The Road to Wings

by Julie Tizard

  “Plan a low-level flight to Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, then we’ll do a night flight to Peterson Field in Colorado Springs with lots of approaches. Saturday will be a free day for you because I’m going to the Air Force Academy football game with some friends. On Sunday, we’ll fly to Biggs Army Air Field in El Paso, then back to Willie.”

  “Okay. This sounds like a great trip.” Casey was thrilled to have a day off in Colorado Springs.

  “Do you know what the nickname for El Paso is?”

  “No, I don’t.”

  “It’s called El Pinko because so many people have busted nav checks there. The runway is very close to El Paso International and it’s very easy to misidentify the runway. I’m going to show you all the hazards of this place so you won’t get burned. Meet me in base operations at 0900 hours on Friday. This will be a fun weekend, Casey. Oh, and call me Janie when we’re in the jet.”

  “Got it, see you Friday.” Casey couldn’t wait to fly with Janie.

  *****

  Casey met Captain Taylor at 0900 hours and showed her the flight plans. She was pleased with the low-level route. She was used to the high speed of the T-38, but flying at four hundred knots close to the ground was mind-blowing and thrilling. She found all her points on time, Meteor Crater, the Painted Desert, and Monument Valley.

  After she completed her low-level route, Casey climbed to altitude and flew to Kirtland Air Force Base. Captain Taylor had her do a circling approach. They took a short break while Captain Taylor debriefed the ride. She gave Casey a grade of Excellent on her low-level.

  Casey had to switch to the backseat and fly under the canvas hood attached to the canopy for her instrument flying. Captain Taylor taxied the jet and made the takeoff from the front seat. Casey felt closed in and claustrophobic flying under the T-38 hood. There was no way to cheat and steal a peek at the horizon flying under the bag.

  Once she was airborne, Casey concentrated on her instrument flying and her position orientation. The flight to Colorado Springs only took fifteen minutes when she requested the first approach. Captain Taylor next had her fly a non-precision approach, a missed approach, then an ILS approach. She nailed all the approaches, then Captain Taylor took the jet.

  “Take a break, Casey. All your approaches are good, and we’ll make this last one a precision radar approach. When you call ‘Decision height,’ I’ll take the jet and make the landing.”

  “Okay, got it.” Her flying was precise with the radar controller calling, “On glide path, on course.” She kept the jet stabilized until two hundred feet above the ground when she announced, “Decision height.” Captain Taylor took the jet and made a great landing.

  After landing, Casey pulled back the hood. You can’t see crap from the backseat. How can they see to land this thing from the back? Captain Taylor pulled up to the parking spot and Casey noticed two other T-38s and one T-37. She assumed they were more Academy grads returning for homecoming. They climbed down the ladders, got their bags, and checked out a car from the base motor pool. All the on base quarters were full, so they got vouchers for an off-base hotel.

  Captain Taylor drove them to the hotel, and when they walked into the lobby, Casey saw several other Air Force pilots, including Kathryn.

  “Well, look who finally got here. Hi, Janie. Hi, Casey,” Kathryn said.

  Casey could hardly believe her eyes. She wanted to pick up Kathryn in a bear hug and twirl her around. Kathryn had a gorgeous smile on her face as she beamed at Casey.

  “Why didn’t you tell me you were flying here?” Casey asked.

  “And ruin the surprise? The look on your face when you walked in was priceless.”

  Captain Taylor was talking to the other T-37 IP who had flown in with Kathryn. She looked familiar, but Casey didn’t know her. She figured she must be a new instructor pilot who was getting her aircraft check out from Kathryn. It was obvious that Janie Taylor and this new woman IP were very familiar with each other as sparks flew from the way they looked at each other.

  “Here’s your room key, Casey. Good job today. This is Stephanie Carson. She’s a new Tweet IP. You guys have fun and we’ll meet up with you Sunday morning around 1100 hours.”

  “Shall we go find our room?” Kathryn asked softly.

  “Our room? Are you crazy?” Casey was stunned.

  “In case you hadn’t noticed, this hotel is the unofficial lesbian headquarters for the weekend. Come on, let’s go.”

