USAF Academy Aircraft Identification

Image of USAF Academy TG-15 sailplane in flight Image of USAF Academy TG-15 sailplane in flight

TG-15A

[hassubttitle]Schempp-Hirth Duo Discus
Image of USAF Academy TG-16A on runway. Image of USAF Academy TG-16A on runway.

TG-16A

[hassubttitle]Flugzeugbau DG-1000
Image of USAF Academy T-041 in flight Image of USAF Academy T-041 in flight

T-41

[hassubttitle]Cessna 172
Image of USAF Academy T-51 in flight Image of USAF Academy T-51 in flight

T-51

[hassubttitle]Cessna 150
Image of USAF Academy T-53 in flight Image of USAF Academy T-53 in flight

T-53

[hassubttitle]Cirrus SR20
Image of USAF Academy Twin Otter in flight Image of USAF Academy Twin Otter in flight

UV-18B Twin Otter

[hassubttitle]de Havilland DHC-6
Image of USAF Academy Piper Super Cub in flight Image of USAF Academy Piper Super Cub in flight

Super Piper Cub

[hassubttitle](Piper PA-18)
Aircraft Fleet
There are a variety of aircraft that support the Airmanship programs. Below is a breakdown of aircraft by mission.

Soaring: The Academy sailplane fleet consists of TG-15s, and TG-16s. The soaring mission also uses Piper Super Cub tow planes. These tow planes fly standardized departure and arrival routings, altered only as required to maintain safe de-confliction with other aircraft operating in the area or when weather conditions warrant deviations in the interest of safety. Soaring operations take place almost exclusively over USAF Academy property, remaining west of I-25 and periodically extending over the neighborhoods immediately to the south of the Academy.

Parachuting: Cadet parachuting airlift support is provided by the UV-18B aircraft, known as the Twin Otter. Much like the soaring operation, the preponderance of parachuting operations - both flights by the UV-18 and actual parachuting operations themselves - take place directly over the USAF Academy's property. At times, the UV-18 may accomplish a part of its departure or recovery flight profile east of I-25 and north or south of the Academy, well de-conflicted from the other flight operations taking place in and around the Academy Airfield. Upon completion of daily parachuting operations, the UV-18s return to their overnight home at Peterson Air Force Base.

Powered Flight: The Academy powered flight fleet consists of the Cirrus SR-20 (T-53A Kadet II), the Cessna 150 (T-51) the Cessna 172 (T-41 Mescalero). The T-53s represent the backbone of the Academy's Powered Flight training program in which over 500 cadets participate annually. The T-41s and T-51s are used exclusively by the Academy's Flying Team, a nationally recognized team of cadets who compete with other flight training schools throughout the United States. Collectively, these aircraft use training areas to the northeast, east, and southeast of Colorado Springs. They also conduct flight pattern training at Bullseye Auxiliary Airfield (approximately 30 miles southeast of the Academy), Colorado Springs Airport and the Academy Airfield, which typically consists of multiple takeoffs and landings.

Aircraft Identification Information

The images are a compilation of all the aircraft currently in the USAF Academy Flight Program inventory. When trying to identify an aircraft in your local airspace, note that if it doesn't look like one of these (to include paint scheme and markings), there's a very good chance that it is either a commercial or privately owned aircraft.

If you happen to be filling out a noise complaint form, please help us by identifying the aircraft in the line labeled "TYPE/ COLOR AIRCRAFT."

If you are unable to complete the form online, you may call the USAFA Public Affairs Office at (719) 333-7746 and leave a detailed message. Please include the time, date, location, direction of flight, and description of aircraft (color, markings, etc.)