76 ARS instructor & evaluator pilot to participate in IOT&E

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jonathan E. White & Debbie Gildea
  • 514th AMW & Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE DIX LAKEHURST --       
      A 76th Air Refueling Squadron KC-10A instructor & evaluator pilot was one of forty-one officers and enlisted members selected from active duty, Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard as KC-46 tanker initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) aircrew.
      Capt. James Lux received the news of his selection while at home on Thanksgiving Day.
      "I was excited to learn I was selected because new airframes are rarely introduced within the USAF and to be part of such a small sample of initially qualified pilots on the aircraft is a huge honor," said Lux. "I feel as if my contributions to the IOT&E program will have a lasting effect on those who fly and operate it after me. "
      The KC-46 "Pegasus" is slated to enter the Air Force inventory, pending the results of operational test and evaluation, in 2016. Developed by Boeing in Mukilteo, Washington, the aircraft will replace the KC-135 Stratotanker, which has been actively employed since 1956.
      After he learned the opportunity to apply for the KC-46 program was open to KC-10 pilots, Lux submitted an application package containing his resume, past officer performance reports, flight evaluation results, Air Force Fitness Program's fitness assessment scores, Federal Aviation Administration pilot certificates, college transcripts and a letter of recommendation from his squadron commander. 
      "I was told based on my application package that I was selected to interview in person with the  931st Air Refueling Group, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.," said Lux. "A short time after, and once the Active Duty and Air National Guard members were selected, I was notified of my selection."
      Lux, a traditional reservist who is also a Boeing 757/767 first officer for FedEx Express Airlines, has received support from parents and friends for his decision to change airframes. 
      "Like most people's parents," said Lux "Mine are very proud!"
      To see the selection list and for information about other personnel issues, go to myPers at https://mypers.af.mil. Select "search all components" from the drop down menu and enter "KC-46 Initial Operational Test & Evaluation (IOT&E) Aircrew Selection Board Results" in the search window.