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Tweet pilot last to reach 4,000 hours

  • Published
  • By Airman Adawn Kelsey
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Maj. Eriik Nikula had two thoughts on his mind May 1 during a training mission: the completion of 4,000 hours in the T-37, and the loss of a friend one year earlier to the day. 

"I don't know if you can dedicate a flight to someone but I am dedicating this flight to the two outstanding officers that lost their lives one year ago today during a training mission," said the 80th Flying Training Wing reserve instructor pilot. "This flight is dedicated to my friend Maj. Brad Funk and his student 2nd Lt. Alec Littler, and the memory of them." 

He had been reflecting over the past couple of weeks over what it means to reach his 4,000 hour mark. He thought about his passion for flying and training the future pilots of NATO. 

But, where he is stationed helped him reach this milestone. 

"It's an opportunity to pay homage and thank all of those who have helped make it happen," the major said. "I have been greatly blessed to be stationed here at Sheppard. I couldn't ask for a better place to be than the 80th Flying Training Wing and the 97th Flying Training Squadron." 

Being stationed at Sheppard for six and a-half years was very beneficial to his 4,000 hours of flying, and is grateful to have examples of accomplished professionals from "the leadership on down," Major Nikula said. 

"I also want to make special mention of the maintenance personnel who work on the flight line," he said. "I have a lot of friends on the flight line whose hard work and dedication make it possible to accomplish our mission. This is a special 'thank you' to them. I also want to thank my sweet wife who puts-up with my long days away from home. She has been very patient "

The major also said that it has been great flying in the T-37 and is sad to see it go.

The next goal the major has is to "reach 4,000 hours in the T-6," he said teasingly. 

"But really, I just want to keep flying as long as my health holds out and God continues to allow me to keep doing what I'm doing. I couldn't have asked for a better job and when I look back at my life," he said.

When he was a boy, the major's father contracted scarlet fever, ruining his once perfect eyesight and prevented his dream of being a military pilot.

"When my father attended my graduation from U.S. Air Force pilot training, he told me he would've given his left arm to fly military aircraft and do what I'm doing," Major Nikula said. "He reminds me how fortunate I am and he lives his dream of flight through me."

The major couldn't help but wonder if the retirement of the Tweet and his milestone just played out right, or if there was more to it.

"It's a time of reflection for me. It is a strange coincidence that I'm hitting this milestone right as the T-37 is passing into history. Maybe someone-or something-is trying to tell me something," Major Nikula said jokingly. 

Unlike the retiring T-37, the major will not be retiring; he will be transitioning this summer to the T-6 Texan at the end of June.

"I just love to fly," he said. "It's the fulfillment of a boyhood dream. Four thousand hours is not as important to me as the fact that I've had the tremendous opportunity to actually live a dream. Flying is freedom and jet noise is the sound of freedom. That's why I love it so much."