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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
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Articles

AF provides additional information for aircrew considering flying during their pregnancy

  • Published
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS)-- The Department of the Air Force has developed several products designed to assist aircrew in making the most informed decisions about whether to fly during their pregnancy.

In April 2022, the DAF issued a clarification of policies pertaining to aircrew during pregnancy. Since then, the Department recognized the need to provide aircrew, commanders, and healthcare professionals greater awareness of and transparency around the process for submission and review of waivers to fly during pregnancy.

Maj. Molly Sexton conducts pre-flight inspections Oct. 25, 2022, at Hurlburt Field, Fla. The Aircrew Voluntary Acceptance of Risk provides female aircrew with the ability to make decisions based on their career experience, family needs, advice of their medical providers and commander's input. The AVAR has three separate sections: a risk acknowledgement page, outline of medical risks and flight profiles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Michelle Gigante)

Maj. Molly Sexton conducts pre-flight inspections Oct. 25, 2022, at Hurlburt Field, Fla. The Aircrew Voluntary Acceptance of Risk document provides female aircrew with the information needed to make decisions based on their career experience, family needs, advice of their medical providers and commander's input. The AVAR has three separate sections: a risk acknowledgement page, outline of medical risks and flight profiles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Michelle Gigante)
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The Aircrew Voluntary Acceptance of Risk, or AVAR, is a three-part document (including a risk acknowledgment page, an outline of medical risks, and acceptable flight profiles) designed to ensure aircrew have access to the information that will allow them to make the most informed decisions about whether to continue flying during their pregnancy. Additionally, a set of frequently asked questions and answers were developed for additional assistance. Both the AVAR and FAQs may be found on the Air Force Medical Service’s Reproductive Health webpage.

"At the end of the day, we need to balance operational readiness, safety, and our aircrew’s agency, and I'm proud of the progress we've made to that end," said Under Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones.

Aircrew who want to be considered for crewed flight duty must personally request to continue flying during their pregnancy. The AVAR will help guide discussions with healthcare providers and inform members of both known and potential, but unmeasured, risks to make an informed decision.

To return to flying duties after becoming pregnant, the service member must submit a waiver for review by their flight surgeon, obstetrical care provider, and commander, who must collaborate to determine whether to approve the waiver. All flights must meet approved flight profiles based on the commander's discretion and safety considerations.

DAF leadership’s intent is that aircrew are confident that the decision of whether to request to fly during pregnancy – or not – will have no impact on their military career. Aircrew who elect not to fly have other options to continue their career progression, such as maintaining currencies in the simulator, instructing academics, supervisor of flying, top-3, and many other training opportunities and duties.

"It was a team effort to develop these options for pregnant aircrew so they can continue carrying out the missions they are trained and ready to perform," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.

As with any medical condition, the DAF will continue to review aircrew pregnancy policy and practices, including an ongoing collection of health and safety data. The service remains focused on identifying, analyzing, and appropriately mitigating flight safety hazards and exposures to facilitate the safe and successful accomplishment of the military mission. A continual review will also drive appropriate modifications to the AVAR to allow aircrew to make the most informed decision on whether to request the continuation of flight duties.

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.