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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

Graduating pilots, a new world awaits

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jake Jacobsen
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

Students from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training class 21-12 walked across the stage July 9, 2021, on Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, officially earning the aeronautical rating of pilot.

To earn this title and their Air Force wings, each student flew nearly 200 hours during a 54-week period. Along with flying, students are tasked with completing 400 hours of flight-related classroom instruction and simulator training.

Attending the graduation ceremony was guest speaker Brigadier General Bobbi Doorenbos (Retired) who gave the new aviators words of wisdom to hold on to as they navigate their career in the Air Force.

“I am very optimistic for their future,” said Doorenbos. “I know we have such great talent in our pilot training classes and it is fun for me to reflect back to when I was in their shoes. They have incredible things on their horizon right now, it’s amazing to be a part of that.”

Doorenbos is a senior pilot with more than 1,200 hours in the F-16C Fighting Falcon. She served as Special Assistant to the Director, Air National Guard, acting as the Headquarters Air Force Military Deputy for Training and Readiness.

“The ability to adapt to the different things that happen to you in life will be a critical skill throughout the years,” said Doorenbos. “Your career path doesn’t always follow the path you think it will, so when you get knocked down you get back up.”

After receiving their diplomas and being congratulated for their hard work, the graduates and audience watched a video about what it means to be a pilot in the Air Force followed by an age old tradition called the breaking of the wings.

The tradition entails snapping their first set of pilot wings into two halves, never to be brought together again while the pilot is alive. One half is kept by the pilot, while the other is kept by the pilot’s loved one.

As the new pilots move onward in their careers, they will go to their respective bases and begin training on the aircraft assigned to them. Some selected officers will stay at Columbus AFB, entrusted with the position of First Assignment Instructor Pilot ensuring the continuation of training world class aviators.

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.