NO. 1 FLYING TRAINING WING, SLAF ACADEMY CHINA BAY CELEBRATES 73RD ANNIVERSARY
6:43pm on Monday 2nd September 2024
The No. 1 Flying Training Wing at SLAF Academy China Bay marked its prestigious 73rd anniversary yesterday (01 September 2024) with a grand celebration that highlighted its enduring legacy and continued excellence in training the nation's finest aviators. This milestone reflects the Wing’s decades-long commitment to shaping the future of the Sri Lanka Air Force, as it proudly continues its mission of producing world-class pilots and Air Traffic Control Officers.
Established in the same year as the Royal Ceylon Air Force in 1951, the No. 1 Flying Training Wing became the first and only flying training institute of the SLAF, laying the foundation for military aviation in Sri Lanka. Known as the ‘Cradle of Military Aviators,’ the No. 1 Flying Training Wing has proudly undertaken the challenging task of producing the nation’s military aviators for over seven decades. In addition to its primary role, the Wing also conducts Air Traffic Controller Officer courses, whilst contributing to enhance SLAF’s operational readiness.
The Wing began flying training with the Chipmunk aircraft and has operated a variety of aircraft over the years. Today, it boasts one of the largest aircraft fleets in the SLAF, including PT-6 and Cessna 150 trainer aircraft for basic and intermediate flying training, as well as K-8 subsonic jet to conduct advanced and fighter conversion flying training. The Wing boasts of producing more than 400 pilots and more than 100 Air Traffic Control Officers to the mother nation to date.
In celebration of 73 years of dedicated service to the nation, the Wing organized a series of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. On 16 August 2024, a special event was held at the Revatha Children's Home, Trincomalee where the children were given the opportunity to enjoy a movie which helps to enhance team building and team spirit. Furthermore, the children were treated to an evening of entertainment, a delightful dinner and handing over of gifts and school supplies. All Officers and airmen of the formation enthusiastically participated in the above function to add more meaning to the cause. Moreover, the No. 1 Flying Training Wing under the guidance and directives of Air Commodore Thushara Weerarathne, then Commandant of Sri Lanka Air Force Academy China Bay, organized and facilitated the children from Revatha Children’s Home, to attend the Aero Bash Education Exhibition and Carnival 2024. This special gesture allowed them to experience the excitement and educational benefits of the event, making it a memorable occasion for these young participants. Following this, a “shramadhana” campaign was conducted on 31 August 2024, to clean and repair the premises at the Samudrasanna Temple in China Bay, culminating in a Bodhi Pooja ceremony at the same venue.
The Wing's customary working parade was then held on 01 September 2024, and was reviewed by the present Commanding Officer, Group Captain Chandana Ratnayake followed by a tree planting ceremony at the Sri Lanka Air Force Academy China Bay premises. During the celebrations, 8 airmen who served at the No. 1 Flying Training Wing (01 Master Warrant Officer, 04 Warrant Officers, 01 Flight Seargent and 02 Corporals) who are bidding farewell to the Sri Lanka Air Force were also felicitated and recognized for the service rendered.
The No. 1 Flying Training Wing remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the next generation of military aviators and Air Traffic Control Officers, ensuring that it will continue to meet the demands of the Motherland for generations to come.
Established in the same year as the Royal Ceylon Air Force in 1951, the No. 1 Flying Training Wing became the first and only flying training institute of the SLAF, laying the foundation for military aviation in Sri Lanka. Known as the ‘Cradle of Military Aviators,’ the No. 1 Flying Training Wing has proudly undertaken the challenging task of producing the nation’s military aviators for over seven decades. In addition to its primary role, the Wing also conducts Air Traffic Controller Officer courses, whilst contributing to enhance SLAF’s operational readiness.
The Wing began flying training with the Chipmunk aircraft and has operated a variety of aircraft over the years. Today, it boasts one of the largest aircraft fleets in the SLAF, including PT-6 and Cessna 150 trainer aircraft for basic and intermediate flying training, as well as K-8 subsonic jet to conduct advanced and fighter conversion flying training. The Wing boasts of producing more than 400 pilots and more than 100 Air Traffic Control Officers to the mother nation to date.
In celebration of 73 years of dedicated service to the nation, the Wing organized a series of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. On 16 August 2024, a special event was held at the Revatha Children's Home, Trincomalee where the children were given the opportunity to enjoy a movie which helps to enhance team building and team spirit. Furthermore, the children were treated to an evening of entertainment, a delightful dinner and handing over of gifts and school supplies. All Officers and airmen of the formation enthusiastically participated in the above function to add more meaning to the cause. Moreover, the No. 1 Flying Training Wing under the guidance and directives of Air Commodore Thushara Weerarathne, then Commandant of Sri Lanka Air Force Academy China Bay, organized and facilitated the children from Revatha Children’s Home, to attend the Aero Bash Education Exhibition and Carnival 2024. This special gesture allowed them to experience the excitement and educational benefits of the event, making it a memorable occasion for these young participants. Following this, a “shramadhana” campaign was conducted on 31 August 2024, to clean and repair the premises at the Samudrasanna Temple in China Bay, culminating in a Bodhi Pooja ceremony at the same venue.
The Wing's customary working parade was then held on 01 September 2024, and was reviewed by the present Commanding Officer, Group Captain Chandana Ratnayake followed by a tree planting ceremony at the Sri Lanka Air Force Academy China Bay premises. During the celebrations, 8 airmen who served at the No. 1 Flying Training Wing (01 Master Warrant Officer, 04 Warrant Officers, 01 Flight Seargent and 02 Corporals) who are bidding farewell to the Sri Lanka Air Force were also felicitated and recognized for the service rendered.
The No. 1 Flying Training Wing remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the next generation of military aviators and Air Traffic Control Officers, ensuring that it will continue to meet the demands of the Motherland for generations to come.