  Casey followed Kathryn feeling deliciously naughty and excited.

  Kathryn put out the “Do not disturb” sign and locked the door. She slowly walked over to Casey but did not turn on the light. The drapes were open and Casey could see the lights shining on the magnificent Air Force Academy chapel. The lights from outside cast a soft blue light throughout the room.

  Kathryn reached for Casey’s face and slowly drew them together. Her lips were soft and warm as she gently kissed Casey.

  Casey returned the soft kisses and put her arms around Kathryn’s small waist. There was no hurry or fear of being caught. For the first time, they were alone with no concerns about anyone seeing them. The freedom was intoxicating. They could take their sweet time with each other as they relished each touch and lingered over every caress.

  Kathryn slowly pulled down Casey’s flight suit zipper and slid her hand inside to drag her fingertips across the pebbled skin. Kathryn’s other hand joined in the exploration of Casey’s body as both hands moved up her rib cage under Casey’s white T-shirt. A moan emerged from Casey’s lips at the sensation of Kathryn’s warm hands on her chest. She wanted Kathryn to tear her flight suit off, but she knew Kathryn wanted to make her wait. The slow caresses were exquisite torture and Kathryn would not be hurried.

  Kathryn reached behind Casey, unhooked her bra as she continued to kiss her and moved her hands to Casey’s firm breasts. She massaged them and lightly pinched the hard nipples. Casey was getting damp, and she slid her tongue into Kathryn’s hot mouth. Their kisses quickly became more intense as Casey unzipped Kathryn’s flight suit and pulled it down off her shoulders. They had to separate in order to get off their flight boots and they both laughed before quickly getting naked on the bed.

  Casey was in heaven at the sensation of Kathryn’s luscious body on top of her. She couldn’t help but writhe when Kathryn pressed her firm thigh into Casey’s center. After Kathryn caressed and sucked Casey’s breasts, she moved slowly down her body, leaving a trail of hot kisses across her stomach. She settled her body between Casey’s legs and dragged her own erect nipples across Casey’s hard clit. She was deliberate and agonizingly slow in her lovemaking as she moved her lips to Casey’s throbbing center. When Casey’s writhing and moaning reached a fever pitch, Kathryn entered her slowly and deeply, bringing her to a powerful orgasm.

  Casey pulled Kathryn up to kiss her face. She was breathless and covered in a light sheen of sweat from the giant orgasm, but she wanted to hold on to Kathryn. She loved the feel of Kathryn’s breasts against hers and wrapped her arms tightly around her strong back. I could hold her like this forever.

  “Are you okay?” Kathryn asked gently.

  “I’m better than okay. That was the most powerful orgasm I’ve ever had. My heart is still pounding.”

  “I know. I can feel your heart beating. I like it.” Kathryn placed her hand on top of Casey’s heart.

  “How did you know to do that to me?”

  “Your body told me what you wanted. I just followed where your body led me, like a good wingman. You are magnificent.” Kathryn nuzzled her face against Casey’s neck. She could feel the strong pulse against her cheek.

  Casey gently rolled Kathryn over onto her back. “My turn now.”

  Casey pressed her taller body against Kathryn’s. “Am I hurting you?”

  “No. I like the feel of you on top of me.”

  Casey explored every inch of Kathryn’s body. She was unhurried and rolled Kathryn onto her stomach after she’d kissed every part o
f her front. She massaged and tasted Kathryn’s back, slowly moving her hands lower. When she got to Kathryn’s cheeks, she gave that area special attention. Casey remembered her last cross-country trip to Las Vegas when she’d spied on Kathryn from her hotel balcony. That image was burned into her brain, and she now wanted to take Kathryn from behind.

  Casey pried Kathryn’s knees apart and she pulled up her hips. She felt a slight resistance, but then Kathryn submitted to her. Casey moved her hand lower, finding Kathryn’s center soaked with desire. “Oh, Kathryn.”

