U.S. Air Force Academy cadets were treated to a historic aerial display today as the Air Force's newest aircraft, the T-19A Kestrel, made its official public debut during a flyover of the Cadet Wing's noon meal formation. The flight marks the formal arrival of the Academy's first powered aerobatic aircraft, which recently completed its final military certification flights.
The T-19A, a state-of-the-art aerobatic platform, will enhance the Academy's elite airmanship program. By partnering with world-class civilian aerobatic pilots and curriculum developers, the Academy aims to field a nationally competitive aerobatic and demonstration team. The long-term goal of the program is to build a premier capability that evolves to include greater cadet involvement in training, demonstrations and program operations.
"The T-19A is a historic program for our Air Force," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach. "Going from an idea to four aircraft built and delivered in 10 months is unprecedented and a testament to the vision, dedication, and teamwork of everyone who made this possible."
"These aircraft will give cadets an opportunity to further develop their airmanship and will ultimately establish a competitive flying team to inspire future Airmen," Wilsbach said.
The T-19A enables cadets to build more flight time and aerobatic aviation experience prior to entering the Air Force or Undergraduate Pilot Training.
"From inception to delivery, these aircraft reflect the speed and innovation that strengthens the Department of the Air Force," said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. "As the Kestrel program matures at USAFA, cadets will eventually take on a greater role in training and demonstrations - better preparing them for active-duty pilot training after graduation."
The T-19A adds to the Academy's existing flight programs in a new and dynamic way for cadets.
"The arrival of the T-19A marks an exciting new chapter in airmanship training here at the Academy," said Lt. Gen. Paul D. Moga, Academy superintendent. "This aircraft will provide an opportunity to train our cadets in ways that were previously not possible. We will strengthen their aviation skills and develop the confidence, discipline and leadership required of future Air Force officers."
With the delivery complete, the T-19A is fully cleared for Academy operations. Moga selected six active-duty military pilots from the Academy staff and its 306th Flying Training Group to serve as the initial cadre responsible for developing and executing an aerobatic training curriculum. They will methodically and deliberately integrate the aircraft into the institution's airmanship program, ultimately establishing a national demonstration and competition team.
At the outset, the cadre will serve as the primary demonstration pilots, performing at high-profile recruiting events and air shows nationwide. In the future, the team will manage a competitive division, participating in International Aerobatic Club and equivalent competitions.
The program is also designed to develop a cadet leadership pipeline with a select cohort of Academy cadets identified and mentored in the T-19A each year, progressing from basic proficiency to advanced aerobatic performance.
As with all Air Force aircraft, the T-19A has a unique designation or popular name, now known as the "Kestrel." A group of cadets came together to recommend the name, which they chose because kestrels are falcons known for their agility, acceleration, razor-sharp vision and ability to strike with precision - all traits the aircraft will bring to the Academy's flight programs.
All T-19A operations will be based out of the U.S. Air Force Academy Davis Airfield. Because safety is the foundational block of the program, operations will utilize a robust Safety Management System tailored specifically for low-altitude, high-performance aerobatics. All flight and ground operations will follow the more restrictive requirements of Federal Aviation Administration regulations and/or U.S. Air Force safety instructions.
