Instructor of the Week: Lt. Follansbee

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

1st Lt. Clark Follansbee, 90th Flying Training Squadron, T-38 instructor pilot and native of Parker, Colorado, has been in the Air Force for three years and is the Instructor of the Week at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, for the week of Aug. 1-7, 2017.

 

Most significant accomplishments:

 

  1. Earning Bachelor’s degree.

  2. Commissioning in the U.S. Air Force.

  3. Finishing pilot training with the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) program and earning his wings.

  4. Graduating pilot instructor training.

  5. Receiving Most Valuable Instructor Pilot for class 17-03.

 

Airman’s story:

 

“I was born in Cape Canaveral, Florida, where my father launched missiles off the coast as a space and missiles officer,” Follansbee said. “Watching my father’s intense dedication to his country, and growing up in a military family I knew from a young age I wanted to join the Air Force. After graduating high school I attended the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) where I earned my commission and graduated as a member of the class of 2014. Upon graduating, I earned a pilot training slot at ENJJPT and graduated as a member of class 16-04. I am now assigned to the 90th Flying Training Squadron as a First Assignment Instructor Pilot where I have the privilege of training NATO’s elite to become the next generation of fighter pilots.”

 

Supervisor comments:

 

“1st Lt. “Pasti” Follansbee has been a tremendous asset to the Boxin’ Bears since April 2016,” said Lt. Col. Andreas Hauke, 90th FTS commander. “He is a natural instructor pilot and his work ethic has earned him a consistent spot in the top 10 percent of all instructor pilots for sortie and runway supervisory unit production. As a flight scheduler, he is responsible for scheduling more than 4,200 flights, simulator training sessions, and academic events for 22 student pilots annually.

 

“In addition to his primary duties, Follansbee has stepped up to be the point of contact (POC) for numerous wing and squadron events,” Hauke said. “He showcased the U.S. Air Force airpower to 70,000 viewers by leading a T-38 flyover of the INDY Grand Prix. As the 90th information technology equipment custodian, Follansbee ensured squadron connectivity by maintaining accountability for more than $133,000 of equipment. Harkening back to his Academy roots, he also organized familiarization flights for 11 USAFA cadets.”

 

“Follansbee’s professionalism, skill, and attitude have contributed greatly to the overall success of the squadron,” Hauke continued. “His dedication to the mission and selflessness have set an example for student pilots and even his peers to follow.”