F-16 Fighter Avionics: Prepares Airmen for Operational Air Force Published June 17, 2011 By Danny Webb 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs 6/17/2011 -- Teaching Airmen how to be functional members of the flight line team is one important aspect of the F-16 Fighter Avionics course, according to Staff Sgt. Thomas Clonts, instructor for the 365th Training Squadron. "When I reflect back on how it was when I was on the flight line, I would get Airmen from tech school that didn't know what was up, what was down or what to do," said Sergeant Clonts, who has been responsible for the F-16 Fighter Avionics Course for a year and a half. Made up of 10 blocks of instruction taught over ninety-four academic days, the F-16 apprentice course teaches Airmen about the fighter's electrical systems. "I want to ensure each Airman goes out to the flight line with the initiative and the basic knowledge to at least know the basics--like how to do "safe for maintenance," check forms, check the fire bottle and know what tools they need. But most importantly, they need to know how to be a contributing member instead of waiting to be told what to do," he said. The current F-16 Avionics course began May 12 and is expected to graduate Sept. 12.