2nd Lt. John Meyers  received his silver pilot’s wings at his graduation from the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 08-08. He also received the Air Education and Training Command Commander’s Trophy for being one of the most outstanding students overall in his class. 

The 52-week pilot training program begins with a six-week preflight phase of academics and physiological training to prepare students for flight. The second phase, primary training, is conducted in the twin-engine, subsonic T-37 Tweet. Students learn aircraft flight characteristics, emergency procedures, takeoff and landing procedures, aerobatics and formation flying. Students also practice night, instrument and cross country navigation flying. Primary training takes about 23 weeks and includes 254.4 hours of ground training, 27.3 hours in the flight simulator and 89 flying hours. After primary training, students select, by order of merit, advanced training in the fighter-bomber or airlift-tanker track. 

Training for the fighter track takes about 26 weeks and includes 381 hours of ground events, 31.6 hours in the flight simulator and 118.7 flying hours. Training emphasizes formation, advanced aerobatics and navigation.

Airlift-tanker track training takes about 26 weeks and includes 185 hours of ground training, 43 hours in the flight simulator and 104 flying hours. 

Meyers is the son of Mike and Terri Meyers of Malvern and Amanda Meyers of Hot Springs. He has a brother, Henry and is the grandson of Greg Meyers of Fort Smith, Ark.

He will go to Tuscon, Ariz., soon to learn to fly the A10 Warthog.