Page 24 - Feb 20 TNT

Fiveon the Fly by Grant Boyd
WHO:
Maj.RudyJ.Belew
COMPANY:
Kansas Air National Guard
POSITION:
KC-135R Pilot and OST Chief of Aircrew Training
HOME BASE:
Topeka Regional Airport (KFOE)
RATINGS:
FAA – Commercial, Multi- EngineandInstrument; Military– Instructor/Evaluator Pilot
HOURS:
2500
22 • TWIN & TURBINE / February 2020
PHOTO COURTESY OF 190TH ARW
1. What led you to pursue a career in aviation?
I grew up in an aviation family and began flying at the age of four with my grandfather, who was a certified flight instructor and FAA- designated examiner. I knew from then on that I wanted to be a pilot and just worked towards that goal, which led me to the 190 ARW.
2. How is being a military aviator special? What opportunities does it afford you?
Being a military aviator is unique because you are a part of a bigger overall mission. It is a constantly changing environment and rarely are two sorties (missions) the same. It has allowed me the opportunity to travel the world and meet/work with amazing people. Also, the training is second to none.
3. Describe a “standard” month’s flying schedule for pilots in the 190th?
The 190 ARW flies approximately 50 local sorties a month with a mixture of day and night flights. We also have numerous trips off station to include deployments and operational missions.