Media Flight - Inside look at aerial refueling

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE – The KC-135 Stratotanker shuttered through the light turbulence.

Pilot Jacob Masters held the 50-ton jet steady as the enormous C-17 troop transport from Joint Base Lewis-McChord maneuvered in behind the refueler Friday, Oct. 15.

With more than 1,000 flight hours under his belt, Masters has become quite comfortable in the pilot seat of the KC-135 aircraft, although he said it is still an adventure each time he takes flight.

"30 feet, 20 feet," Staff Sgt. Kyle Hunt said into his headset, notifying Masters of the distance between jets.

Hunt has accrued more than 400 fli...