How Black Eagles Pilots Train Like This

Pilots Replaced Every 4 Years... Trained Through Repeated Flight Practice

[Asia Economy Military Specialist Yang Nak-gyu] This year was a special one for the Air Force’s special flight team, the Black Eagles, who operate the T-50B. In July, they participated in the world’s largest military airshow, the RIAT (Royal International Air Tattoo) Airshow, held at Fairford Airbase in the UK for the first time in 10 years. Following that, they showcased their top skills at the Farnborough Airshow, one of the world’s three major airshows. The Black Eagles then flew directly to Egypt to participate in the Pyramid Airshow 2022, performing a joint flight with the Egyptian Air Force’s special flight team, the Silver Stars. This marked their longest overseas airshow tour ever, lasting about 90 days. On the 30th of last month, we visited the Black Eagles (Air Force 239th Special Flight Squadron), who are preparing for their first overseas flight next February at the Avalon International Airshow in Australia.

At Wonju Airfield in Gangwon Province, where the temperature dropped below freezing for the first time this year, only cold winds filled the air. The briefing room, where the flight leader held a pre-flight meeting, was tense. Flight Leader Major Yang Eun-ho explained the weather conditions, altitude, and flight zones to the flight members using a 3D map. Established in 1967, the Black Eagles consist of eight pilots. To join this elite pilot team, candidates must have a minimum total flight time of 800 hours, rank in the top third of their flight training course, and qualify as a flight leader capable of commanding four aircraft. Only after passing rigorous training can one become an official member of the Black Eagles.

The Black Eagles pilots are rotated every four years. On this day, a training flight was conducted for a candidate pilot who will replace the pilot of Black Eagle No. 4 next year. The No. 1 aircraft leader, who leads the formation from the front, must pass 48 training exercises, while the other Black Eagles pilots complete 45 exercises.

Flight Leader Yang said, “The skills of the Black Eagles pilots are already proven, but since this is not a solo fighter flight, teamwork is the most important. That is why we first evaluate character and the harmony among team members.”

After the meeting, four pilots moved to the Black Eagles’ T-50B aircraft. Before the flight, the pilots checked the sensors mounted outside and the tire wear by touching them. Checking the hydraulic system was essential in subzero temperatures. Inside the T-50B seats were flags of the UK, Singapore, Malaysia, and other countries where the Black Eagles had participated in overseas airshows. The aircraft also bore the pilots’ and chief mechanic’s names in English, reflecting the pride of the Black Eagles team.

Once the flight began and we ascended to the control tower, we could see the Black Eagles’ flight at a glance. The four Black Eagles flew about 3 meters apart, starting aerial rotations. The pilots’ voices over the control tower’s communication equipment conveyed the urgency of the flight. The pilot of No. 1 aircraft endured the G-forces and shouted, “Smoke, now!” The Black Eagles then emitted red, yellow, blue, and white smoke, crossing the sky above the airfield. During the 40-minute flight, the Black Eagles repeatedly flew eight different formations. After landing, the pilots’ foreheads were soaked with sweat. Their passion was melting the freezing air at Wonju Airfield.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.