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Around the Air Force: Risk and Readiness, Project Magellan, Pilot Training Overhaul
June 13, 2025 — In this week’s look Around the Air Force, the Air Force Safety Center announces Phase II of the Chief of Staff’s Integrating Risk and Readiness campaign, Project Magellan earns international recognition by winning the 2025 Founder’s Award, and AETC aims to train 1,500 pilots per year... MORE

Boosting readiness: AETC’s plan to train 1,500 pilots annually
June 4, 2025 — To maintain air superiority, project global power, and ensure national security, the U.S. Air Force requires a consistent supply of trained aviators — specifically, 1,500 pilots per year... MORE

Surge week was a high-tempo increase in flying sorties that tested new operational concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keira Rossman)

U.S. Air Force partners with academia, industry to test future pilot production model
January 10, 2025 — Air Education and Training Command partnered with the University of North Dakota Aerospace Foundation flight training program in Arizona and the Brunner Aerospace flight training program in Texas to test a new Initial Pilot Training (IPT) model... MORE

Nineteenth Air Force commander emphasizes human element as key to winning future fights at military flight training summit
November 13, 2024 — Maj. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, Nineteenth Air Force commander, participated in a panel discussion on the future of U.S. and Italian Air Force training at the annual Military Flight Training Summit on Oct. 29 at the Westin Hotel San Antonio... MORE

New commanders attend Undergraduate Pilot Training University
October 17, 2024 — The Nineteenth Air Force hosted a three-day, in-person training session, Undergraduate Pilot Training University, bringing together leaders from across the command to discuss all aspects of undergraduate pilot training... MORE

Rated Preparatory Program application process open through Dec. 9
November 21, 2023 — Active duty Air Force officers and enlisted Airmen who are interested in becoming rated officers can apply for the Spring 2024 Air Force Rated Preparatory Program now through Dec. 9, 2023... MORE

Graphic illustrating announcement for Active duty Air Force officers and enlisted Airmen who are interested in becoming rated officers can apply for the Spring 2024 Air Force Rated Preparatory Program now through Dec. 9, 2023.

SecAF takes closer look at JBSA missions
November 8, 2022 — Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall visited Joint Base San Antonio Nov. 4-5 to meet with leaders across Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Personnel Center, Air Force Installation Management Support Command and Sixteenth Air Force... MORE

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall reads at a podium to a crowd of Airmen.

AFIMSC set to begin Red Hawk bed down efforts at JBSA
July 11, 2022 — The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center has the green light to move forward with major construction work to support the bed down of a new aircraft and training mission at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas... MORE

First graduates of undergraduate pilot training 2.5 make history
March 19, 2021 — History was made March 19 as 10 new Air Force pilots received their wings after graduating from the first Undergraduate Pilot Training 2.5 program at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph... MORE

'Accelerated Path to Wings' class makes history
March 12, 2021 — Seven Airmen made history as the first “Accelerated Path to Wings” program graduated and transitioned from student to Air Force pilot during a ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph March 12... MORE

Accelerated Path to Wings graduating class

AETC general talks pilot training at Alamo ACE
November 23, 2020 — In order to maintain readiness, the Air Force is utilizing innovation and technology to transform pilot training to be faster while also teaching skills that will make effective warfighters, according to the Air National Guard assistant to the commander at Air Education and Training Command who spoke during this year’s Alamo Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association virtual Alamo ACE conference Nov. 19... MORE

Maj. Gen. John Hronek, Air National Guard assistant to the commander at Air Education and Training Command, discussed initiatives and programs AETC is implementing to transform pilot training at the Alamo Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association virtual Alamo ACE conference Nov. 19, 2020.

RPA Training Next transforming pipeline to competency-based construct
June 4, 2020 — Air Education and Training Command is integrating modern technology and innovative strategies in an effort to transform how remotely piloted aircraft pilots and sensor operators are developed through the RPA Training Next initiative... MORE

two Airmen sit in front of multiple monitors in dark room

AETC partners with UTSA to refine pilot candidate selection
February 7, 2020 — In an effort to gain more insight into what attributes could best predict the success of pilot training candidates, Air Education and Training Command turned to the data analytics program at the University of Texas-San Antonio to help them refine and validate the Pilot Candidate Selection Method as part of an Educational Partnership Agreement... MORE

In an effort to gain more insight into the predictable attributes of a successful pilot training candidate, Air Education and Training Command turned to the data analytics program at the University of Texas-San Antonio to help them continue their efforts to refine and validate the Pilot Candidate Selection Method as part of an Educational Partnership Agreement. (U.S. Air Force graphic / Dan Hawkins)

Aspiring Air Force pilots: Don’t let height standards get in the way
November 7, 2019 — Those who aspire to one day become a U.S. Air Force aviator must first meet several requirements, including height, before they are considered for pilot training. For those who fall outside of the Air Force’s height requirements, height waivers are available... MORE

U.S. Air Force Maj. Nick Harris (left) and Capt. Jessica Wallander, instructor pilots with the 71st Flying Training Wing at Vance Air Force Base, Okla., stand side-by-side to illustrate the varying standing heights of Air Force pilots to dispel the myth that there is one height standard for all Air Force pilots. Height waivers are available for candidates that do not meet AFI 48-123 standards. If you are interested in learning more about height waivers, work with your commission source or contact the Air Force Call Center at 1-800-423-USAF. (U.S. Air Force Courtesy Photo)

Wills takes command of 19th Air Force overseeing flying training
June 13, 2019 — With the sounds of freedom and flying training as the backdrop, Maj. Gen. Craig D. Wills took the reins of the 19th Air Force from Maj. Gen. Patrick Doherty during a change of command ceremony at Hangar 4 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, June 13, 2019... MORE

Lt. Gen. Steve Kwast, commander of Air Education and Training Command, passes the 19th Air Force guidon to Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, during the 19th Air Force change of command ceremony June 13, 2019, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The numbered Air Force oversees 19 training locations, with 17 Total Force wings, 11 active duty, one Air Force Reserve and five Air National Guard units. More than 32,000 members of the 19th Air Force operate more than 1,600 aircraft from 29 different aircraft models. (U.S. Air Force photo by Sean M. Worrell)

Pilot instructor training "embraces change" through virtual reality
October 22, 2018 — Pilot Instructor Training Next is using virtual reality simulators and 360-degree video headsets integrated into the syllabi, helping enable overall Air Education and Training Command effort to leverage emerging technology across the training enterprise... MORE

Lt. Col. Derek McCafferty (left) and Maj. Erik Jones, 99th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilots, prepare for a virtual flying training sortie Oct. 9, 2018, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The 99th FTS, along with the 560th FTS, have integrated virtual reality simulators into the pilot instructor training syllabus as part of an overall strategic effort to leverage emerging technology across the training enterprise.

12th FTW continues heritage of aviation innovation
September 5, 2018 — Innovators from the 12th Flying Training Wing showcased the latest adaptations in pilot training for veteran aviators at the Parr Club at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Aug. 27... MORE

Capt. Jay Moore, a 560th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, helps demonstrate a virtual reality simulator Aug. 27, 2018 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.