Forum: General

Guest

I know that a number of f-16 customers have their pilots trained here in Tucson, AZ at the 162d FW. My father used to work there.

Do you know how I might be able to find out what countries have trained there and which are currently there?

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Hi jeffrey,

The Royal Netherlands AF based 10 F-16s in Tucson, Arizona in 1989. These F-16s were used by the 148th TFTS of the AZ ANG for the training of new Dutch pilots. This activity ceased in 1994, and since then the 148th disbanded, and all aircraft have returned to the Netherlands.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force also sends a couple of pilots a year to tucson for training, although it doesn't have any aircraft there (RSAF F-16s for US training are based at Cannon AFB, NM, and Luke AFB, AZ)

These are the only ones I can think of off the top of my head - perhaps someone else has something to add.

stef

Hi Stef,

As far as I know the Dutch pilots still operate from Tucson;
but maybe with US aircraft? can you confirm please?
thanks
Francois

Last edited by Stefaan on Jun 05, 2003 - 05:49 PM; edited 1 time in total

Anonymous wrote:

Hi Stef,

As far as I know the Dutch pilots still operate from Tucson;
but maybe with US aircraft? can you confirm please?
thanks
Francois

Francois,

Yes, you're probably right.

According to the <a href="http://www.f-16.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=45">interview with Maj. Gregory Stroud</A>, instructor pilot with the 148th, following air forces have sent pilots to Tucson for F-16 training:

Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Taiwan

As far as I know (and please correct me if I'm wrong), only the RNlAF has based F-16s there for training, the other air forces use US aircraft.

Any other that somebody knows of ?

stef

Anonymous wrote:

As far as I know the Dutch pilots still operate from Tucson;
but maybe with US aircraft? can you confirm please?

Ten RNLAF F-16s were based in Tucson, Arizona beginning in 1989, where the 148th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron of the Arizona ANG used them for the training of new Dutch pilots. However, this activity was ceased in 1994, and the 148th TFTS was itself scheduled for deactivation sometime during 1995.

The only training sqn the Dutch have is 313 Squadron at Twenthe Air Base, The Netherlands

Next year (2004), the Polish pilots will be trained at the US Air Force's 162nd FW, Arizona.

Stefaan wrote:

following air forces have sent pilots to Tucson for F-16 training:

Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Taiwan

The Portugese had a first group of six pilots (with min. 1,000 hours in jet fighters) dispatched to Tucson in January 1994 for a six-month F-16 conversion.

You can also add Jordan to that list. The first group of three pilots was dispatched to the Arizona ANG at Tucson, Arizona, for F-16 instruction in November 1996. They were followed by a second group of five pilots in May 1997.

Bahrain: their F-16 pilots were being trained in Arizona at both Luke AFB and at Tucson.

Do you have any release information or links on the web which confirms that Poland will be at Tucson for training?
thanks
Farncois

You can see an "Air Force Link" article at: http://www.af.mil/news/Apr2003/42203155.shtml

I quote from the article: "Also included is support equipment and training for Polish pilots and maintenance crews. Pilots will be trained by airmen from the Air National Guard's 162nd Fighter Wing at Tucson International Airport, Ariz."

Idea

Please register when you post to this forum. It makes life so much easier. Wink

Italy has also trained thier pilots there prior to recieving thier F-16A's.
Dave

As far as I know the portuguese now train their onw pilots, but have a pilot exchange ( instructors and some students ) with the Belgian Air Force for some years now.

It´s now usual to see Belgian Air Force F-16´s at Monte Real and using the Alcochete range ( Montijo - Portugal ).

The 6 pilots that Whity talked about were the 6 pilots choosen to begin the initial conversion from the A-7P to the F-16 and then begin training pilots at Portugal. Even so, some pilots were sent to the US after that initial 6 pilot conversion.

Best regards
RN

God damm it...

My english is getting worst every day Embarassed

!

Hey.

Norwegian fighter-students also get their f-16 education at Tuscon AFB. Takes 6-7 months.

Guest

Hi, there

Japan Air Force sent 8 pilots to 162FW, 195FS, in 1998-2000.
They ran F2 (Japanese F-16mod) ops eval testing in Misawa, Japan.

I'm the one of them, I met instructers from Netherlands, Norway.
I saw students from Netherlands, Singapole, Taiwan and US ANGs.

You can see the national flags of students' country currently flaying at 162FW from the gate, if you can drive off.

I miss blue sky, cactus, and taco.

Chuckie Aizawa

Unfortunately they took down all of the flags after the 9/11 attacks.

Forum: General

F-16 training in Tucson, AZ