Tyndall History Revisited Published March 8, 2010 By Mr. Ted Roberts 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- During WWII, limitations in aircraft instruments and lack of all-weather training largely limited Army Air Corps operations to daylight activities. After the war, technological improvements in aircraft and instruments made it possible for U.S. planners to create an "all-weather Air Force." To train jet fighter pilots in all-weather operations, Headquarters Air Training Command opened the Interceptor Aircrew School at Tyndall. Administered and operated by the 3626th Training Group, the Interceptor Aircrew School was activated on Oct. 26, 1950. Despite the incorporation of jet fighters into the Air Force, crews were initially trained in the F-51,formerly known as the P-51. The school integrated the training of student pilots with student radar observers to produce an all-weather fighter aircrew during the course. The first classes began Jan. 4, 1951. In addition, Tyndall also became home to the U.S. Instrument Pilot School, the 3502nd Training Squadron (Instrument) for a short time. This school taught instrument flying techniques to pilots from all the major commands. Afterwards, pilots returned to their units as instructors for other pilots. In a related mission, the U.S. Instrument Pilot School also tested and evaluated new flight instruments. A principal objective of this research was to standardize flying procedures and flight instruments throughout the Air Force. In November of 1951, the Instrument Pilot School moved to Moody Air Force Base, Ga.