Vance Afb Airport

Enid Chamber Supports Pilot Training At Vance AFB - [Details]

Vance Afb Airport

By  Wilber Hyatt

Ever wondered where the next generation of elite pilots hones their skills? Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma, stands as the critical cornerstone in shaping the future of air power, a place where dreams of soaring through the skies become a tangible reality.

The Enid Chamber of Commerce is forging closer ties with Vance Air Force Base, recognizing the vital role the base plays in the local economy and the broader aerospace landscape. Its a partnership built on mutual benefit, fostering collaboration and innovation in pilot training. Vance Air Force Base, located at 1601 W Fox Dr, Enid, OK 73703, is more than just a military installation; its a vibrant community deeply intertwined with the city of Enid. You can reach them at 580.213.6455, or connect with the 71FSS for additional information. For those selected to attend Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT), a warm welcome awaits at Vance Air Force Base.

Category Information
Base Name Vance Air Force Base
Location 1601 W Fox Dr, Enid, OK 73703
Contact 580.213.6455
Primary Mission Undergraduate Pilot Training
Host Unit 71st Flying Training Wing (FTW)
Training Focus Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and International Pilots
Annual Pilot Graduates More than 370
Location Details 90 miles north-northwest of Oklahoma City
Elevation 1,307 feet above sea level
Historical Significance Named after Lt. Vance, WWII hero and Medal of Honor recipient
Activation Date January 13, 1948
Website Vance AFB Official Website

The 71st Student Squadron embodies a powerful mission: to strengthen leaders, pilots, and families. This commitment is evident in every aspect of the training program, designed to cultivate not only skilled aviators but also well-rounded individuals ready to serve with distinction. As new recruits arrive in Enid, America, they are greeted with open arms and the promise of a challenging yet rewarding journey to earn their wings. The 71st Flying Training Wing (FTW) plays a pivotal role in this process. Their mission is clear: deliver the worlds best pilots to defend our nation and empower the future of the Air Force through innovation and collaboration.

Located 90 miles north-northwest of Oklahoma City in Enid, Oklahoma, Vance Air Force Base sits at an elevation of 1,307 feet above sea level. This strategic location makes it the northernmost Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (JSUPT) base within the Air Education and Training Command (AETC). The JSUPT program, which began in October 2001 at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, has expanded to include Columbus AFB in Mississippi, Laughlin AFB and Sheppard AFB in Texas, alongside Vance AFB. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment to providing the highest quality pilot training across the United States Air Force.

The early 1960s brought significant transformations to Vance AFB. Notably, the base pioneered the use of contractors to support the wings flying operations, a move that would become increasingly common across the Air Force. This innovative approach allowed for greater efficiency and specialization, ensuring that pilots received the best possible training. Team Vance proudly trains more than 370 Air Force and allied student pilots each year. This continuous influx of new talent keeps the base vibrant and ensures that the Air Force remains at the forefront of aviation excellence.

Vance Air Force Base is named in honor of Lt. Vance, a local World War II hero and Medal of Honor recipient. His legacy of courage and sacrifice serves as an inspiration to all who train and work at the base. Originally established as a flight school, Vance AFB trained over 9,000 pilots for the Army Air Corps between 1941 and 1945. Re-activated on January 13, 1948, under the Air Training Command of the newly formed Air Force, the base has consistently played a critical role in producing the nations finest aviators.

The 71st Flying Training Wing (FTW) is responsible for conducting undergraduate pilot training for both qualified United States military officers and international officers. This global outreach fosters strong relationships with allied nations and enhances interoperability in joint operations. The curriculum is rigorous, demanding, and designed to push students to their limits, ensuring that they are fully prepared for the challenges of modern aerial warfare. New pilot trainees can anticipate attending a class on October 10, 2025, in the base auditorium, where they will learn the importance of teamwork and collaboration from the outset. A unique aspect of the training is the opportunity for each class to design and create its own class patch, a symbol of unity and pride that will be worn on their flight suits throughout their pilot training.

Located approximately 65 miles from Oklahoma City, Vance AFB is easily accessible and deeply embedded in the local community of Enid. The host unit, the 71st Flying Training Wing of the Air Education and Training Command, is at the heart of the bases mission. The 71st FTW is tasked with the critical responsibility of training Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps pilots, preparing them for deployments around the world. This joint-service training environment fosters a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, essential qualities for success in modern military operations.

