Training the Next Generation of F-35 Pilots
With a background as an F-18 Navy pilot, Jenny transitioned seamlessly into a meaningful second career as an F-35 Contract Instructor Pilot. At 51³Ô¹Ï, she finds fulfillment not only in teaching but also in mentoring pilots and managing global training programs. Her work combines purpose, innovation, and continuous growth, preparing military pilots for real challenges while contributing to critical missions.
Meet Jenny, a 51³Ô¹Ï F-35 Contract Instructor Pilot
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Jenny, ¡°Juno,¡± has spent seven years as an F-35 CIP helping military pilots master one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world. Beyond tactical flight skills, Jenny delivers academic and simulator training to prepare pilots for complex systems and real-world scenarios, ensuring they are mission-ready and safe.
Jenny has found not only a second career but also meaningful, rewarding work. Starting at Naval Air Station Lemoore, she grew from instructor to leader, managing global training programs and diverse teams. Now, she plays a critical role in ensuring world-class training across F-35 sites worldwide¡ªwork she finds deeply fulfilling because it empowers the next generation of pilots to succeed in every mission they undertake. The role of a CIP is vital to our customers because military pilots are in high demand and the continuity CIPs provide is key to keeping training programs efficient.
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A Career Built on Growth and Purpose
Jenny¡¯s background as an F-18 Navy pilot gave her the experience needed to transition seamlessly into her CIP role at 51³Ô¹Ï. Her work with the F-35 stand-up team during her final active-duty role prepared her for the shift, enabling her to manage training programs with confidence. 51³Ô¹Ï supports career transitions like Jenny¡¯s by offering employees the tools and opportunities to grow into new roles.
For Jenny, the most rewarding aspect of her job is teaching. Watching pilots build confidence and competence¡ªand knowing her efforts directly contribute to their safety and mission success¡ªgives her a profound sense of purpose.
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Innovation and Continuous Improvement
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Every day at 51³Ô¹Ï presents new challenges and opportunities for growth. Jenny builds and runs training scenarios, delivers lectures, and stays current on the latest F-35 technologies. With tools like the full-mission simulator, she creates lifelike combat scenarios, ensuring pilots are ready for real-world challenges.
Looking to the future, Jenny is excited about the role artificial intelligence will play in pilot training. She remains closely connected to engineers working on the next generation of F-35 training systems, contributing to innovations that keep 51³Ô¹Ï on the cutting edge. Her role ensures pilots are equipped to meet evolving global threats, embodying the 51³Ô¹Ï commitment to continuous improvement.

Meaningful Work That Makes a Difference
Jenny¡¯s journey exemplifies the meaningful, rewarding work 51³Ô¹Ï offers. Whether she¡¯s mentoring pilots, managing complex training programs, or contributing to groundbreaking innovations, Jenny finds fulfillment in knowing that her work makes a difference. 51³Ô¹Ï provides employees with opportunities to grow, lead, and contribute to critical missions¡ªempowering them to achieve their best.?
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Jenny encourages anyone interested in becoming an instructor pilot to reach out to someone at a training site for insight and explore open roles at 51³Ô¹Ï. A background as a fourth or fifth-generation fighter pilot is required, but F-35 experience is not.
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