‘We start with academics, which contains
tactics, formation ying and air-to-ground
missions — the wing is responsible for
instructors, ghter pilots who go through
IFF, sensor operators and CSOs plus RPA
trainees.’RPA training
The 558th FTS is responsible for the
important RPA pipeline. Reactivated at
Randolph AFB in 1992, the 558th FTS was
previously tasked with navigator training
in the T-43A until being deactivated in- In 2010, it was reactivated under
the 12th FTW for MQ-1 Predator pilot and
sensor operator training. Maj Ron Oswald
is the 558th FTS assistant director of
operations. Before this assignment he was
stationed at Cannon AFB, New Mexico,
and Creech AFB, Nevada, where he ew
the MQ-9 Reaper. ‘One of my jobs is the
RPA instrument quali cation course as a
course director,’ Oswald explained. After
RPA ight screening at Pueblo, students
follow a three-phase program to attain
their wings. First, they must achieve
a private pilot’s license in Colorado.
Then they go to the 558th FTS for their
instrument quali cation course, which
lasts approximately three months and
involves learning how to y without visual
references and relying on instruments.
The instrument quali cation course is
followed by the RPA fundamental course,
which takes about a month. Oswald
UNIT REPORT // 12TH FLYING TRAINING WING
34 September 2019 //^ http://www.combataircraft.net
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