For those seeking additional information about base resources and upcoming events, Columbusafbliving.com is a valuable online resource. Similarly, the Columbus AFB Living Facebook page provides a platform for real-time updates and community engagement. These resources ensure that personnel and their families stay informed and connected.

Furthermore, Vance AFB provides essential services, including the Citizenship and Immigration Services Manpower Personnel Flight located at 246 Brown Parkway. This office assists military personnel and their families with immigration and citizenship matters, providing critical support for those serving their country.

Pilot training at Vance AFB includes a comprehensive curriculum of 10 hours of ground training and 18 hours of flight training, consisting of 13 dual flights and one solo flight. However, this requirement may be waived for candidates who already possess an FAA private pilot certificate, acknowledging their existing proficiency in aviation. Important events, such as base-wide gatherings, are often held in the base auditorium, exemplified by a scheduled event on Friday, May 2. These events foster camaraderie and a sense of community among the base personnel and their families.

Vance Air Force Base is actively involved in shaping the future of command and control (C2) capabilities for both the Air Force and the Army. This ongoing effort highlights the bases commitment to innovation and technological advancement, ensuring that our armed forces maintain a competitive edge in the modern battlespace. Situated 90 miles north-northwest of Oklahoma City in Enid, Oklahoma, Vance Air Force Base boasts an elevation of 1,307 feet above sea level. As the northernmost undergraduate pilot training base in the Air Education and Training Command, Vance AFB plays a crucial role in developing the next generation of military aviators.

The 71st Flying Training Wing (FTW) not only trains qualified United States military officers but also welcomes international officers into its undergraduate pilot training program. This global approach to education fosters international partnerships and enhances the capabilities of allied air forces. The mission of the 71st FTW is twofold: to deliver the worlds best pilots to defend our nation and to empower the future of the Air Force through innovation and collaboration. These goals reflect a commitment to excellence and a forward-thinking approach to military aviation.

In keeping with the Air Force tradition of honoring deceased airmen, Vance Air Force Base was renamed on July 9, 1949, after a local World War II hero and Medal of Honor recipient, Lt. The 71st Flying Training Wing conducts undergraduate pilot training for qualified United States military officers, encompassing a comprehensive curriculum that includes 10 hours of ground training, three hours of cockpit familiarization, and 42 hours of simulator training. This multi-faceted approach ensures that pilots are well-prepared for the demands of flight.

A warm welcome awaits newcomers at Vance AFB from the Stucan Flock! Abby serves as a key spouse liaison and the newcomer coordinator for the 71st Squadron student spouses, affectionately known as the Stucan Flock. Her role is to welcome new families to Vance Air Force Base and the community of Enid, Oklahoma, helping them to feel at home and connected. The sense of community and support offered by groups like the Stucan Flock is invaluable to military families as they navigate the challenges of military life. The hope is that you will discover that the tight-knit community and exceptional training at Vance AFB make it a truly special place.

Vance Afb Airport
Vance Afb Airport

Details

Team Vance on leading edge of innovation for future of pilot training
Team Vance on leading edge of innovation for future of pilot training

Details

My Base Guide Vance Air Force Base
My Base Guide Vance Air Force Base

Details

Detail Author:

  • Name : Wilber Hyatt
  • Username : willa.bechtelar
  • Email : tokeefe@halvorson.com
  • Birthdate : 1991-09-07
  • Address : 1191 Huels Station Lake Karlee, WV 82557
  • Phone : 732-486-0839
  • Company : King, Bergstrom and Terry
  • Job : Set and Exhibit Designer
  • Bio : Ab sunt debitis non perferendis. Neque harum dolores corrupti eum fugiat. Quas dolor impedit assumenda dolor. Eum aperiam magni maiores accusantium repellendus est.

Socials

tiktok:

facebook:

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/mcglynns
  • username : mcglynns
  • bio : Accusantium voluptatem nobis nihil perferendis quisquam. Iusto nobis est voluptate.
  • followers : 5037
  • following : 666

linkedin: