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Interested in flying in Air Force, but have little to no experience? Applications for Spring ‘22 Rated Prep Program being accepted now!
November 29, 2021 — Active duty Air Force officers and enlisted personnel interested in becoming rated officers have until Dec. 31, 2021 to apply for the Spring 2022 Air Force Rated Preparatory Program, or RPP, scheduled for March 20-25, 2022, and March 27-April 01, 2022 in Denton, Texas... MORE

The Air Force Rated Preparatory Program provides qualified Airmen interested in cross-training to an Air Force rated career field the opportunity to gain and strengthen basic aviation skills.
Program participants receive self-paced ground training, approximately eight flight hours in a Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182 Skylane, and additional training in FAA-certified simulators—helping them become more competitive for rated selection boards.

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

Total Force Initiative creates 147th Operations Group, Det. 1, at 558th FTS
October 30, 2019 — A congressional mandate for increased total force integration authorized the 147th Attack Wing of the Texas Air National Guard to stand up a small Air Education and Training Command Undergraduate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Training, or URT, detachment... MORE

An instructor sits next to a student at a tabletop simulator to help guide him with proper procedures. This simulator is specifically to help train sensor operators. It has a keyboard and three levers.

Air Force releases criteria for new Remote Combat Effects Campaign Medal
October 29, 2019 — The new medal, established by then-Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson, is part of a continuing effort to recognize U.S. Air Force military members in a non-deployed status who directly participated in a Department of Defense combat operation from a remote location... MORE

Air Force pros gather for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Training Summit
July 17, 2018 — Air Education and Training Command officials sponsored the first Remotely Piloted Aircraft Training Summit July 10-12, at the 558th Flying Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. The event brought together professionals from throughout the RPA community across the Air Force. ... MORE

Participants gather inside the Danielson auditorium for day two of the AETC PRA training enhancement summit, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, July 11, 2018. This is a 3-day summit hosted by AETC, led by four different program managers representing graduate and undergraduate RPA training systems and training programs.

Enlisted RPA pilot board selects 30 Airmen for pilot training
March 9, 2017 — The inaugural Enlisted Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilot Selection Board has chosen 30 enlisted Airmen to fill fiscal year 2017/2018 training slots as a part of the deliberate approach to enhance the Air Force’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance mission... MORE

A student pilot enrolled in Undergraduate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Training at the 558th Flying Training Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, takes off in a new T-6 Texan II simulator. The inaugural enlisted remotely piloted aircraft pilot selection board has selected 30 enlisted Airmen for RPA pilot training, joining the 12 Airmen in the Enlisted Pilot Initial Class. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Clinton Atkins)