Airplane Model*Hobby Master HA5408 1:72 USAF T-38C Talon 50th FTS “Strikin' Snakes”, Columbus AFB, 2009 – Miniature Marvels: Airplane Models & Painted Dice

Hobby Master HA5408 1:72 T-38C Talon 70-1576, 50th FTS “Strikin’ Snakes”, Columbus AFB, 2009

The 49th first came into existence in 1941 as the 49th Pursuit Squadron and in 1949 was inactivated. In 1952 the unit was re-activated as the 49th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron and once again inactivated in 1987 reactivated in 1990 as the 49th Flying Training Squadron. Located at Columbus AFB, Mississippi their mission is to conduct the advanced phase of undergraduate pilot training and basic procedures and techniques for fighters. In 2003 their name was changed to 49th Fighter Training Squadron to make it more mission related.

The 50th Flying Training Squadron is part of the 14th Flying Training Wing based at Columbus AFB, Mississippi. They have been conducting pilot training since 1972. Like the 49th FTS also based at Columbus, their mission is to apply advanced training to undergraduate pilots. The students put in 37 hours of simulator, 69 sorties in the T-38C comprising 96.9 hours. They learn tactics, maneuvers and tactical navigation. Upon a successful completion they earn their pilots wings.