LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Airman 1st Class Aaron Bray typically spends his days working on computers, not conducting virtual landings and takeoffs in a high-dollar C-5 Galaxy flight simulator.
On May 1, Airman Bray, a quarterly award winner from the 543rd Maintenance Support Squadron, was the first Lackland Airman to fly in the flight simulator under the new Top Performers Program, an incentive program backed by Lackland's first sergeants.
Although Airman Bray said he was nervous prior to his 45-minute inaugural flight, the experience has left him impressed.
"It actually surprised me that we were able to help pilot the simulation," said the Oregon native, who was unsure how much of the flight would be hands-on. "It was quite enjoyable, as well as a learning experience."
Master Sgt. Rob Johnson, the inertia behind the program, hopes to offer at least two simulator slots monthly to deserving members of Team Lackland.
First sergeants are responsible for nominating Airmen for the program, such as award winners and re-enlistees, said Sergeant Johnson, a C-5 loadmaster training manager assigned to Air Mobility Command Air Operations Support Det. 6.
"I think this is a rewarding incentive program," said Staff Sgt. Julie De Priest from the 323rd Training Squadron and another "pilot" that was happy she didn't "crash" the plane. "This is a great networking tool and a good way to recognize the total force effort at Lackland."
Although the program was designed to target the junior enlisted ranks for their consistently exceptional work and behavior, Sergeant Johnson said he's not overlooking others on base.
Commanders and first sergeants may nominate anyone in their unit, active duty or civilian, as long as they can provide compelling justification for the nomination.
While the program gives first sergeants another avenue of expressing their appreciation to Airmen for an excellent job, it also allows the temporary pilots a glimpse into the flying side of the Air Force.
"(The program) affords many Airmen, myself included, that have jobs that may be far detached from the aircraft, a new experience," said Airman Bray.
For more information on the program, call Sergeant Johnson at 925-1890.