T-43 Retirement

On the 17th September 2010, the United States Air Force retired their T-43A Gator aircraft. It was used as a navigation trainer and was known as 'The Flying Classroom'. A short ceremony at Randolph AFB took place with personnel from 562nd Flying Training Squadron and the 12th Flying Training Wing, with whom the T-43 finished its service.

Here's a final flypast of the existing Air Education and Training Command Aerial Review formation:


And a first look at the new formation, featuring two T-1 Jayhawks where before there was one:



Finally, the T-43 made one last pass over Randolph before landing.



As she taxied in, she was greeted with a traditional salute of a water arch.


A closeup of the 'Spirit of San Antonio' as the pilots prepare to disembark for the final time.



To hear the roar of those engines and the crowd's applause, watch the video! (Click for HD)



Thanks once again to Beverly Simas, Chief of Media Relations, 12th FTW and to the personnel of 562 FTS. It was an honor and privilege to be present for the last flight of the T-43.


You can see a few more of my pictures on the news story at AF.mil.