Established in 1997, the HFTCC certifies civilian pilots of historic military aircraft and U.S. Air Force pilots to fly in formation together during the upcoming air show season
Air Combat Command is hosting the 20th annual Heritage Flight Training and Certification Course (HFTCC) at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (AFB), Ariz., Feb. 9-12.
As explained by Senior Airman Ashley N. Steffen, 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, in his article Heritage Flight 2017: 20 years of training, the HFTCC was established in 1997 with the aim to provide civilian and military pilots the opportunity to practice flying in formation for upcoming air shows across the nation.
The aerial demonstration training event allows a past and present display of airpower. The event offers a view of the historic P-51 Mustang, P-40 Warhawk, P-38 Lightning, P-47 Thunderbolt and the F-86 Sabre, mixed with the modern A-10C Thunderbolt II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II.

Photo credit: Senior Airman Chris Massey and Airman 1st Class Mya M. Crosby / U.S. Air Force