68 Air School | South African Air Force - Education in South Africa

68 Air School | South African Air Force

Vision

We are a World Class Military Aviation Training Unit

Mission

To Provide Professional Technical Training in Support of Air Power Excellence

Key Values

PROFESSIONALISM: We Conduct Accredited Military Aviation Training in a Disciplined, Professional and Safe Manner, Encouraging Innovation and Creative Thinking.

PATRIOTISM: We place the love for our country, people and the Air Force first in all we are doing, ensuring that we are committed to our work, responsible and accountable for our actions, and trustworthy to our people.

68 AIR SCHOOL CORE BUSINESS

Technical Aviation Training

EMBLEM

CHAIN
The chain symbolises the field of training namely LOGISTICS, with all the logistics facets/ – trades that are addressed during training.

COMPASS CARD
Indicate the singleness of purpose with which 68 Air School presents training. Represents the different musterings of the logistics branch trained at 68 Air School. The importance of 68 Air School to the greater South African Air Force.

KEY
The key symbolises the successful transfer of theoretical knowledge in order to ensure the efficient application there of in the logistics practice, which is also reflected in the motto.

MOTTO

The motto “SERVIMUS SCIENTIA” means “68 Air School serves the South African Air Force by conveyance of knowledge.”

TRAINING

Mechanical

Aircraft Survival

Fitter and Turner

Electrical

Motor Mechanics

Aircraft Mechanic

Electronic
Radio and Radar

Aircraft Reconnaissance

Armament

Electronics and Instruments

Career Path – Technical Learners

Basic Regimental Training
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Induction Course at 68 Air School
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School Block (N-course) at Tshwane South College
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Basic Technical (Workshops) at Tshwane South College
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Basic Theory Trade Course at 68 Air School
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Basic Practical Trade Course at 68 Air School
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1 Air Servicing Unit (ASU) Training (Pretoria)
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Practical Unit Training at Units/Squadrons (RSA)
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Extra School Block (Own Choice)
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Trade Test
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Qualified Artisan

Advanced Training

The following advanced training is also presented at 68 Air School

Fuel, Oil And Lubricants
Office Automation (Computer Course)
Material Support Clerk Technical (MSC)
Basic Technical Organisation and Administration Course
Junior Technical Organisation and Administration Course
Senior Technical Organisation and Administration Course
Operational Support Information System (OSIS) Log Cell Course
Operational Support Information System (OSIS) Flight Line Course
Operational Support Information System (OSIS) Production Control Course
Mentor Course
Research and Development
Supply Support
Basic Stock Verification Course – Stock Verification Mentor Course
Basic Accounting Course – Accounting Mentor Course
Ground Loadmaster Course – Provisioning Mentor Course
Weapon System Support Management Course (WSSM)
Junior Logistics Officers Course (JLOC)
Technical
Introduction to Technical Organisation Course
Artisan Course
Production Control Course
Maintenance Planner Course
Product System Support Management (PSSM) Course
Introduction to Weapon System Support Management (WSSM) Course
Driver Training
Driver Training Course
Forklift Course
Ground Loadmaster Course

History

68 Air School has an interesting and colourful history that originated in 1936 when the first students of the Special Service Battalion were transferred to the South African Air Force. Let us obtain a glimpse of the historical events, which led to the foundation 68 Air School as it is today:

20 November 1940 – The name “School for Technical Training” was changed to “68 Air School”.

1942 – The first premises at Voortrekkerhoogte became too small and on 6 October 1942 the buildings at the present site were occupied.

1946 – 68 Air School commenced with the training of Permanent Force apprentices.

1952 – The Air Force Gymnasium was founded and accommodated at 68 Air School.

1959 – The Air Force Gymnasium moved to its present site at Valhalla. 64 Air School moved from Waterkloof to 68 Air School and the Radio/Radar and Telecom sections became part of the Unit.

1 October 1962 – The name 68 Air School was again changed to School for Technical Training. The emblem of the Unit was changed by the addition of an eagle at the top.

1964 – A meteorological section was established for the training of National Servicemen, but was disbanded in 1984.

31 October 1986 – The 50^th Anniversary of the Unit was celebrated in a glorious manner and a book, containing the History of the Unit, was handed to the Chief of the Air Force, Lt Gen D.J. Earp.

4 November 1986 – The name “School for Technical Training” changed to “School for Logistics Training” due to the inclusion of the Provision Training School. Training at SLT therefore entailed the entire logistical spectrum

5 January 1987 – The Unit obtained a new emblem to portray the Technical- and Provision Training. It consisted of a compass-card symbolising the purposeful direction in which the Unit is heading, and the motto, “SERVIMUS SCIENTIA” which means “Service through the coveyance of knowledge”.

1989 to April 1999 – Change in the appearance of the Unit took place almost on a daily basis. The gardens were improved and in 1990 a new Officer’s Mess was established. New buildings were erected and old ones renovated. A new facade gradually replaced the previous rund-down appearance of the unit.

01 April 1999 – The name of the School changed from “School for Logistic Training” to “68 Air School”.

01 July 2001 – 68 Air School was awarded Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Approval. With pride 68 Air School is presenting training at this nationally approved standard.

2001 – Successful Maintenance & Reaccredidation of CAA Approval.

2002 – Successful Maintenance & Reaccredidation of CAA Approval.

The most modern and technology advanced methods in training are currently used to prepare students for their prospective duties and to ensure a competent working force in the SAAF.

68 Air School is indeed a Unit to be proud of. You are now part of a winning team that aspires to fully develop its most precious resource- the human being.