  Casey slid two fingers deep inside her as she gripped her hip with her other hand. Kathryn backed into Casey’s hand, wanting more. Casey pushed deeper inside her and hooked her leg around Kathryn’s thigh so she couldn’t move. She moved inside Kathryn harder and faster as she rubbed her own hard clit against Kathryn’s ass. She felt Kathryn was close. She accelerated her pace, giving Kathryn exactly what she wanted. Her own orgasm rose from deep within her center as Kathryn cried out her climax. They fell together in a sweaty heap on the bed.

  Kathryn turned underneath Casey, wrapping her arms around her neck. Casey held her as small shudders rolled through her. She felt tears on Kathryn’s cheek. “Kathryn, did I hurt you? I’m so sorry.”

  “No, you didn’t hurt me.” Kathryn choked out the words.

  Casey just held her and kissed her face. Some barrier between them was broken now, never to separate them again. They made love all night long, unhurried and unrestrained. As the soft moonlight faded into darkness, they drifted off to sleep wrapped in each other’s arms. Kathryn treasured the sensation of Casey’s warm body pressed against her back and she held Casey’s hand tenderly between her breasts. As she relaxed into the strong arms, a thought came into her mind that she hadn’t remembered in a very long time. I am happy.

  With Casey’s warm breath against the back of her neck, Kathryn slid into a deep, safe slumber.

  Chapter Thirty-four

  They all met up Sunday morning and ate a giant breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Clearly, they all had worked up a good appetite over the weekend.

  “How was the game?” Casey asked Janie.

  “What game?” Stephanie answered.

  After a slight pause, they all burst out laughing. “We got distracted with other things and never made it to the football game,” Janie answered sheepishly.

  They went to the airport together and did their flight planning.

  “How’s she doing, Janie?” Kathryn asked discreetly.

  “Kath, she’s doing great. I gave her one approach after another on Friday night and she handled them all like a pro. She’s not going to have any problems on her nav check. I hope she comes back to our squadron as a T-38 IP. She’d be awesome.”

  They went to their respective jets, but Casey was reluctant to separate from Kathryn after their time together. “What will happen when we get back to Willie? Will I have to pretend to not know you again? I don’t know if I can do that.” Casey looked worried.

  “You know how the game works. We can’t be seen together on base. You may not realize this, but lots of people know who you are, and they are all watching both of us. We have to be careful, but I won’t ignore you anymore. We’ll find a way to work this out. I promise. Stay focused on pilot training. You’re doing really well, Casey, and that will give you choices when it comes to your flying assignment.”

  “Okay, but I’d really like to kiss you right now.”

  “Soon, Casey, soon. I’ll call you tonight after we land. Keep impressing Janie. She’s a great IP.”

  They gave each other a quick hug, grabbed their helmet bags and parachutes, and walked across the ramp to their jets. Four proud women Air Force pilots getting a few stares from the other people around them.

  Casey’s flight to Biggs Army Air Field was busy. Janie had her roll back the hood so she could see how the runways at Biggs Army Air Field and El Paso International were lined up parallel to each other. It was clear that a pilot could easily get mixed up and land on the wrong runway here.

  The last leg back to Willie was also busy, but Casey was mentally ahead of the jet as Janie ran her through everything. The debrief was short with Janie telling her what manuals to review before her nav check. She handed Casey her grade sheet—Excellent.

  Casey called Kathryn when she got back to her quarters. They talked for hours until Kathryn reminded Casey that she had an early show time the next day. Casey reluctantly said good night and tried to get to sleep, but her bed felt empty and cold without Kathryn next to her.

  The next day, Casey was scheduled for her first four-ship formation ride. She was happy she would be flying with Bulldog again. All eight pilots showed up at the appointed time, and Bulldog led the formation briefing.

  Bulldog did an interval takeoff where each plane took off separately with ten-second spacing behind each jet. Bulldog had Casey roll into a thirty-degree bank turn and she could see the other three jets following her. Number Two was lined up for a rejoin with Three right behind them. Two was in position on her right wing, Three slid under her and maneuvered to her left wing when Four joined up on Three’s wing.

