Flying hours were conducted over a ten state area and consisted of patterns, aerobatics, formations and landings.&bsp; Flight training also included viewing the earth from 500 feet traveling at six miles per minute.

First Lt. Franks received his wings and was the only pilot in his squadron to be assigned additional training on the F-16 Fighting Falcon. 1st Lt. Franks&39; next training assignment will be in San Antonio, Texas.

At the awards ceremony 1st Lt. Franks also received the Air Force Association Award presented to the graduate who excelled in training and best typified the tenets of the Air Force Association: dedication to military aviation, personal integrity and sense of patriotism. &bsp;

Franks, the son of Sandi Franks, is a graduate of Polk County High School, a 2006 graduate of the U.S Air Force Academy and a certified meteorologist.