NO. 1 FLYING TRAINING WING CELEBRATES 74 YEARS OF SERVICE AT SLAF ACADEMY CHINA BAY
The No. 1 Flying Training Wing at SLAF Academy China Bay marked its 74th Anniversary today (01 September 2025) with a series of events that reflected its proud history and continued role in training the nation’s aviators. Since its establishment in 1951, alongside the formation of the Royal Ceylon Air Force, the Wing has been the Air Force’s first and only flying training institute, widely recognized as the ‘Cradle of Military Aviators.’
Over the past seven decades, the Wing has produced more than 500 pilots and over 100 Air Traffic Control Officers, playing a vital part in shaping the future of the Sri Lanka Air Force. Training first began with the Chipmunk aircraft and has since expanded to a wide range of aircraft. Today, the Wing operates one of the largest trainer fleets in the SLAF, including PT-6 and Cessna 150 aircraft, used for both basic and intermediate flying training.
To mark this year’s anniversary, several community service projects were organized. On 21 August 2025, a Shramadhana campaign was conducted at the China Bay Temple, followed by a Bodhi Pooja ceremony. On 29 August 2025, officers and airmen of the Wing visited the Revatha Children’s Home in Trincomalee, where they shared dinner with the children and distributed gifts and school supplies.
The anniversary day was observed with the customary parade at the Wing premises on 01 September 2025, which was reviewed by the Commanding Officer, Group Captain Prasanna De Silva. A tree planting ceremony was also held, symbolizing the Wing’s ongoing commitment to service and growth.
Over the past seven decades, the Wing has produced more than 500 pilots and over 100 Air Traffic Control Officers, playing a vital part in shaping the future of the Sri Lanka Air Force. Training first began with the Chipmunk aircraft and has since expanded to a wide range of aircraft. Today, the Wing operates one of the largest trainer fleets in the SLAF, including PT-6 and Cessna 150 aircraft, used for both basic and intermediate flying training.
To mark this year’s anniversary, several community service projects were organized. On 21 August 2025, a Shramadhana campaign was conducted at the China Bay Temple, followed by a Bodhi Pooja ceremony. On 29 August 2025, officers and airmen of the Wing visited the Revatha Children’s Home in Trincomalee, where they shared dinner with the children and distributed gifts and school supplies.
The anniversary day was observed with the customary parade at the Wing premises on 01 September 2025, which was reviewed by the Commanding Officer, Group Captain Prasanna De Silva. A tree planting ceremony was also held, symbolizing the Wing’s ongoing commitment to service and growth.
