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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

Columbus AFE keeps pilot production going

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Keith Holcomb
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The U.S. Air Force is known for its air supremacy around the globe, and pilots are recognized for their ability to keep the skies safe from America’s enemies. But who keeps the pilots safe?

Airmen who work in aircrew flight equipment units throughout the Air Force ensure pilots have gear and equipment ready for them to perform their missions.

At Columbus Air Force Base, the AFE unit is one of the busiest in the Air Force, because they’re responsible for instructor pilots and pilots going through Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training.

“I can explain to you how busy it is to take care of 150 instructor pilots’ gear on top of 400 students’ gear to the best of my ability, but it’s 10 times busier than that,” said Staff Sgt. Dale Thibodeaux, 37th and 41st FTS NCO in charge. “I can’t see any other AFE units being busier than this. At my previous base we would have roughly five sets to work on a day, and here we work with roughly 25 sets a day or more.”

Each flying training squadron has an AFE unit attached to provide support to that specific squadron’s mission and airframe.

Every 14th Student Squadron student pilot will go through the 37th and 41st FTS to learn how to fly the T-6A Texan II, making their AFE unit responsible for the most gear sets and survival kits of any squadron on the base.

“Our job is to make sure when a pilot goes out the door everything is good to go,” said Senior Airman Hayden Harrison, 48th Flying Training Squadron AFE technician. “If anything goes wrong and they’re at that last line of defense, they can depend on quality equipment so they can stay alive.”

Much of their daily work involves customer service as well. Pilots bringing in gear they may need assistance with, fixing visors and replacing parts is commonplace during each week.

“It’s a constant building of helmets, masks, suits and every three weeks the new class adds to the workload,” Thibodeaux said. “If I prioritized one thing wrong it could throw off the entire schedule and back everything up.”

One of the more time consuming efforts the AFE Airmen work through is the building of custom equipment and fitting every pilot starting pilot training.

“We are responsible for fitting up and training them on how to use their gear properly,” said Staff Sgt. Steven Kern, 50th Flying Training Squadron AFE NCO in charge. “Each piece of equipment is custom fit for every individual and we repeat that process every three weeks for the incoming classes while we take care of the current students’ gear as well.”

A survival kit, maintained by AFE, must be available on every aircraft, and with over 200 aircraft on the base it’s important that each kit is checked and up to date.

“Each aircraft has a survival kit and it’s unique for the T-1’s kits because we have to make sure every aircraft that will be flying that day is checked and is ready for the pilots to use,” Harrison said. “We have to do that while keeping in mind the pilots are trying to take off so we have to prioritize it in a way that doesn’t hinder them.”

Helmets, masks, harnesses, G-suits, and survival kits are all the AFE units’ responsibility to keep the hundreds of pilots in each squadron safe every year.

“As long as guys are getting out of the door and we are putting out the highest quality equipment we can put out, you know you don’t need recognition for it,” Harrison said. “For the most part it’s a thankless job, but knowing what you’re doing is keeping people safe is the reward.”

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.