The Complete Randolph AFB TDY Information Guide - What You Need to Know
Planning your move to Randolph AFB? This comprehensive guide will help you navigate your new assignment at "The Showplace of the Air Force." We're aiming to provide you with your Randolph AFB TDY information guide even before you get here. Whether you're headed to pilot training or a support role, here's everything you need to know about key locations and facilities.
About the Base
Randolph AFB is located 14.8 miles east-northeast of Downtown San Antonio and has been part of Joint Base San Antonio since October 2010. The base is known as "the Showplace of the Air Force" due to its distinctive Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The iconic Building 100, known as the "Taj Mahal," serves as the base's primary landmark and can help you navigate the grounds.
Training Squadron Locations
For those assigned to flight training, you'll spend most of your time at these locations:
560th Flying Training Squadron
- Located in Hangar 12
- Known as the "Chargin' Cheetahs"
- Operates T-38C Talon aircraft for instructor pilot training
559th Flying Training Squadron
- Located in Hangar 64
- Operates the T-6 Texan II aircraft
- Primary training location for new student pilots
435th Fighter Training Squadron
- Located in Hangar 6
- Part of the 12th Operations Group
- Conducts Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals training with T-38C aircraft
558th Flying Training Squadron
- Located in Building 743
- Conducts Undergraduate Aircrew Training for Remotely Piloted Aircraft
- Sole point for RPA pilot instrument qualification
Essential Randolph AFB Base Services
Randolph Air Force Inn
  - 415 B St. East
  - Phone: (210) 652-1844 // (210) 501-0821
  - Email: randolph.inn@us.af.mil
Randolph AFB Finance Office
- Building 399, 550 D Street East
- Hours: Monday-Friday 0830-1600
- Phone: (210) 652-1851
Randolph AFB Transportation Management Office (TMO)
- Building 399, 550 D Street East
- Hours: Monday-Friday 0800-1530
Randolph AFB Base Exchange
- Military clothing sales
- Food court with multiple dining options
- Electronics and home goods
- Personal services
Randolph AFB Commissary
Offers significant savings on groceries and household items compared to off-base options.
- Building 1068
Randolph AFB Gym
- Building 999
- M-F 5am to 9pm
- Weekends 9am to 5pm
Planning Your Randolph AFB TDY or PCS
Pro Tips for your Randolph TDY
1. Book your Randolph AFB lodging well in advance, especially during summer PCS season
If you're here for PIT or IFF, we suggest looking into Pit Pads. Downwind Beach House is a popular choice, owned and operated by Pit instructors, airline pilots and current AFB reserve UPT instructors.
2. Use Building 100 (the "Taj Mahal") as your navigation landmark
3. Schedule your in-processing appointments early
4. Visit administrative offices early in the morning to avoid long wait times
Getting Around Randolph
Randolph AFB Railroad Crossing Delays
If you're arriving from or commuting from the west of the base, be aware of a very active railroad crossing near the main gate:
Long freight trains frequently pass through and occasionally stop on the tracks
When stopped, these trains can block almost all access to the base
If you get delayed by a train (it happens to everyone), call ahead to notify your unit
Build extra time into your commute if coming from the west, especially for early morning briefs
Peak Traffic Times
Heavy traffic at the main gate between 0700-0900
Plan to arrive earlier during these hours
School zones around off-base areas create additional congestion:
Morning school drop-off times
Afternoon pickup times
Budget extra time if your route passes through school zones
Pro Tips for Commuting
Add 15-30 minutes buffer time if coming from the west (train delays)
Arrive before 0700 to avoid peak gate traffic
Know alternate routes in case of train blockages
Keep unit contact numbers handy in case of delays
Randolph AFB Flight Operations - Unique Dual Airfield Setup
Randolph AFB operates differently from typical UPT bases, effectively functioning as two separate airfields:
South Side (T-6 Operations)
Dedicated control tower
Primarily used by 559th Flying Training Squadron
Separate pattern and control from north side
North Side (T-38 and T-1 Operations)
Independent control tower
Used by 560th FTS and 435th IFF Squadron
Separate pattern and control from south side
Key Operational Notes
No RSU (Runway Supervisory Unit) controllers - tower control only
For the FAIPS in the room- you need landing/touch and go clearance for your patterns!
Patterns rarely cross between north and south
Must contact respective tower when crossing sides
Treat each side as a separate airfield for communication purposes
Whether you're here for training or a permanent assignment, proper planning will help ensure a smooth transition to your new duty station.
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