''In 1951, the same year that the Royal Ceylon Air Force was born, on the 1st of September, No 1 Flight of the Royal Ceylon Air Force was established at RCyAF Base Katunayake with DHC-1 Chipmunk aircraft as the basic trainer to conduct flying training. After a period of 12 years, in 1963, the Flying Training School was shifted to RCyAF Base China Bay. With the establishment of the Air Force Academy, the Flying Training School was re designated as the No 01 Flying Training Wing (No. 1 FTW), becoming an integral component of the Academy.
Initially, the No. 1 Flying Training Wing was equipped with DHC-1 Chipmunk aircraft. As they were phased out in 1985, Cessna 150 aircraft were introduced, followed by the induction of SIAI-Marchetti SF-260W aircraft in 1991. A decade later, in 2001, the Chinese built Nanchang CJ-6, known locally as the PT-6, was introduced to enhance the basic flying training capability at the Wing.
Due to the deteriorating security situation in the Eastern Province, the Wing was relocated from China Bay to SLAF Base Anuradhapura on 11th August 1988. It continued its operations there until 2009, when it was shifted back to its original location at China Bay. The Wing bore the brunt of the LTTE attack on SLAF Base Anuradhapura, but owing to the determination and resilience of its personnel, flying training recommenced within just 10 days. The Wing officially returned to the Sri Lanka Air Force Academy, China Bay, on 1st January 2009.
The No 1 Flying Training Wing was not limited to instructional duties. It actively contributed to the nation's defence during the conflict with the LTTE. Between the early stages of the Eelam War and 2000, the Wing supported ground forces by providing close air support using SF-260TP SIAI-Marchetti and IA-58 Pucara ground attack aircraft. In the line of duty, the Wing paid a heavy price, losing two brave officers, Squadron Leader P Abeyweeragunawardhana and Squadron Leader DFDS Perera, who were killed in action and whose names remain etched among Sri Lanka's war heroes.
The Wing also endured tragic losses during peacetime training operations. Two experienced instructors namely, late Wing Commander CC Rathnapala and Flight Lieutenant BGIL Muthukumarana, lost their lives while performing their duties. Additionally, Officer Cadet IWMCB Illangakon was a student on one of the ill-fated aircraft. In one of the most recent and deeply felt tragedies, the Wing suffered a grievous loss on 15th November 2023, when a PT-6 training aircraft crashed during a routine sortie. The accident claimed the lives of Wing Commander HMTK Herath, an esteemed Qualified Flying Instructor, and Flying Officer KMPM Warnasooriya, an engineering officer who was onboard. Their sacrifice stands as a somber reminder of the risks undertaken daily in the pursuit of excellence in military aviation training.
In April 2010, No 14 Advanced Flying Training Squadron was merged into the No 1 Flying Training Wing, thereby making it the largest formation within the Sri Lanka Air Force. No 1 FTW has successfully trained over 300 pilots and more than 70 Air Traffic Controllers, continuing to supply the SLAF with skilled professionals.
We are proud to state that during the final phase of the Eelam War, it was the pilots trained at this very Wing who provided a decisive edge to Sri Lanka's security forces. Their precision in target acquisition and operational performance was instrumental in the success of aerial missions. The strong foundation laid at the "Cradle of Military Aviators" continues to yield remarkable results.
Today, as we reflect on its legacy, it is evident that the No 01 Flying Training Wing has played a pivotal role in shaping a capable and professional air force. In recognition of its exemplary service, the Wing was awarded the President's Colours in 2001. With pride in its past and confidence in its future, No 1 FTW remains committed to training the finest aviation professionals to serve the Sri Lanka Air Force in its continuing journey of excellence.''