In the cockpit of his T-76 supersonic jet trainer, 34th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot Captain Howard Edwards finished his final checks on the aircraft. "All systems ready for flight." he said to himself as he finished up his last checks on the aircraft. Today was to be a formation, with four of his students in tow, one of their last flights before they went on to fly their assigned aircraft. Looking to his right, Edwards' student gave a thumbs up, which he responded to in kind. Making a chopping motion forward, Edwards released the brakes on his aircraft, and pushed the throttle to full power, speeding down the runway, followed by his wingman.