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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

Nondestructive Inspection Airmen learn to look beneath the surface

  • Published
  • By Julie Svoboda
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

Over the course of 51 training days, Nondestructive Inspection instructors from the 82nd Training Wing’s 359th Training Squadron Detachment 1 teach future NDI Airmen how to use technologies like x-ray, ultrasound, eddy currents and oil analysis to detect miniscule defects safely and effectively in aircraft bodies and engines before they turn into larger, more dangerous problems.

An Airman looks at a monitor displaying data from a microscope

Tech. Sgt. Cannen Hodgsen, NDI Instructor, demonstrates a digital microscope used to find evidence of damage undetectable to the naked eye. The NDI School is located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL.
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According to Tech Sgt. Cannen Hodgson, NDI Instructor, the career field is sought after in the maintenance community because the techniques used are not specific to any aircraft, meaning an NDI Airman can go anywhere there are planes. Additionally, the work itself is fulfilling.

“I like being able to go out there and competently do an inspection and come to a conclusion,” he said. “The result could be ‘it's cracked,’ or ‘it's broken,’ or ‘Yeah, you're good to go, this airframe can still fly.’ It’s a field day whenever NDI finds damage. It's a big deal sometimes, depending on what the technical order says. I like that instant gratification when I do my job and I get the result.”

Equally fulfilling to Hodgson has been his time as an NDI instructor at NAS Pensacola. He said he enjoys both the perks of the coastal location and the camaraderie of a joint-service environment, where instructors from different branches often compare NDI methods. The most rewarding aspect of the position, though, is the opportunity to shape the future of the career field.

An Airmen sits under an aircraft with a diagnostic instrument.

Airman Nathaniel Baker performs an eddy current inspection on the main landing gear door of an F-16A trainer. NDI Airmen use a variety of methods to find evidence of damage on aircraft.
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“I wanted to be an instructor for several different reasons,” he said. “I liked the training aspect of my job. Even before I was an instructor, I was heavily into training. I really liked that aspect of the job - being able to instill my knowledge and in my experiences into these brand-new Airmen. I want it to be that first line of like, ‘Hey, this is what NDI is like, this is what you can expect.’”

The 82nd Training Wing is the largest and most diversified training wing under the Air Education and Training Command.

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.