After takeoff, the KC-46 is flown with finesse, with the pilots turning knobs to achieve headings and altitudes. Throughout most of the flight, aside from performing an AR, turning knobs remains the theme, until landing. It flies smoothly, is incredibly comfortable compared to the KC-135, has a robust air conditioning system, and inside is very quiet. Pilots do not need the legacy standard sealed ear speakers. They basically use a mic and simply talk to each other within the low ambient noise.
Lt. Col. Gregg Van Splunder is the commander of the 260th Air Traffic Control Squadron and a KC-46A evaluator/senior pilot, with over 4,000 flight hours and 18 years of military aviation experience. He previously flew the C-5A/B, the C-17A, and was an instructor pilot in the T-6A. When…
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Flight Journal (Digital) - 1 Issue, July/August 2024