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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

New training simulator heads to Columbus

  • Published
  • By Second Lieutenant Peyton Craven
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss.-- Columbus AFB personnel were treated to a sneak peek experience with Boeing’s newest training aircraft simulator at the Air Force Association’s Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida March 4th, 2022.

The symposium is a significant professional development event for the U.S. Air Force and Space Force and focuses on the critical concerns and challenges of joint warfare across the diverse areas of responsibility for the Department of Defense. Attendees received briefings and development seminars from Air and Space Force senior leaders, as well as defense industry partners. A technology expo that occurred in conjunction with the symposium highlighted technological innovations by defense industry partners.

Boeing was a featured partner at the expo showcasing their new T-7A aircraft simulator. The T-7A is the eventual successor to the T-38 aircraft that is currently used to train student pilots on the fundamentals of fighter tactics. Columbus AFB is primed to be one of the first Undergraduate Pilot Training base that receives the T-7A.

Chief Master Sergeant Christopher Ottenwess, 14th Operations Group senior enlisted leader, spoke on the evolving role of training simulators like the one featured at the Warfare Symposium.

“As the new simulators come on, it just further prepares [student pilots] for 5th-gen fighters as we continue to train world class pilots”, Ottenwess said.

The 14th Operations Group conducts all flight operations at Columbus AFB and will be responsible for fielding the new simulator when it officially arrives to the base for training.

“These simulators are incredibly important to pilot training because that’s where pilots learn the basics of flight while avoiding wear and tear on the actual aircraft”, Ottenwess said.

Columbus AFB Airmen that attended the expo were given a chance to experience the new Bowing T-7A flight simulator.

“The VR headset quality is getting much better. This is more accurate to what the students will actually see in the cockpit,” 1st Lieutenant Justin Treinish, a T-38 instructor pilot assigned to the 50th Flying Training Squadron said. “The gloves and hand tracking features make it feel more like the actual jet.”

Boeing’s next stop with the simulator will be Columbus AFB during the 2022 Wings Over Columbus Airshow and STEM Expo. Attendees of the airshow and STEM expo will have the opportunity to get hands-on with the simulator and get a sneak peek at the future of pilot training in the Air Force.

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.