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311th AS prepares for AMC Rodeo

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andrew Davis
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Landing on a shortened runway or at a civilian airfield, taxiing in, stopping on a dime and dropping off distinguished visitors on time is just another day in the life of a C-21 pilot.
But for two pilots from the 311th Airlift Squadron the stakes will be raised as they compete Sunday through July 25 in the 2009 Air Mobility Rodeo at McChord Air Force Base, Wash. 

Training nonstop for the past three months, Capts. Tony Marshall and Mike Trodden will be competing in the Operational Support Airlift/ VIP Special Air Mission category, which will pit them against other C-21 and Gulfstream pilots from around the Air Force. 

Lt. Col. Jeffery Witkop, 311th Airlift Squadron commander and team chief said, "Even though we are competing against other Airmen this is a wonderful opportunity to have a little friendly competition which is good for everybody," 

Progressing quickly, the captains started their training in May by adding an additional day to their current three days of flying a week. 

"For training, in addition to their normal procedures, they worked on precision landing time, taxiing accuracy and their block in time," said Colonel Witkop. "During the competition they will be graded on all three aspects; for the landing portion they need to land 1,500 feet down the runway plus or minus 250 feet, land within plus or minus two seconds of their designated landing time and stop the aircraft plus or minus five seconds of their designated block in time. 

"The block in time is essentially the time they drop off the DV at base operations."
Not only did the captains train in the cockpit, they also trained intensely for the Fit to Fight portion of the competition. 

Captain Marshall said, "The Fit to Fight portion of the Rodeo really adds a new dimension to the competition. Not only do you have to be a good pilot, you have to be physically fit as well." 

The fit to fight portion coincides with the Air Force fitness test, consisting of a test of push-ups, sit-ups and a mile and a half run and is scored similarly.
"As the Air Force progresses into a more fitness orientated service, I believe this portion of the competition becomes more important," he added. 

The 311th AS is a geographically separated unit of the 375th Airlift Wing located at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. 

"Even though we are a GSU, the support we have received from the 375th AW has been tremendous," said Colonel Witkop. "Last time we came out to Scott for RODEO practice, everyone from the Command Post to Col. Connell [the previous 375th Operations Group commander] to base operations to safety helped us out and supported us any way possible." 

While the training was rigorous the captains still found enjoyment in training and working together. 

Captain Trodden said he and Captain Marshall learned to think as one during the spot landing exercises. 

"We both really enjoyed the spot landing portion of training," he said. "The last two months moved quickly and we learned to read each other's mind which will be essential during the competition. 

"This really has been a squadron effort that we are taking one day at a time," added Captain Trodden.