Category | News

Student receives pilot slot at Georgia Tech Air Force ROTC

Published on October 2, 2007 by The Sentinel

     Special to the Sentinel

     This semester, three cadets of the Air Force ROTC 165th Cadet Wing
received their pilot slots and were given their initial wings to be
accepted into pilot training.

   
     This semester, three cadets of the Air Force ROTC 165th Cadet Wing received their pilot slots and were given their initial wings to be accepted into pilot training.

    Among the three selected was senior management major, Brian Stewart.

    With the 100 percent selection rate for pilot slots this semester at the 165th Cadet Wing, these pilot slot recipients are an inspiration to the other cadets in the Air Force ROTC program at Georgia Tech.

    Stewart described awaiting the results of the selection board as “agonizing.”

    “I was much calmer than anticipated. When the commander called my name, I went into a state of shock, but I quickly marched to the front, and accepted my wings,” Stewart said.

    Cadet Stewart has his private pilot’s license and has logged many flight hours.

    “This experience is very hard to come by, and will definitely give me an advantage at pilot training,” Stewart said.

    While there are many types of planes to fly as an Air Force pilot including fighters, refueling, bombers and cargo, “the plane [Stewart] would most like to fly is the AC-130 Spectre Gunship because it flies dangerous missions, but does a lot of damage to the enemy.”

    The process of becoming a pilot in the Air Force is very extensive and grueling, but for Stewart, these challenges were all a part of the job.

    Prospective pilots undergo many different tests in order to be eligible to become a pilot in the first place. These tests include medical exams where doctors check all aspects of one’s eyesight, hearing ability and general health. If the doctors find anything such as color blindness, asthma or other major physical problems, you will not be eligible to become a pilot.

    Before having your flying abilities examined through a series of tests and batteries, you must prove yourself worthy by excelling in areas including physical fitness, academics, qualifying tests and Air Force Field Training.

    Stewart exceeded the expectations of these challenges and recently received the Order of Daedalians Colonel Charles W. Getchell Memorial Scholarship, which recognizes the five most outstanding pilot candidates in AFROTC. Eligibility for this outstanding award is based on class ranking and how well a cadet demonstrates leadership, teamwork, good moral character, integrity and organizational ability.

    “Cadet Stewart always does his best in everything he tries. He is going to make a great Air Force pilot and an outstanding military officer,” said Rich Schanda, Wing Commander for the 165th Cadet Wing.

    Along with a plaque, Stewart will also receive a $2,000 scholarship. Stewart has worked very hard over the past four years in school as well as in ROTC. He has dedicated countless hours to achieving his goals of becoming a pilot, and all of his hard work has finally paid off.

    “I believe my desire to overcome obstacles and my unwillingness to fail will make me successful at pilot training and throughout my career in the Air Force,” Stewart said.

    Brian Stewart is currently a cadet in the Air Force ROTC 165th Cadet Wing on the Georgia Tech campus, which serves over 12 major schools in the Atlanta area. For more information on the program, visit afrotc.gatech.edu.