National Championship Air Races in September.

"The Air Races are a great opportunity to combine flying and competition," he said. "I'm a rookie in the T-6 class. I am looking forward to learning from the more experienced race pilots, but the airplane I am flying, number 42 is fast. I am optimistic that I will be able to bring home a trophy."