FAST program administrators
UTSA co-sponsors Air Force ROTC training program
(June 24, 2004)--A group of 22 U.S. Air Force ROTC cadets from colleges and universities nationwide recently completed three weeks of classroom instruction and flight training at The University of Texas at San Antonio and Stinson Airport as part of UTSA's inaugural Flight Awareness Summer Training (FAST) program.
FAST, a joint effort between UTSA and Delaware State University (DSU), teaches top-level cadets to fly a single-engine aircraft in an intense three-week training program that offers 20 hours of classroom instruction and 15 hours of flight training.
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RSS FeedsUnder a recommendation by the Pentagon, UTSA and DSU signed a five-year memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of aviation. The partnership may expand with additional training courses.
San Antonio's year-round good weather and UTSA's facilities helped contribute to the partnership. UTSA provided housing, classrooms and transportation to and from the airport, while DSU provided experienced instructors.
"We did not lose a single day to weather, which is unusual, because in Delaware we usually lose a couple of days during training exercises," said Dan Coons, FAST program director.
UTSA freshman and Boerne native Daniel Prudhomme was named one of the program's top three cadets and found that the training helped solidify his career choice.
"I support everything that is going on with the military in the Middle East, and I want to be a part of it," said Prudhomme.
Lydia Rojas, a 20-year-old Fresno State University cadet, is one of six women enrolled in the program. She comes from a large family with a long history of military service.
"I called my dad after I soloed," said Rojas. "He told me he never thought he would see one of his girls go up and fly an airplane or do something as extraordinary as this."
UTSA's collaborative role in the FAST program became a reality through the efforts of Joe Stafford, vice provost for research and graduate studies; Jim Almazan, associate vice provost for research and Jerry Barloco, vice president for administration - external affairs.
"The Air Force is the first line of defense, and these cadets are competing with other military branch pilots to become the top aviators the United States has to offer. We are proud to be a part of this program," said Barloco.