50th Flying Training Squadron


The 50th Flying Training Squadron is part of the 14th Flying Training Wing based at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. It operates Northrop T-38C Talon aircraft conducting flight training.

Mission

Training Combat Pilots for America
The advanced phase of undergraduate pilot training is conducted by the 50th Flying Training Squadron. This phase consists of 101.69 hours of academic instruction, 69 hours of ground training, 36.9 hours of simulator instruction, and 69 sorties comprising 96.9 hours of flight instruction in the Northrop T-38C. Training includes advanced aircraft handling, tactical navigation, fluid maneuvering and an increased emphasis in two- and four-ship formation. At the completion of training, the graduate is awarded the aeronautical rating of pilot.

History

World War II

The 50th flew patrols on the West Coast of the United States from February–June 1942 then provided air defense of Iceland from August 1942-February 1944. It was not operational between February 1944 and its inactivation in August 1944.

Air Force reserves

The squadron was active in the reserve from 1947 to 1949.

Flying training

The squadron has conducted undergraduate pilot training since, 1 June 1972.

Lineage