Path to Wings

The 455th vAEWs approach to meeting our mission of developing competent virtual pilots capable of making sound tactical decisions, and valuable contributors to team lethality, is addressed in our Path to Wings program.

Assessment

Our virtual pilots and members come from all walks of life, backgrounds, experience levels, and ambitions. While our primary focus is on the training surrounding the serious employment of the aircraft flown in our line squadrons and the skills developed in IQT and MQT, we aim to provide a complete experience. If you are a beginner new to serious flight simming, we want to be able to help jumpstart your journey. Conversely, if you come with prior experiences, we will assess where we may align and where we may difer. Our process allows for experience tailored instruction while ensuring we maintain the high standards of our Wing and subunits.

Choose your Path

We support a variety of DCS and community platforms. Our aircraft are employed in a manner which mirrors their real-world counterparts and respective services. Our training draws inspiration and mirrors the real-world instruction. For candidates interested in participating with the 455th vAEW as part of CAW-5 DET 1 understand the training mirrors the USN with a normal progression from primary to advanced phases, rag and fleet placement. For candidates interested in participating with the 455th vAEW as part of our vUSAF units, the processes and programs are listed in the vUSAF Section below.

Additionally, we are offer a number of non-flying positions and units you may be interested in on a primary or secondary basis. The following units are currently supported:

• 960th vAACS LotAtc is currently utilized, although other programs are being evaluated, to provide airborne control of assets. The 960th supports a variety of missions to include DCA, OCA, CSAR, AI and others. Members of this unit pride themselves on the precise use of vernacular enhancing virtual battlefield situational awareness. IQT and MQT is currently conducted from within the unit with the expectation that members will become rated Airborne Battle Managers (ABMs).
• 21st vSTS The is primary a JTAC squadron focus on the control and employment of aircraft in a Close Air Support (CA) role. Moreover, the 21st may integrate with or act as the ground force commander (GFC) during combined arms maneuvers enhancing the virtual battle space. IQT and MQT is currently conducted from within the unit with the expectation that members will become certified TACPs.
• 241st vATCS LotAtc is currently utilized to provide Air Traffic Control Services. IQT and MQT is currently conducted from within the unit with the expectation that members will become certified Air Traffic Control members capable of operating from a variety of duty stations.

Notably the above roles are essential part of what makes the 455th vAEW special, especially during Large Force Exercises (LFEs) or Joint Operations. We value the time of all who participate with us regardless of whether the time was spent from the cockpit or behind the radio.


Undergraduate Pilot Training

At this time, we are awaiting new DCS modules in this space. PC-9/T-6!

Initial Qualification Training

Basic Course (B-Course)
Transition Courses (TX) depending on prior experience and qualifications.

Mission Qualification Training

MQT Course - oriented on the missions of the line unit.

Continuation Training

Ready Aicrew Program to maintain currency.
Specialized Training which includes various upgrade programs, e.g. FLUG, IPUG, MC, WUG/WIC and other programs.