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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

"Alley Cats" lead the way in T-1 pilot production

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Beaux Hebert
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Last year, the 48th Flying Training Squadron “Alley Cats” were the leading creator of Air Force pilots, graduating 233 pilots.

Due to their hard working instructor pilots and staff, the Alley Cats are excelling at meeting the demands of the Air Force during the current pilot shortage.

In Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training, each class starts out flying the T-6A Texan II. After that phase of training, based off of their track select, some students will fly the T-1A Jayhawk and that’s where the 48th FTS comes into play.

The 48th FTS flew 9,100 sorties last year, more than any other SUPT T-1 squadron. Those sorties resulted in 19,500 flying hours which put the Alley Cats second overall out of 23 ‘white jet’ squadrons (a non-operational/distinguished visitor airlift style aircraft) in the Air Force.

However, being the No. 1 pilot creator doesn’t come without its fair share of challenges. Between the ever changing weather conditions, syllabus updates, aircraft maintenance and unforeseen circumstances, the Alley Cats have mastered the art of “adapt and overcome.”

In Richardson’s opinion, flying T-1s at Columbus is one of the most sought after white jet assignments for aviators in the Air Mobility Command and Air Force Special Operations Command. With a long list of volunteers, he and the Air Force Personnel Center work together to select the officers for this highly coveted assignment.

“There’s something to be said about people wanting to be at an assignment versus being told to go to an assignment,” Richardson said. “We enjoy what we do here and we know our purpose.”

Richardson also said that first assignment instructor pilots (FAIP) are a vital piece of the Alley Cats’ SUPT puzzle.

“FAIPs are the backbone of creating pilots,” Richardson said. “They were the students we identified as having the perfect mix of flying talent and leadership skills. It is phenomenal what they do every day to ensure the next generation of pilots are highly trained.”

Some pilots like Capt. Richard Casburn, 48th FTS D-Flight commander, flew the KC-10 (insert aircraft name) after SUPT and went on to have a worldwide impact on a daily basis. Casburn has since returned to be an instructor pilot and said the work has been very rewarding.

“It’s great working with the students and IPs, they are very determined and eager to get the job done,” Casburn said. “I’ve worked in many different squadrons but I’ve never been in one that works so cohesively as a unit to achieve the same goal.”

The 48th FTS won’t stop leading the way anytime soon. The Air Force will always need more high quality, top-of-the-line pilots and the Alley Cats will be there to do it.

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.