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12th Flying Training Wing

The 12th Flying Training Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, develops the next generation of Air Force aviators and enlisted aircrew by providing world-class flying training and education. The wing trains Airmen in the fundamentals of airmanship, instruction and leadership, preparing them for success in operational units across the Air Force. Through undergraduate Combat Systems Officer training, Pilot Instructor Training, Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals, Remotely Piloted Aircraft pilot indoctrination, enlisted aviator training, and other specialized programs, the 12th FTW produces skilled, adaptable, and combat-ready professionals capable of meeting the demands of today's complex operating environment while strengthening the future of American airpower.

 

 

12FTW Units

aircraft mechanic, performs maintenance 12th Maintenance Group
12th Maintenance Group
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Photo of an undergaraduate combat systems officer graduation 479th Flying Training Group
479th Flying Training Group
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An Airman inspects an aircraft 12th Operations Group
12th Operations Group
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Articles

Air Force reaches EPIC milestone

  • Published
  • By Randy Martin
  • 12th Flying Training Wing
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas --  The first three noncommissioned officers in the Enlisted Pilot Initial Class will complete Undergraduate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Training here May 5. Their accomplishment is exceptional because the Air Force has relied almost exclusively on commissioned officers as its pilots in the seventy years it has been a separate military service.

The Air Force announced the EPIC initiative Dec. 17, 2015. Its first four of twelve enlisted pilot candidates were integrated with 20 newly commissioned officers Oct. 12, 2016 at Initial Flight Training near Pueblo Memorial Airport, Pueblo, Colorado.

As part of IFT, each student soloed a DA-20 Katana aircraft just like all the other students that train to be pilots and combat systems officers. When they enlisted more than ten years ago this opportunity was not available.

“If you would have asked me if I was going to be a pilot when I was an Airman 1st class, I would have told you no,” said Master Sgt. Alex, the second of the three EPIC students to solo and later complete IFT.

They continued the RPA pipeline on January 6, 2017 at Joint Base San Antonio - Randolph, Texas in the second and third phases of URT. Here students learn RPA instrument qualification and fundamentals.

“For me, the hardest part going through this course was learning instrument flying and applying those skills,” said Tech. Sgt. Mike. He was the third EPIC student to solo at IFT.

“Just like most Air Force courses, there's a lot of information to take in at once, but once that information was organized, it leveled out,” said Mike.

After URT, formal training continues with Air Combat Command at Beale Air Force Base in California during a Basic Qualification Course. While there the pilots will qualify on the RQ-4 Global Hawk, a long-duration intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance weapon system that supports missions worldwide.

The remaining EPIC pilot candidates are in URT classes that started earlier this year and graduation is scheduled later in 2017 and 2018. The Air Force Personnel Command continues to plan for the training and assignment of enlisted RPA pilots.

“There are a lot of opportunities that could become available to enlisted Airmen,” said Master Sgt. Mike. Master Sgt. Mike had extensive private pilot training before joining EPIC. He was the first to solo at IFT and he was confident that fellow enlisted Airmen can succeed in URT.

“If there is something you really want, it’s achievable. You just have to put in the effort.”

*Editor’s note: Only first names were given because the Air Force limits disclosure of identifying information to first names for all RPA pilots and sensor operators throughout their careers.

Public Affairs Information

Tours of the 12th Flying Training Wing are provided to various community organizations, high schools, businesses, and academic military recruitment programs to educate their members about the 12th FTW mission.

Due to the high volume of requests and limited public affairs resources, tours and static displays are limited.

Please submit all requests in writing to the 12th FTW Public Affairs by email to 12ftw.pa.1@us.af.mil at least three weeks but no more than six weeks in advance. You may also call 210-652-1272.

Tours are not available on weekends and may be cancelled at any time because of increased security measures or mission requirements. The 12th FTW does not host tours of Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph at-large. To schedule a tour of JBSA-Randolph, please contact JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs at 502abw.pa.official@us.af.mil or dial 210-652-4410.

If desired, requestors must arrange all meals. PA will provide contact information to base eateries. Modified tours will be granted for those with limited mobility - this must be stated on the tour request. If not stated, it is assumed that mobility is not an issue.