557th Flying Training Squadron

From USAFA Folklore

The 557th Flying Training Squadron is the squadron responsible for powered flight activities at the Academy airfield.

The 557th is currently responsible for the USAFA flying team and up until the fall of 2007, AFS or Academy Flight Screening. Lt. Col. Carper is currently the Squadron Commander with Lt. Col. Lombard serving as the director of operations.

[edit] Aircraft

The 557th operates two types of aircraft: the Cessna T-51 and the Cessna T-41.

The T-51 is a modified Cessna 150. The most notable changes are the flaps capable of retracting to 40' and the more powerful 150 hp Lycoming engine. These aircraft are used solely by the USAFA Flying Team. The cadets on the team fly the aircraft every day of the week practicing navigation and NIFA (National Intercollegiate Flying Association) style landings. The Academy owns 3 T-51's: 557AW, 557SH, and 557TH.

The T-41 is a modified Cessna 172. It is primarily used by the 557th officers to maintain currency. This aircraft is rarely flown by cadets except during the Flying Team tryouts and for AE456: Flight Test Principles, a capstone course offered by the aeronautical engineering department in association with the 557th.