Powered flight instructor reaches 300 hours in T-53

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U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  A powered flight instructor who will retire later this year reached 300 flying hours in the T-53 Kadet March 4.

Maj. Jerry Siegel reached the milestone during a 1.3-flight-hour instructor pilot initial qualification sortie, said Lt. Col. Andrew Julson, director of operations for the 557th Flying Training Squadron.

"He knew as long as he flew at least 15 minutes, he would be the first pilot to reach 300 hours," Julson said. "This culminates a highly successful career for Jerry."

For many airframes, 300 hours is not a lot of time in the cockpit. The T-53 is different, however, as most pilots only fly about 100 hours per year, Julson said.

"The fact that Jerry flew 300 hours in 13 months is impressive," he added.

Cadets who show aptitude to fly the T-53 become eligible for a solo flight after nine sorties, Julson said.

"For the 557th, this milestone highlights the success of the T-53 as a powered flight trainer for the Air Force Academy and its ability to ... challenge cadets and develop them as leaders of character," Julson said.