ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England – Maj. Jason Bianchi, 493rd Fighter Squadron pilot, shows Ruth Putley, 16, the cockpit of an F-15C Eagle during a “Pilot for the Day” event March 6, 2013. The program started at RAF Lakenheath in March 2012 with the intent to assist children throughout local communities who are fighting life-threatening illness or conditions by providing a day of fun and allowing for a break from the routine doctor and hospital visits. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha)
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England – Staff Sgt. Chauncey Padilla, 56th Rescue Squadron flight engineer, shows Lauren Cummings, 12, a GAU-2C mini-gun on an HH-60G Pave Hawk during a “Pilot for the Day” event March 6, 2013. The program allows children with a life-threatening illness or conditions to come to RAF Lakenheath and experience what it’s like to be a pilot. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha)
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England – Capt. Annie Driscoll, 48th Fighter Wing flight safety office and HH-60G Pave Hawk pilot, shows Ruth Putley, 16, the cockpit of an HH-60G Pave Hawk during a “Pilot for the Day” event March 6, 2013. The program allows children with a life-threatening illness or conditions to come to RAF Lakenheath and experience what it’s like to be a pilot. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha)
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England – Ruth Putley, 16, carries an M4 Carbine during the “Pilot for a Day” event March 6, 2013. During the event, two local children received special-made flight suits, a flight in an F-15 simulator, an interactive squadron tour, a birds of prey demonstration and an up-close viewing of an F-15C Eagle and an HH-60G Pave Hawk. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Mancha)
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England –Keith Mutton, Phoenix Bird Control falconer, holds Twinkle, a 26-year-old eagle owl, during a bird demonstration for Lauren Cummings, 12, and her mother Morvetta Cummings March 6, 2013. The demonstration was part of the “Pilot for a Day” event which allows children suffering from life-threatening illnesses to come to RAF Lakenheath and experience what it is like to be a pilot. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dana J. Butler)
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England – Ruth Putley (standing), 16, Lauren Cummings (sitting), 12, and their mothers examine radar displays at Radar Approach Control, during a “Pilot for a Day” event March 6, 2013. The program allows children with a life-threatening illness or condition to come to RAF Lakenheath and experience what it’s like to be a pilot. (U.S Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Keenan Kunst)
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England – Ruth Putley (left), 16, and Lauren Cummings (right), 12, don firefighter gear during a fire demonstration with 48th Civil Engineer Squadron fire fighters as part of their “Pilot for a Day” experience March 6, 2013. During the event the two local children received special-made flight suits, a flight in an F-15 simulator, an interactive squadron tour, a birds of prey demonstration and an up-close viewing of an F-15C Eagle and an HH-60G Pave Hawk. (U.S Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Keenan Kunst)
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England – Sarah Lyon gives daughter Ruth Putley, 16, a 56th Rescue Squadron unit patch as a part of the last event for the “Pilot for a Day” program March 6, 2013. The “Pilot for a Day” event allows children suffering from life-threatening illnesses to come to RAF Lakenheath and experience what it is like to be a pilot. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dana J. Butler)