WICHITA FALLS ( KFDX/KJTL ) — Training began on Sheppard Air Force Base Thursday morning as local Hometown Hero Ashley Mckie got ready to take flight with the Thunderbirds.

Mckie was chosen from a pool of applicants to join the Thunderbirds during a courtesy flight, but before she could, she had to attend several training classes on Thursday to prepare for the flight.

McKie needed to get fitted for her flight suit, helmet and mask and learn the do’s and don’ts of flying in a jet, including how to pull her parachute should she ever have to.

“I’m excited to practice getting to do this thing,” Mckie said as she suited up.

“So position the mask first where it’s comfortable,” her flight instructor said as McKie fit the flight mask around her nose and mouth. “Alright then, go ahead and try that,”

Mckie will attend a bit more training Friday morning before hitting the flight line and taking to the skies at 10 a.m.

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