Ever wondered what it takes to become one of the elite pilots defending our nation? Vance Air Force Base (AFB) in Enid, Oklahoma, stands as a pivotal institution, shaping aspiring aviators into the best in the world. This comprehensive guide offers a deep dive into pilot training at Vance AFB, providing essential information for those embarking on this challenging yet rewarding journey.

Vance AFB, located approximately 65 miles north of Oklahoma City, is more than just a military installation; it's a crucible where future Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps pilots hone their skills and prepare for deployments. The base is home to the 71st Flying Training Wing (FTW), a unit of the Air Education and Training Command (AETC), responsible for delivering top-tier pilot training. The mission of the 71st FTW is clear: to deliver the worlds best pilots to defend our nation and empower the future of the Air Force through innovation and collaboration.

Category	Information
Base Name	Vance Air Force Base (Vance AFB)
Location	Enid, Oklahoma, approximately 65 miles north of Oklahoma City, 90 miles north by northwest of Oklahoma City
Elevation	1,307 feet above sea level
Host Unit	71st Flying Training Wing (FTW)
Command	Air Education and Training Command (AETC)
Mission	Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) for Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps pilots
Historical Note	Originally Enid AFB, renamed Vance AFB on July 9, 1949, in honor of Lt Col Leon Robert Vance, Jr.
Contact Information	Additional Information: Specialist at 580.213.7388 or email 71mss.dpe@us.af.mil, Address: Vance Air Force Base, 1601 W Fox Dr, Enid, OK 73703
External Links	Vance Air Force Base Official Website

The 71st FTW conducts undergraduate pilot training (UPT) for qualified United States military officers, as well as international officers. This rigorous program transforms aspiring aviators into skilled pilots ready to face the challenges of modern air combat. The training regimen encompasses a comprehensive curriculum, including classroom instruction, simulator training, and extensive flight hours.

The training syllabus is designed to be thorough and demanding. It includes approximately three hours of cockpit familiarization, providing student pilots with an initial introduction to the aircraft's systems and controls. This is followed by 29 hours of simulator training, allowing students to practice various flight maneuvers and emergency procedures in a safe and controlled environment. Additionally, the program includes 10 hours of ground training and 18 hours of flight training, consisting of 13 dual flights with an instructor and one solo flight, marking a significant milestone in the student's journey.

Vance AFB has consistently been recognized for its excellence in pilot training. In 2019, it was named the number one pilot training base in the Air Education and Training Command. Furthermore, Vance AFB has been at the forefront of developing and implementing new training syllabi to meet the evolving demands of the Air Force's pilot production requirements. This commitment to innovation ensures that graduates are equipped with the most up-to-date knowledge and skills.

The base has a rich history, dating back to its establishment as Enid AFB. On July 9, 1949, it was renamed Vance AFB in honor of Lt Col Leon Robert Vance, Jr., a native of Enid. Lt Col Vance was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his gallantry in action over France on June 5, 1944. His legacy of courage and sacrifice serves as an inspiration to all who train at the base.

For those arriving at Vance AFB, transportation options are essential. If arriving by commercial airline into Oklahoma City or Tulsa, the first point of contact should be your sponsor, who can provide guidance and assistance. Directions from Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City involve exiting onto the US 81 exit and heading north.

The Vance AFB community extends beyond the airmen and officers undergoing training. The "Stucan Flock," a term of endearment for the spouses of student pilots in the 71st squadron, plays a vital role in supporting the families of those in training. Abby, a key spouse liaison and newcomer coordinator for the Stucan Flock, extends a warm welcome to new families, providing resources and a sense of community.

Vance AFB is also part of the Joint Primary Pilot Training (JPPT) program. JPPT began in October 2001 at Moody Air Force Base, GA, and is currently located at Columbus AFB, MS, Vance AFB, OK, and Laughlin AFB and Sheppard AFB in Texas. This collaborative effort enhances pilot training across multiple bases, ensuring consistency and excellence.

The bases strategic location contributes significantly to its mission. Situated 90 miles north by northwest of Oklahoma City in Enid, Oklahoma, at an elevation of 1,307 feet above sea level, Vance AFB is the northernmost undergraduate pilot training base in the Air Education and Training Command. This unique positioning offers an ideal environment for flight training, with diverse weather conditions and ample airspace.

Beyond flight training, Vance AFB provides a range of resources for its personnel. The Citizenship and Immigration Services Manpower Personnel Flight, located at 246 Brown Parkway, offers assistance with immigration-related matters. Additionally, Vance AFB has numerous programs to help with the transition to base life.

The community is an active part of the base and offers a number of ways for spouses and families to get involved, to ease the transition to base life, and to offer new experiences to the service members as well.

Vance AFB has a strong connection to the local community in Enid, Oklahoma. The base provides numerous resources for its personnel and families, from housing and healthcare to education and recreation. The city of Enid also offers a welcoming environment with various amenities and attractions. The relationship is a major point of pride for both parties. The base is located 70 miles west of Oklahoma City.

The Vance AFB Family is just that, family.

There are also many historical connections between the airmen, their families, and the base that date back generations.

The Bless family is a prime example. Three generations of the Bless family are now Air Force aviators. William Hunter Bless, a newly winged student pilot assigned to the 71st student squadron at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, stands between his grandfather, left, retired Lt. William Billy Bless, and his father, right, retired Lt. This is just one example of the legacy that is carried on in the Air Force and at Vance AFB.

Whether you're a newly assigned airman, a student pilot, or a family member, Vance AFB offers a supportive and dynamic environment. The base's commitment to excellence, combined with its rich history and strong community ties, makes it a premier location for pilot training and military service.

Congratulations on your assignment to Vance AFB, OK! Embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and know that you are part of a proud tradition of service and excellence.