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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

AETC Det. 62 begins eVTOL training requirements research with simulator delivery

  • Published
  • By Dan Hawkins
  • Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas -  Air Education and Training Command's Detachment 62 began research into training requirements for emerging electric vertical takeoff/landing (eVTOL) aircraft with the arrival of a Joby eVTOL aircraft simulator at Kelly Field Feb. 4.

A second delivery is scheduled the week of Feb. 7-11.

“Electric aviation will soon revolutionize and democratize air travel," said Col. Don “Stryker” Haley, Detachment 62 commander. "This simulator will allow us to prepare the eVTOL industry and the Air Force to train future operators.”

As the Air Force investigates eVTOL use cases, the limiting factor facing many potential users is how to train enough pilots to meet the future demand.  Reducing the training burden is key to meeting this demand, Haley said.

Det. 62’s role in the Agility Prime program is to establish core competencies and develop curriculum for multi-capable Airmen (MCA) operators of advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles, thereby driving operator certification standards.  Det. 62 will also train the initial Air Force cadre of operators.

The Air Force, under the AFWERX Agility Prime program, has funded AETC to conduct research measuring how quickly pilots learn simplified controls used by leading manufacturers in the eVTOL arena.  By using eVTOL simulators to train experienced and new pilots to takeoff, fly and land an eVTOL, the service will learn more about prospective training times and learning approaches applied to eVTOL competencies, Haley said. 

The arrival of the simulator follows up on Det. 62's participation in the first government remotely piloted flight of a Heaviside eVTOL aircraft in December 2021.  Along with industry partner Kitty Hawk and AFWERX's Agility Prime test team, the Det. 62 team worked to draft an initial syllabus for pilot testing and training.  They also observed, gathered data, reviewed training processes, and conducted detailed debriefs along the way. 

Agility Prime is a collaborative initiative led by the Air Force Research Lab to create revolutionary military acquisition and airpower concepts by accelerating the growth of the commercial transformative vertical flight market. The Air Force intends to energize the commercial market using unique Department of Defense (DoD) resources and leverage the market for military advantage.

(Editors Note: Master Sgt. Tim Nissen assisted with this story.)

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.