"Big-Boy" tames Wild Ducks

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher Hummel
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  A 5-year-old boy toured Luke April 14 where he met Capt. Matthew Spears, 309th Fighter Squadron C Flight commander, who showed him what it's like to be a pilot for a day. 

Jadon "Big-Boy" Cubarrubias was selected for the pilot for a day program and was given the call sign Big-Boy because he is bigger than all his class mates. 

Big-Boy arrived at the South Gate with his family, where they were greeted by Capt. Spears, his escort for the day. 

The first stop was the 309th Fighter Squadron where he changed into his flight suit, patches and scarf. He was shown the ins and outs of being a fighter pilot while he talked to fellow pilots. 

Before heading out to the aircraft, Big-Boy was treated to a mission briefing where he learned of the day's events. He attended a step briefing and learned about weather conditions and airfield status prior to stepping out to the aircraft. With one last gear check from the life support section, he was ready to be placed behind the stick of a fighting falcon. 

With a quick walk across the street, Big-Boy was face-to-face with an F-16 Fighting Falcon and its dedicated crew chief, Staff Sgt. James Craig, 309th Aircraft Maintenance Unit. 

"It was heartwarming to see Big-Boy," said Sergeant Craig. " The pilot for a day program is a nice way to give back to the community." 

In the afternoon, Capt. Spears escorted Big-Boy and his mother to the flight simulators to try their hand at piloting the F-16. 

"He loved the simulators," said Kamsui Cubarrubias, wife of Tech. Sgt. Allanery Cubarrubias, 56th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft sheet metal journeyman. "He said it was like a big video game." 

After the simulators, Big-Boy was off to the flight control tower and radar approach control building to see firsthand how these aircraft are kept from running into each other. 

Before heading back to the squadron, Big-Boy stopped at the end-of-runway area, where he watched aircraft take off and land. When he returned to the squadron he received a litho, photo collage and a round of thanks for coming out to participate. 

"I had a great day today and I think the program is awesome," said Capt. Spears. "It's an excellent opportunity to make a big difference in a child's life." 

PFAD is an Air Education and Training Command program used to brighten the lives of children with serious illnesses.