The pilots are Lt. Col. Michael Trott, commander of the 99th FTS, and Lt. Col. Phillip Bourquin, the squadron’s director of operations. Their qualification gives the unit the ability to fly the aircraft without a T-7 instructor pilot from Boeing or Developmental Test.
“As the first T-7A squadron in the Air Force, this moment marks a critical step in the overall process of fielding the new trainer fleet,” said Lt. Col. Michael Trott, 99th FTS commander, who is also one of the first two T-7A-qualified pilots. “This milestone permits us to fly the aircraft on our own without a T-7 instructor pilot from Boeing or Developmental Test, allowing us to build the instructor cadre vital to producing the highly capable aviators needed for tomorrow’s high-end fight.”
The Air Force is transitioning to the T-7A as part of a modernized pilot training system. The aircraft introduces advanced avionics and systems intended to support training for future combat aviation requirements.
The 99th FTS is leading work toward the first squadron stand-up and overall Initial Operational Capability. A central part of that effort is building the first cadre of T-7A instructor pilots.
Trott and Bourquin qualified through Type-1 sorties, which are used for the initial training and qualification of pilots in a new aircraft. These flights focus on takeoffs, landings, enroute navigation, instrument approaches and system familiarization.
According to Trott, the process is designed to ensure the first generation of instructors understands the aircraft’s handling and capabilities before teaching others. As members of the initial cadre, Trott and Bourquin are now also the first T-7A AETC instructor pilots.
“We do intend to fly some seasoning sorties before instructing others,” Trott added.
Trott said the achievement reflects the work of the broader 99th FTS team. He said the squadron is focused on getting more initial cadre aircrew qualified on the aircraft.
“We are looking forward to getting the rest of our initial cadre flying,” Trott said. “They have been putting in enormous amounts of work and effort into the T-7 program, and we are excited to have them qualified in the aircraft as soon as possible.”
The squadron is awaiting its next T-7A delivery in August. Until then, the current aircraft will remain active for regular monthly flying.
The 99th FTS plans to share the aircraft in coordination with Type 1 maintenance training demands. The Air Force said this will help ground crews build proficiency alongside pilots.
For Trott and Bourquin, the flights will serve as currency sorties. They will also help move the next group of initial cadre aircrew into the cockpit.
Standard T-7 Pilot Instructor Training remains planned for a later phase. Trott said the 99th FTS does not plan to instruct standard PIT until the squadron reaches Initial Operational Capability, which is targeted for August 2027.
Training new 99th FTS instructor pilots outside the initial cadre will require completion of a dedicated T-7 PIT syllabus. The syllabus is currently in draft form, is expected to be finalized this fall and is anticipated to take about four months to complete.