PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE FLYING SCHOOL Class of 1998
or
MILITARY PILOT TRAINING
"WINGS OF INDEPENDENCE"
Class of 1998
They were the first who underwent flying training
at RAJAH BUAYAN AIR STATION
in GENERAL SANTOS CITY.
They were also the first who were trained
in four different locations:
1. RAJAH BUAYAN AIR STATION,
General Santos City
2. FERNANDO AIR BASE (FAB),
Lipa City
3. CLARK AIR BASE (CAB),
Mabalacat City
4. MAJOR DANILO ATIENZA AIR BASE (MDAAB),
Cavite City
 |
| The author after his first SOLO flight on August 12, 1997 at RAJAH BUAYAN AIR STATION, GENERAL SANTOS CITY |
The class is composed of 48 members with 39 from the PMA "MABIKAS" Class of 1996, one from AFPOCS Class 1992, one from AFPOCS Class 1994 (the only female member - our STAR WOMAN) and seven from AFPOCS Class 1995-A.
They reported at FERNANDO AIR BASE sometime in January 1997 for their academic phase and ground lessons. They were transferred to RAJAH BUAYAN AIR STATION sometime in June of same year for the orientation ride, 7 hour check, touch and go lessons, soloing stage, re-solo and solo out. They went back to FERNANDO AIR BASE sometime in September of same year when a forest fire broke out in INDONESIA. We continued the remainder of the lessons for PRIMARY PHASE utilizing the Cessna plane or T41D aircraft up to the first part of the training for the BASIC PHASE utilizing the SF260M aircraft at FAB. After the 30 hour check for the basic phase, they were divided into two groups. One group continued the training with SF260M at CLARK AIR BASE while the other group went to MDAAB for the training utilizing the MD520MG aircraft.
Another unique feature of the class - the LAST SOLOIST for both aircraft is ONLY ONE PERSON (BERNIE). The last soloist is the last member of the class who was released to fly the aircraft solo or without an Instructor Pilot with him.
Only one member of the class did not make it to complete the training. He is destined to play other important roles in the Philippine Air Force. On September 29, 1997, the class graduation ceremony was conducted at Fernando Air Base, Lipa City with the Secretary of National Defense (ORLANDO MERCADO) as the Guest of Honor.
After graduation, they were divided into 4 groups: 8 members went to the 220th AIRLIFT WING, another 8 members went to PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE FLYING SCHOOL and became INSTRUCTOR PILOTS, 15 went to the 205th TACTICAL HELICOPTER WING and 17 were assigned at the 15th STRIKE WING.
After completing the training for various aircraft in their respective unit assignments, they were deployed to the different parts of the country.
Three of the class members gave the supreme sacrifice for our country when they met fatal accidents while performing flying missions Our SNAPPY salute to MOSHE VERGARA, JUNIE AMATONG, and ALVIN "BAY" ALEGATA. Our DEAR CLASSMATES...our PRAYERS and GRATITUDE for your selfless service to GOD, COUNTRY, and PEOPLE.
At 17 years after graduation, they are performing duties in their respective chosen fields. Many decided to join the world outside the service but still continuing to explore the vastness of the skies. Others found their places under the sun in other fields and some found their luck and happiness outside the country. There are still a number who opted to stay in the active service. They are now in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) and occupying significant positions in the AFP.
They reported at FERNANDO AIR BASE sometime in January 1997 for their academic phase and ground lessons. They were transferred to RAJAH BUAYAN AIR STATION sometime in June of same year for the orientation ride, 7 hour check, touch and go lessons, soloing stage, re-solo and solo out. They went back to FERNANDO AIR BASE sometime in September of same year when a forest fire broke out in INDONESIA. We continued the remainder of the lessons for PRIMARY PHASE utilizing the Cessna plane or T41D aircraft up to the first part of the training for the BASIC PHASE utilizing the SF260M aircraft at FAB. After the 30 hour check for the basic phase, they were divided into two groups. One group continued the training with SF260M at CLARK AIR BASE while the other group went to MDAAB for the training utilizing the MD520MG aircraft.
Another unique feature of the class - the LAST SOLOIST for both aircraft is ONLY ONE PERSON (BERNIE). The last soloist is the last member of the class who was released to fly the aircraft solo or without an Instructor Pilot with him.
Only one member of the class did not make it to complete the training. He is destined to play other important roles in the Philippine Air Force. On September 29, 1997, the class graduation ceremony was conducted at Fernando Air Base, Lipa City with the Secretary of National Defense (ORLANDO MERCADO) as the Guest of Honor.
After graduation, they were divided into 4 groups: 8 members went to the 220th AIRLIFT WING, another 8 members went to PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE FLYING SCHOOL and became INSTRUCTOR PILOTS, 15 went to the 205th TACTICAL HELICOPTER WING and 17 were assigned at the 15th STRIKE WING.
After completing the training for various aircraft in their respective unit assignments, they were deployed to the different parts of the country.
Three of the class members gave the supreme sacrifice for our country when they met fatal accidents while performing flying missions Our SNAPPY salute to MOSHE VERGARA, JUNIE AMATONG, and ALVIN "BAY" ALEGATA. Our DEAR CLASSMATES...our PRAYERS and GRATITUDE for your selfless service to GOD, COUNTRY, and PEOPLE.
At 17 years after graduation, they are performing duties in their respective chosen fields. Many decided to join the world outside the service but still continuing to explore the vastness of the skies. Others found their places under the sun in other fields and some found their luck and happiness outside the country. There are still a number who opted to stay in the active service. They are now in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) and occupying significant positions in the AFP.
P.S.
The author originally designed the CLASS SEAL of the PAFFS Class 1998. He also proposed the class name "WINGS OF INDEPENDENCE" since the year of 1998 is the 100 years celebration of the PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE as a nation.
It has been said that there is a jinx for a member of the class who designed or conceptualized the class seal. It is either he got discharged or turned-back. The author was lucky because he successfully completed the flying training and among the 12 members of the class who are still in the active service.
The author originally designed the CLASS SEAL of the PAFFS Class 1998. He also proposed the class name "WINGS OF INDEPENDENCE" since the year of 1998 is the 100 years celebration of the PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE as a nation.
It has been said that there is a jinx for a member of the class who designed or conceptualized the class seal. It is either he got discharged or turned-back. The author was lucky because he successfully completed the flying training and among the 12 members of the class who are still in the active service.
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