98th Flying Training Squadron

98th Flying Training Squadron
98th Flying Training Squadron Patch
Active	16 December 1941 – 20 October 1948 1 December 1948 – 1 February 1963 1 June 1988 – 26 June 1992 31 October 1994 – present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Type	Parachuting
Part of	Air Education and Training Command 19th Air Force 306th Flying Training Group
Garrison/HQ	United States Air Force Academy
Decorations	DUC Navy PUC AFOUA

The 98th Flying Training Squadron (98 FTS) is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Air Education and Training Command 306th Flying Training Group. It is stationed at the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado, however the current UV-18 B Twin Otter aircraft are housed and maintained at nearby Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.

The mission of the 98 FTS is to provide parachute training to cadets. The basic program trains 1,200 students per year with the majority of positions given to USAF Academy cadets. ROTC cadets are assigned positions on an availability and timing basis.

In 1995, the 98th Flying Training Squadron was reactivated as a parachute training squadron at the United States Air Force Academy. With Air Staff approval to teach military parachuting, the parachute Branch under the Airmanship Division of the AFA was born in the Spring of 1966. In 1982, parachuting became a flight under the 94th ATS. In 1995, the Parachute Flight grew too large and was designated the 98th FTS.

What started as a club training 25 students a year has grown into a premier character development program training 600 to 1,200 cadets annually and field nationally recognized competition and demonstration teams.

The basic AM-490 program, which was using round parachutes since its conception, evolved with the use of modern piggy back container systems and square parachutes for both the main and reserve. Each student is equipped with a radio so all landings can be assisted from the ground. The basic program trains 1,200 students per year with the majority of positions given to USAF Academy cadets. ROTC cadets are assigned positions on an availability and timing basis.

The Wings of Blue (sometimes known as PTWOBs, and stands for "Parachute Team – Wings of Blue"), is the parachuting unit at the United States Air Force Academy, near Colorado Springs, Colorado. The team operates as the 98th Flying Training Squadron, 306th Flying Training Group, Air Education and Training Command.