The simulator lets instructors put airmen through procedures that would be difficult to rehearse on a live aircraft, including responses to engine fires and hydraulic failures. Students can work with the aircraft’s controls and screens while an instructor guides them through each scenario.
“Having the ability to do the training in a closed simulated environment with the instructor right next to you allows us to mess up in here so we don’t mess up out there,” said Staff Sergeant Chaz Dages, a 35th Maintenance Group training manager. “What stood out to me was being able to actually interact with the controls and screens.”
The simulator arrived after a two-year effort as Misawa transitions to the F-35A. Moving some training away from live jets is intended to give maintainers more opportunities to repeat complex tasks while reducing fuel use and preserving aircraft availability.
“It helps build confidence, strengthens their familiarity with the aircraft and prepares Airmen to respond quickly if something happens,” said Staff Sergeant Joshua Owens, an F-35A instructor with the maintenance group. “With this training, we can accomplish more with fewer Airmen.”
The Air Force said the new training capability supports its effort to keep the F-35A mission capable at Misawa. The base’s maintainers are preparing to support the aircraft’s fifth-generation sensors and information-sharing systems alongside its combat missions.
