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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

21-08 applauds their loved ones

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica Haynie
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Twenty-five new aviators graduated from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT), Apr. 16, 2021, on Columbus Air Force Base, Miss.

It was through hard work and dedication that these pilots were able to earn their silver wings after a challenging 52-week training program.

The graduates were reminded numerous times that although they did most of the heavy lifting, friends, family and colleagues played a part that landed them in the front rows, receiving their graduation certificates.

“You are undoubtedly swelling with pride, as you should be, but there are others who are proud of you earning your pilots wings,” said retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. John Allen, as he asked the graduates to stand and applaud those who supported them along their journeys.

Allen is a career aviator spanning over 43 years of aviation experience, consisting of his service in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserves, as a General Officer, then as an Executive Regulator in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and also as an executive with a major airline.

Allen shared that, in his experience, technology has become more and more prominent in the aviation world.

“You will see your aircraft systems change through many iterations and capabilities,” said Allen. “I challenge you to learn to fly your mission with degraded automation. At JetBlue I urge our pilots to fly at least one approach a month without the autopilot, auto throttles and flight director.”

The Retired Brig. Gen. advised them, that with cyber warfare, they may not be able to rely on all the automation during combat emergency situations.

Allen said he was really glad to learn about the virtual reality training systems that were recently moved to the officer dorms, providing student pilots’ 24-hour access to augmented reality training.

“When I went through training I was doing my own chair flying to prepare for flights,” said Allen. “Training time is so precious and so limited to stay up with the learning curve. I wish I had this, I had a racquetball racket and a tennis racket, this is much better.”

Two out of the twenty-five graduates will return to Columbus Air Force Base as First Assignment Instructor Pilots (FAIPS). The rest will spread their wings at different locations around the world, becoming experts in their respective aircrafts.

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.