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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

ATC Tower gains new position, first two Airmen earn ratings

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Keith Holcomb
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  

The first two Airmen ever in the Air Traffic Control Tower are now certified in the Tower Coordinator position.

Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, Air Traffic Control Tower leadership developed and implemented the new Tower Coordinator position, effective June 1, 2020, splitting the duties and responsibilities of the overtasked Flight Data (FD) position.

“Senior Airman Nico Buonsanto and I are both on the more experienced side of controllers in the Columbus AFB tower,” said Senior Airman Miranda Fisher, 14th Operations Support Squadron Air Traffic Controller. “It was exciting to be chosen to be the first ones rated in the CT position.”

Air traffic controllers are responsible for the safe and expeditious flow of air traffic. The tower visually controls the flow of aircraft from the taxiways, runways, and in local flight patterns.

Both controllers began their U.S. Air Force air traffic journeys in the Columbus AFB tower and have become experts in their craft. The tower leadership said it was hard to decide who would receive the ratings first, but were confident in the two Airmen chosen because of their experience in Flight Data.

“At first I didn’t think it was a necessary position and I think most other Airmen who never controlled in a control tower with the CT position didn’t think it was necessary,” Fisher continued, “but once Nico and I controlled in CT it was obvious how much better it worked.”

The new CT position is vital in ensuring even safer and overall improved communication between controllers and from the tower to the pilots.

“Flight Data is like a secretary of the tower, calling for weather, maintenance control, updating weather conditions, and more,” said Buonsanto. “Before the split it got overwhelming to coordinate traffic with the other controllers and accomplish Flight Data’s responsibilities. The CT will alleviate that stress on FD and allow us to really execute our mission more safely and effectively.”

Fisher and Buonsanto accomplished their training July 17, 2020 and July 29, 2020 respectively.

“It was really cool to be the first airman to go through CT training, it’s something I’ll always have,” Fisher said.

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.