USAF Reserve A-10 pilot guides his wingman experiencing hypoxia to safety
US Air Force Reserve Citizen Airman Lt. Col. Timothy “Scream” Mitchell, a pilot with nearly two decades of experience flying the A-10, was recently recognized with a safety award at Davis–Monthan Air Force Base (AFB), Arizona, not merely for his actions on one harrowing night, but for a career that encapsulates the very spirit of the Warthog (as the A-10 is dubbed by its aircrews) and those who fly and support it.
As explained by Tech. Sgt. Tyler J. Bolken, 944th Fighter Wing, in the article The Spirit of the A-10: A Life Saving Flight, Lasting Legacy, in March of this year, Mitchell and Capt. Dylan “Mac” Vail, an active-duty pilot with the 357th Fighter Squadron, were on a 2-ship training flight in which Vail was receiving training from Mitchell to become an instructor pilot during what was supposed to be a routine night training mission.
Mitchell, 47th Fighter Squadron instructor pilot and flight commander, and Vail found themselves in a situation that was anything but ordinary.
Vail began experiencing the early signs of hypoxia, a condition that deprives the brain of oxygen and impairs cognitive functions. As Vail struggled to maintain control of his airframe, Mitchell’s calm demeanor and quick thinking allowed him to provide decisive instructions over the radio to guide Vail back to safety.
“I could barely think straight,” recalled Vail, a Houston native and graduate from the Air Force Academy. “Mitchell was there every step of the way, simplifying everything, telling me exactly what I needed to do. It was his voice and experience that got me back on the ground safely.”
A-10 pilot experiencing hypoxia: safety is paramount
According to Vail, Mitchell’s actions that night were more than just the mark of a seasoned pilot. They were the embodiment of a philosophy deeply rooted in the A-10 community—one where the mission and the safety of those involved are paramount.
“People always get lost and enamored about the aircraft,” explained Mitchell, a Lockney, Texas native and graduate of Texas A&M. “But the number one thing is the community that is dedicated to it.”
Standing next to the very first A-10 he flew, tail number 9154, Mitchell reflected on his nearly two-decade journey with the aircraft.
“I’m old,” he said with a chuckle, “I was trying to look for a couple of tails that I had my name on in the past, and I think they’re gone either to Moody AFB or the Boneyard, so here’s what it is.”
47th Fighter Squadron
Thinking back on his career, Mitchell shared the unique history of the artwork adorning the A-10s of the 47th Pursuit Squadron, explaining that each aircraft features a character from the “Dogpatch” cartoon series by Andy Capp, a tradition dating back to World War II.
“The 47th Pursuit Squadron paid Andy Capp $1 for the copyright usage of his characters to put on all the airframes,” Mitchell explained. “Each airplane has its own character from the original Little Abner cartoons.”
The 47th Fighter Squadron is a unit-equipped 24 Primary Aerospace Vehicle Authorized (PAA) A-10C aircraft squadron that conducts training for pilot initial qualification, transition, and instructor qualification in the A-10C at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. The 47th both actively and classically associates with the 355th Fighter Wing. The 47 FS currently has 55 Airmen comprised of full-time Air Reserve Technicians (ART), part-time Traditional Reservists (TR), Regular Air Force members, and civilians. The unit members work as airline pilots, nurses, university students, and many other occupations. 47 FS members have an average experience level of 13 years in the military and its pilots average over 2,000 A-10 flying hours, including an average of 200 combat hours and 500 instructor hours. The unique makeup and high experience level of the 47th Fighter Squadron makes it exceptionally capable for accomplishing its unit mission.
This pride and dedication have been cornerstones of Mitchell’s career since he first started flying the A-10 in January 2005. His journey from a young lieutenant in the 47th FS to a seasoned commander and mentor is a testament to his commitment not just to the aircraft but to the people who fly and maintain it.
The Warthog retirement
“Creating new fighter pilots and passing on the lessons learned—that’s our job,” he says. “We are providers of fixing problems for people in a dynamic situation, and we’re very good at it.”
Col. Aaron “Nacho” Weedman, 924th Fighter Group commander, expressed immense pride in Mitchell’s efforts.
“His actions while instructing a student during a sortie in which the student experienced a serious physiological incident saved the life of another pilot,” Weedman said.
Mitchell believes his recent recognition with a safety award is not just a personal accolade but a symbol of the ethos that has guided the A-10 community for decades. The award citation highlights his quick thinking during the March 2024 incident and his broader contributions to the safety and training of A-10 pilots.
As the A-10 slowly phases out of the US Military, its heritage will live on in the stories of those who flew it, those who maintained it, those whose lives have been saved by it, and those who, like Lt. Col. Timothy “Scream” Mitchell, ensured that every pilot returned home safely.
As already reported, the USAF is planning to divest the entire fleet of A-10 aircraft within the next 3-5 years.
Until recently, the USAF and Congress have disagreed over what to do with the iconic close air support aircraft (CAS). While the A-10 was known and beloved for its CAS role in Iraq and Afghanistan over the last two decades, the USAF says the low-and-slow-flying plane would not be able to survive in a fight against a nation with modern air defenses, like China.
The Thunderbolt II
The A-10 is the first US Air Force aircraft designed specifically for close air support of ground forces. It is named for the famous P-47 Thunderbolt, a fighter often used in a close air support role during the latter part of World War II.
The A-10 is very maneuverable at low speeds and low altitudes to ensure accurate weapons delivery, and it carries the systems and armor needed to survive in this environment. It is intended for use against all ground targets, but specifically tanks and other armored vehicles. The Thunderbolt II’s great endurance gives it a large combat radius and long loiter time in a battle area. Its short takeoff and landing capability permits operation from airstrips close to the front lines. Maintenance at forward bases with limited facilities is possible because of the A-10’s simple design.
The first production A-10A was delivered to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, in October 1975. The A-10 proved to be vital assets to the United States and its allies during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Noble Anvil.
In the Gulf War, A-10s had a mission capable rate of 95.7%, flew 8,100 sorties and launched 90% of the AGM-65 Maverick missiles.
Photo by Tech. Sgt. Tyler J. Bolken / U.S. Air Force