  Casey led them through several maneuvers. It was fascinating looking at the other jets as they gently bobbed in position off both her wing tips. She had to be extra smooth with her flying since there were double the number of planes as usual. She did a position change and maneuvered to the number two slot. The other two wingmen were making tiny corrections to stay in position and she tried to match them. Eventually, she was in the fourth slot and had a great view of the whole formation. They were in an echelon line as they flew up initial to enter the traffic pattern.

  “Keep it tight, everyone. We have to look good,” called lead.

  They all landed right after each other. Casey was exhilarated. She was finally living her dream after almost a year of grueling hard work and a few near-death experiences.

  Bulldog led the debrief, and she got some good comments from the other IPs. She couldn’t wait to call Kathryn tonight to tell her about her first four-ship flight. She loved talking to her every night even though they couldn’t be together. She’d come to appreciate Kathryn’s dry sense of humor and loved her full-throated laugh. It was her goal to make her laugh every day.

  Kathryn didn’t speak to her like she was a student anymore, but more like she was an equal. They didn’t just talk about flying, they talked about everything. Her respect for Kathryn grew every day. Casey was beginning to feel confident that she would graduate and earn her wings. Now she allowed herself to think about the future. For the first time, she wanted a future not only as an Air Force pilot, but also a life with Kathryn. This filled her with hope and scared her at the same time.

  *****

  Casey went over to Bulldog’s house for dinner and brought Merrilee’s favorite beverage, Dixie beer. Following a delicious dinner of chicken fried steak, they sat outside on the porch.

  “How are you doing, Casey? Bulldog says you’re tearing up the T-38 program.”

  “Now, don’t go telling her that, Merrilee. Her head will get so big she won’t be able to put her helmet on,” Bulldog chimed in.

  “I really like four-ship formation and I felt pretty good after my cross-country trip. I just have to pass my navigation check ride and not screw anything up.”

  “Have you thought about what assignment you’d like after you graduate?” Merrilee asked.

  “Well, we’re pretty limited in the aircraft women pilots are allowed to fly, so I can either fly a heavy, like an air refueling tanker or a transport, or I can be an IP. Right now, I’m leaning toward being an IP in either the T-37 or the T-38. But first I have to be fighter qualified and IP qualified in order to get selected to come back as an instructor pilot, and I’m not sure what the higher-ups think of me in that area.”

  “Casey, I want to talk to you about your future flying assignment,” Bulldog said. “There’s a rumor that women might be allowed to fly fighters.”

/>   “Wow. I never even considered the possibility of a fighter,” Casey answered. This was a huge development, if true. Fighter pilots were the golden children in the Air Force. This change could potentially open doors to major career advancement and command opportunities for her.

  “I think you should consider fighters if the ban is ever lifted. Girl, you have the brains, the aggressiveness, and the skills to fly a fighter.” She was thrilled he saw that in her flying. “Until that happens, I think you’d make a good IP in either the Tweet or the T-38. You just need to ace this nav check ride first.”

  “Assuming you get all those qualifications, what do you want to fly?” Merrilee asked.

  Casey would love to have the chance to fly a fighter, if that was open to her, but she also liked the idea of being an instructor pilot, especially if she could stay at Willie.

  An image of Kathryn came into her mind. “I think I’d like to stay here at Willie as an IP, but being one of the first women to fly fighters is also very tempting.”

  Casey thought about the assignment discussion as she headed back to her quarters. Maybe she and Kathryn needed to talk about her flying assignment, a subject they had so far avoided. Maybe it would be better if she was an IP in the T-38 squadron since Kathryn flew with the T-37 squadron and they would need to continue to be very discreet. Overall, she liked the people in the T-37 squadron better compared to the T-38 IPs, who were all frustrated fighter pilot wannabes, plus she really wanted to fly with Kathryn again even if it was only an occasional IP proficiency ride. This was a big decision, and she wanted to make it with Kathryn’s input.

  *****

  Kathryn ran when she heard the phone ring, knowing it was Casey calling her.

  “Hi. I just got back from having dinner with Bulldog and Merrilee. They were asking me about my assignment preferences, and I was hoping to talk to you about this.”

  “Sure. What’re you thinking?”