Team Sheppard instructor pilot competing for AFA David C. Schilling award

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Vernon Cunningham
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Air Education and Training Command chose Maj. John Kelly, 80th Operations Group T-38 Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals instructor pilot, as their nominee for the Air Force Association David C. Schilling award.

The David C. Schilling is awarded to the person AFA recognizes as making the most outstanding contribution to the field of flight.

Major Kelly was selected among 80th Flying Training Wing, Numbered Air Force and AETC candidates to be the AETC nominee for this prestigious honor.

He instructs newly assigned instructor pilots and teaches IFF to train approximately 145 future fighter pilots annually.

"The focus of IFF is basic fighter wingman responsibilities and basic introduction to different fighter tactics and training," Major Kelly said. "As an instructor pilot, I instruct future fighter pilots on expected fighter wingman tasks and fundamental fighter pilot skills, such as, basic fighter maneuvers.

"Recently, IFF has gone through a significant syllabi change based on new abilities for the T-6 and T-38C. Specifically, IFF has instituted a more advanced syllabus to incorporate changes for air combat maneuvers, close air support and surface attack tactics."

The major said the training he and his instructors give students allows the Air Force to introduce and evaluate pilots in a slightly stressful environment to ensure they have the abilities to succeed.

He also led a team of instructors in developing the Advanced Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals flying training syllabus, the first of its kind.

Major Kelly's superb flying skills ensured the safe recovery of two aircraft which suffered critical in-flight malfunctions.

"One was a flight control malfunction where the flaps failed and the other was an engine malfunction," Major Kelly said.

His actions saved the Air Force $15 million in critical assets.

In addition to his instructor duties, he oversees the 80th OG Supervisor of Flying program, ensuring the safety of more than 300 flying training missions daily.

Major Kelly said the David C. Schilling award nomination was a complete surprise.

"I am extremely honored for being recognized by Sheppard AFB and representing AETC," he said. "I would be very surprised and humbled (if I won)."