CAE Pueblo

CAE’s instructor pilots (IP) play a pivotal role in nurturing young officers as they strive to become first-rate military aviators. It is an exciting and highly rewarding career allowing veteran pilots to continue the important mission of military readiness.

CAE operates and delivers the U.S. Air Force Initial Flight Training (IFT) program in Pueblo. Known as the “Gateway to Air Force Aviation”, the state-of-the-art training facility, supports Headquarters Air Education and Training Command (HQ AETC) with initial flight training for every U.S. Air Force aviation candidate. This means that all future U.S. Air Force pilots and remotely piloted aircraft operators start their aviation careers and receive flight instruction as part of the IFT program.

Greg Franklin recently joined the team at the CAE Pueblo Training Center as an Instructor Pilot. For the past six months he has been providing comprehensive flight instruction, ground training, and mentorship to new U.S. Air Force student pilot candidates which, as he explains, “in many cases, this is their first exposure to and taste of military aviation.”

Attracted by CAE's professional and robust program, Greg embraces the fast-paced and strict deadlines of the mission each day to provide every student with as much knowledge and instruction as possible.

Greg brings 25 years of military aviator experience and expertise to his position. Starting his day early, conducting formal mass briefings and guiding student pilots through comprehensive flight instruction, including briefs on local weather, airport, operation notes and practice emergency procedures he then steps into two to three flights a day

Having taught college for four years as an AFROTC commander and high school as an AFJROTC Instructor, for nine years, Greg continues to appreciate the rewards of working with highly motivated, goal-orientated individuals and enjoys the pleasure of now teaching the ground academics to the students.

We asked Greg to share a memorable moment during his time with CAE as an IP, he described,
“I was flying with a young officer. He was halfway through the training, and he was struggling. He was really frustrated with it, especially with landing. He was questioning if he was going to be successful. I had a similar experience to him when I was his age. I shared with him my struggles. He responded really well to that. He then soloed the aircraft three days later.“

In its safety-centric culture, from aviation, security, and maintenance to dining and lodging services, CAE fosters a dedication to excellence. Acknowledging each functional group's commitment Greg explains, “It’s a deeply rooted collaboration, the program is not just about meeting customer needs; it is about shaping skilled aviators, and I couldn't have asked for a more professional and dedicated team.”

Are you interested in joining the crew at the CAE Pueblo Training Center? Contact Monica Thigpen - [email protected].

The life of a CAE Instructor Pilot (IP) is an exciting and rewarding one. Successfully working through challenges, honing effective communication skills, fostering student safety, providing mentorship, and tailoring teaching methods to effectively align with each student's learning tempo. It's a role that succeeds in patience, adaptability, and a profound understanding of both the subject matter and the unique requirements of every student.

We spoke with Robert Hill, a CAE Instructor Pilot, who has been based at the CAE Pueblo Training Center in Colorado for the past 6 years, to gain insight on daily IP life. For Robert, an average day consists of reviewing the weather, NOTAMS, and schedule plan, then after completing student briefings, he takes to the sky flying one-on-one with each of his students. “On a typical sortie, we will fly an assigned profile, practice maneuvers in an area, and practice landings. Once the flight is complete, we will then debrief the flight.” says Robert.

Not only is providing instruction to students an important part of Robert’s day, but ensuring safety is the utmost critical part. We asked Robert, what aspects of CAE’s work environment and culture stood out to him the most? Here’s what he told us,

“First is safety. From safety briefings to maintenance, CAE truly values safety. Out of all the places I have instructed prior to working at CAE, CAE has had the best maintenance department I have worked with. If you ever have a question, maintenance is always super helpful and friendly when assisting. The aircraft are excellently maintained which allows me to focus on my true passion, teaching.”

“Second the flight. You will be placed in a flight consisting of other flight instructors. The camaraderie that develops is unlike any other when compared to previous jobs. You’re surrounded by peers who are all highly experienced, fun, and knowledgeable. We take off as a flight and land as a flight. These are people you can look to for advice and learn from. I’m truly grateful for all those who I have met at CAE.”

With providing flight instruction comes fulfilling the dreams for students to learn how to fly, experiencing the thrill of soaring through the skies, mastering the intricacies of aviation, and gaining the confidence to navigate the vast expanse above. “I really enjoy being able to share my passion for aviation. It is truly a one of a kind feeling seeing a student go from zero experience to soloing an airplane. I’m truly grateful I get to help someone fulfill their lifelong dream of becoming an aviator.”

Are you interested in joining the crew at the CAE Pueblo Training Center? Contact Monica Thigpen - [email protected].

Meet Sayge Ross, Flight Commander at the CAE Pueblo Training Center in Colorado. Sayge’s journey as a Flight Commander is a chapter within the broader storyline. Sayge began flight training right out of high school and secured her first job as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) at a very young age. Since then, her passion for flight has grown and today she shares her knowledge and experience by teaching new instructor pilots and student pilots.

“CAE taught me how to be a great instructor. I find it rewarding to now teach new instructors and students and help them with various issues that they have”, says Sayge.

Joining CAE, a little over six years ago, her understanding of mission-oriented tasks adds a layer of precision to her supervision and management responsibilities. Sayge instructs one or two students daily, flying the DA-20 aircraft, and mentors instructors and students as she walks them through paperwork, process and procedures. Her dedication and knowledge cultivated during her early years, is now focused on managing new instructor pilots (IP), who themselves, are playing a pivotal role at Pueblo in nurturing young officers as they strive to become world-class military aviators.

CAE operates and delivers the U.S. Air Force Initial Flight Training (IFT) program in Pueblo, CO. Known as the “Gateway to Air Force Aviation”, the state-of-the-art training facility, supports Headquarters Air Education and Training Command (HQ AETC) with initial flight training for every U.S. Air Force aviation candidate. This means that all future U.S. Air Force pilots and remotely piloted aircraft operators start their aviation careers and receive flight instruction as part of the IFT program.

What truly sets the CAE Pueblo-based crew apart in Sayge’s mind is the tight-knit camaraderie that defines their culture. Collaboration is not just a word but a daily practice, the culture isn't just about flying; it's about helping each other soar. Resolving issues through open communication and creating an environment where everyone's success is connected with the collective success of the team.

Are you interested in joining the crew at the CAE Pueblo Training Center? Contact Monica Thigpen - [email protected].