Airmen attend motorcycle training course, prepare to teach Incirlik riders needed skills

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alex Martinez
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Two Incirlik Airmen attended a motorcycle course June 15 - 28 at Kapaun Air Station, Germany, enabling them to teach people here required basic riding skills.

Chief Master Sgt. Richard Price, the 39th Maintenance Squadron superintendant and 29 year motorcyclist, and Staff Sgt. Phillip Eyer, 728th Air Mobility Squadron, are now certified to instruct the basic rider and experienced rider courses for current and prospective riders.

"The ability to teach riders motorcycle skills here is definitely a good thing," Chief Price said. "The importance of having proper riding skills and knowledge is huge when you consider the alternative."

All Air Force riders are required to attend a basic rider course before they can operate their motorcycle on and off base. And riders have to attend a refresher course every three years.

"We haven't had a trainer here since March of last year," said Tech. Sgt. Russell Cooper, 39th Air Base Wing Safety. "To have the ability to train people here with our own trainers is a huge deal."

"Now people don't have to travel when they need training, which cuts costs for the Air Force," Chief Price said.

During the nine-day course, Chief Price and Sergeant Eyer underwent plenty of in-class and hands-on training that polished their bike knowledge and gave them the tools to teach others.

"There's a big difference between learning the basics and learning how to teach the basics," Chief Price said. "It's like college; there's a big difference between taking a college class and teaching it."

Although no plans have been set in stone on when the courses will begin, the duo is aiming to offer their first class between the middle and end of July.

Chief Price said a course like this would normally cost hundreds of dollars, but is free to U.S. active-duty and reserve servicemembers, civilians, contractors and dependents.

"When it comes to riding, you can't eliminate risk, but you can reduce it by having the tools to be a safe driver, and knowing and understanding the challenges on the road," the Chief said.

Currently, there are 40 motorcycle riders on base.

For more information on the motorcycle courses, call Sergeant Cooper at 676-SAFE (7233).