The US Air Force recently conducted a training exercise focused on Independent Pilot Off-Station Procedures (IPOP) for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft. Held at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, on Apr. 1st, the exercise aimed to equip F-35 pilots with the skills necessary to operate in austere environments with limited support personnel.
U.S. Air Force Capt. Matthew Brown, an F-35 assistant program manager assigned to the 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron, refuels an F-35 Lightning II as part of independent pilot off-station procedures (IPOP) at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 1, 2024. Exercises such as IPOP allow pilots the opportunity to learn maintenance and refueling techniques, extending operational range. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brianna Vetro)
Pilots from the 422nd and 59th Test and Evaluation Squadrons (TES) participated in the IPOP training. The exercise curriculum included practicing basic maintenance procedures, such as post-flight inspections, and refueling techniques. By mastering these skills, F-35 pilots can potentially extend the operational range of their aircraft and improve mission flexibility, particularly when deployed to locations with limited ground crew support.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Zach Saunders, an F-35 division commander assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, performs post-flight checks on an F-35 Lightning II in support of independent pilot off-station procedures (IPOP) at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 1, 2024. IPOP aims to empower pilots with maintenance and refueling skills for prolonged flight missions and enhanced mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brianna Vetro)
The captions accompanying photos released by the U.S. Air Force emphasize that IPOP training prioritizes safety and efficient resource utilization. The exercises provide a controlled environment for pilots to develop basic maintenance skills while ensuring the safe operation of the F-35.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Zach Saunders, an F-35 division commander assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, secures a warning tag on an F-35 Lightning II as part of independent pilot off-station procedures (IPOP) at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 1, 2024. IPOP is a safe and executable pilot exercise that increases the ability to operate off-station with limited resources. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brianna Vetro)U.S. Air Force Maj. Zach Saunders, F-35 division commander assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, performs post-flight checks on the tires of an F-35 Lightning II as part of independent pilot off-station procedures (IPOP) at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 1, 2024. Participating in IPOP allows pilots the opportunity to learn maintenance and refueling techniques, extending operational range. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brianna Vetro)
By equipping pilots with the ability to operate independently and manage basic maintenance tasks, the U.S. Air Force is preparing the F-35A to operate in environments without the phyiscal presence of the maintenance personnel.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Zach Saunders, left, an F-35 division commander assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES), assists U.S. Air Force Capt. Matthew Brown, an F-35 assistant program manager assigned to the 59th TES, to enter the intake of an F-35 Lightning II as part of independent pilot off-station procedures (IPOP) at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 1, 2024. The intent for IPOP Tactics Development and Evaluation is to equip Combat Air Forces with a tool that permits location agnostic off-station operations for the F-35 Lightning II to operate without the deployment of maintenance personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brianna Vetro)
Very sad…as an A-6/A-7 and F/A-18 pilot [and many more] knowing how to fuel my jet was part of the basic training.