101 Squadron (Portugal)

101 Squadron "Roncos" (Esquadra 101) is a flight training squadron of the Portuguese Air Force (PoAF), based at Sintra Air Base (BA1), with the mission of providing elementary and basic flight training.

101 Squadron
Esquadra 101
Epsilon TB-30 of the Portuguese Air Force
Active1978
Country Portugal
BranchPortuguese Air Force
RoleFlight training
Nickname(s)Roncos (Roars)
Motto(s)…Ensinando os Princípios da Arte (Teaching the Art's Beginnings)
DecorationsMedalha de Ouro de Serviços Distintos
WebsiteEsquadra 101
Commanders
CommanderMajor João Ricardo Campos da Silva[1]
Aircraft flown
TrainerSocata TB 30 Epsilon

History

Created in April 1978 as result of a reorganization of the PoAF, the squadron took command of all material and human resources of the then-disbanded 21 Squadron (former Portuguese: Esquadra de Instrução Elementar de Pilotagem, E.I.E.P.), based at Ota Air Base (BA2) and equipped with the de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk. As such, the squadron also inherited all flight training traditions and history of the Portuguese military aviation that was developed since 1916.[2][3]

In October 1989, the squadron is equipped with newly acquired Aérospatiale Epsilon TB-30 and is transferred to Sintra Air Base (BA1) until June 15, 1993, when it is transferred to Beja Air Base (BA11). It's that same year, in 1989, that the squadron receives the additional mission of providing basic flight instruction, thus effectively replacing the former E.I.B.P. (Portuguese: Esquadra de Instrução Básica de Pilotagem) and starting to also take over some of the missions of 102 Squadron.[2][3]

In 2009, the squadron is transferred back to Sintra Air Base (BA1)[3]

The squadron currently is equipped with and operates an Epsilon TB-30 flight simulator. As part of an agreement between the PoAF and Portuguese Navy, pilots of the Naval Aviation also undergo flight training with 101 Squadron.[4]

Aircraft

See also

References
  1. "Biografia do Comandante da Esquadra 101 - "Roncos"" [Biography of the Commander of Squadron 101 - "Roncos"] (in Portuguese). Portuguese Air Force. Archived from the original on 2013-11-07. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
  2. "Esquadra 101 - "Roncos"" [101 Squadron - "Roncos"] (in Portuguese). Portuguese Air Force. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
  3. "Sobre a Esquadra 101 - "Roncos"" [About 101 Squadron - "Roncos"] (in Portuguese). Portuguese Air Force. Archived from the original on 2014-02-25. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
  4. "As "Asas" da Marinha Portuguesa" [The "Wings" of the Portuguese Navy] (in Portuguese). Operacional. 2006. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
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