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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

F-35A AFE Airmen are pioneers in flight equipment

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andrea Posey
  • 33rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
6/8/2016 – EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – --  Helmet and oxygen mask parts lay scattered across blue padded tables as aircrew flight equipment specialists carefully inspect each component for flaws. While reconstructing the gear, these Airmen search for changes that can be made to improve the performance and usability of each item.

This is the thought process day-in and day-out for Aircraft Flight Equipment Airmen at the 33rd Operations Support Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The team here is the leading AFE shop for the F-35A Lightning II program, making them pioneers for fifth generation equipment improvements.

With this title comes the responsibility of ensuring action reports and joint technical data are created and refined so other F-35 units across the services will have access to the most up-to-date maintenance instructions.

“We have been responsible for over 241, and counting, action reports that pave the way for other F-35 AFE shops,” said Tech. Sgt. Edwin Portan, 33rd OSS aircrew flight equipment non-commissioned officer in charge. “We’ve provided in-house training and laid the groundwork for Luke, Nellis and Hill’s quality assurance program, AFE continuation training program and many other programs within AFE.”

The need for updated technical data is rooted in the fact that flight equipment for the F-35 is unlike anything used in legacy inventory. Not only is the gear specifically designed for the Air Force’s newest jet, but each piece is custom fit for each pilot.

F-35 flight equipment has gone through many changes compared to its legacy counterparts including an integrated arm restraint system that prevents arm movement upon ejection, a pilot interface connector that centralizes connections for the oxygen breathing hose, anti-G suit inflation, and communication cord making it a single connection point for the pilots as they enter the aircraft.

“Our AFE troops have done an outstanding job learning these new systems and becoming experts on how it functions with the jet,” said Maj. David Nagle, 33rd OSS wing weapons officer. “It is through their rigorous flight gear inspection process [that they] find and fix issues to ensure all fighter pilots are safe on every sortie. Their tireless efforts help maintain smooth flying operations.”

According to Portan, experience and expertise acquired on different aircraft have played an integral part in writing guidance for the F-35 program.

“Everyone brings a different perspective on how things could be done or improved,” said Portan. “Some of us with experience with [the] F-15's Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System had the advantage of knowing how to custom fit display visors on the helmet and work with helmet display systems. Some of those with heavies experience brought diversity, parachute packing and post ejection insight.”

Among these experienced Airmen is the first and only F-35 AFE Airman, Senior Airman Sean Gregory, 33rd OSS F-35 AFE technician, at the 33rd Fighter Wing, who pipelined from technical school directly into the F-35 unit.

Gregory says that coming straight from technical training to the F-35’s AFE shop, she is able to bring a fresh perspective to the program.
“[I'm] able to think on my own or outside of the box, rather than through previous Air Force processes, said Gregory.

The work of 33rd FW AFE Airmen is based on their mission to support flight operations and ensure pilots have safe equipment in case of ejection. Portan says, in the future, their shop will continue to be on the front lines of flight equipment development as they receive and test gear.

“I feel privileged to be a part of history,” said Portan. “It's a good feeling to come to work knowing we work on the world's leading edge of fighter pilot equipment...and the best thing about it is our inputs make a difference.”

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.