Catap graduates from accelerated pilot program

Saipan son 2nd Lt. Ron Ron Catap is now a pilot in the U.S. Air Force after graduating last Sept. 13.

“I completed Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) in an accelerated program called XPW (Accelerated Path to Wings) which spanned nine months versus the traditional 12 months. I also flew the T-1A Jayhawk, a twin-engine business jet based off a Beechjet 400 solely instead of starting in the T-6 Texan II, a single-engine turboprop. This is only the second time this program has been executed at Columbus AFB. The first class being experimental with students with extensive flying experience. My class of 12 had various backgrounds from zero experience to hundreds of hours of civilian flying time,” he said.

Catap started his career in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic on C-17s. During his 10 years as an aircraft maintainer, he deployed five times and spent an average of 200-plus days overseas. Catap was also a part of the crew that brought relief to Saipan after Super Typhoon Yutu hit the islands in 2018.

“My time as an aircraft mechanic is what really sparked my interest and goal of becoming a pilot. I went to school, working on my B.S. in Aviation degree, while also taking flying lessons. I was able to obtain my commercial pilot license and instrument rating and even flew part-time for an aerial survey company, obtaining several hundred hours to gain experience.”

He said in 2019, the Air Force reinstated a program to allow enlisted pilots to fly Remotely Piloted Aircraft—most commonly referred to as RPAs or drones—and he was one of 96 enlisted airmen selected to fly the RQ-4 Global Hawk.

“This was the first time since World War II that enlisted pilots were allowed to fly, so it was a huge deal. I flew the RQ-4 for nearly four years as a mission commander, but with the concurrent aircraft divestment and sunset of enlisted pilots, I decided commissioning was the next step in my career,” shared Catap during his interview with Saipan Tribune last year.

Catap also shared his unforgettable experience during his pilot training.

“Most memorable moment was flying formation during simulated low-level airdrop and aerial refueling missions. There’s nothing more exhilarating than putting two planes close to each other and having complete control over the outcome. Flying formation is what separates civilian and military flying, and that added challenge will definitely be one of the more memorable moments of pilot training. Outside of flying, the camaraderie, teamwork, and drive to get better every day is something I will remember. Finally, getting my assignment and wings pinned on by my wife will be a lifelong memory. The years of sacrifice to get to this point made it all worth it.”

Catap will be completing his initial qualification on the KC-46A Pegasus, the Air Force’s newest tanker/airlift aircraft based on a Boeing 767. Following that training, he will be heading to the West Coast as a fresh co-pilot for more training and seasoning.