NEWCOMER INFORMATION

Training Squadron irty-One

Training Squadron irty-One began training Student Naval Aviators in February 1958 as Advanced Training Unit 601. e unit, assigned to NAS Corpus Christi, flew the Beechcraft SNB multi-engine aircraft as an instrument and navigation trainer.

Commissioned as VT-31 on 1 May 1960, the squadron's scope of training was expanded and a new aircraft, the P2V"Nep tune," replaced the aging SNB's. In January 1961, VT-31 continued its expansion when the first PSM "Marlin" was accepted for the advanced training syllabus.

In 1963, another reorganization of advanced training found VT-31 transitioning to the TS-2A "Tracker," an aircraft the squadron would use for the next 15 years. e "Stoof," as it was called, was used in all facets of advanced multi-engine training which included carrier qualifications for naval aviators.

VT-3I's transition to the BeechcraftT-44A began in spring of 1977, and on Feb. 8, 1979, the last TS-2A departed the squadron. In addition to the T-44A aircraft, students also receive instruction in fully computerized synthetic trainers. ese devices are able to simulate virtually any instrument flying condition and allow students to fly numerous instrument approaches. e trainer can be "frozen" during any phase of the flight to discuss mistakes or replay a portion of an instrument approach.

In 1996, VT-3I's aircraft fleet began to grow. e established and successful USAF joint training program resulted in VT-31 being tasked to train all Air Force C-130 students. With the number of students almost doubling, the need for more aircraft became apparent. Since the T-44A is no longer in production, the UC-12B was chosen to support the current fleet of T-44A aircraft. e UC12B designation was changed to TC-12B and its primary mission was changed from cargo to training student Military Aviators.