306th Flying Training Group

From USAFA Folklore

The 306th Flying Training Group, Air Education and Training Command, replaced the 34th Operations Group in 2004. It contains the 94th, 98th, and 557th Flying Training Squadrons. It is responsible for aviation training at the Academy, excluding simulator training conducted in Fairchild Hall by the 50th Education Squadron.

Whereas the 34th Operations Group had been part of 34th Training Wing and under the supervision of the Commandant of Cadets, it is now administered by 19th Air Force. This has resulted in a formalization of the flying training syllabi such that they closely mirror the training methodologies employed by AETC aviation training units.

Although the disbandment of the 34th Operations Group and its replacement by the 306th were initially controversial, the move has resulted in greater safety, uniformity, and accountability in flying training . . . not to mention an increase in bureaucratic paperwork.