AF Form 1381: USAF Aircrew Training Certification Guide

AF Form 1381: USAF Aircrew Training Certification Guide – The United States Air Force relies on precise documentation to maintain aircrew readiness, safety, and compliance with rigorous training standards. AF Form 1381, officially titled USAF Certification of Air Crew Training, serves as an essential tool for certifying that aircrew members have successfully completed specific training requirements or special qualifications not captured through other primary forms like the AF Form 8/8a (Certificate of Aircrew Qualification).

This form provides a permanent, official record for various aircrew certifications, supporting the Air Force’s overall aircrew training program under AFMAN 11-202 Volume 1, Aircrew Training. It helps units track qualifications efficiently while ensuring mission readiness across fighter, bomber, cargo, reconnaissance, tanker, RPA, helicopter, and special operations platforms.

What Is AF Form 1381?

AF Form 1381 is a two-page certification document prescribed by Air Force guidance (noted in some references under AFI 11-404 or related publications). The current version is dated 20201005 (October 5, 2020), and previous editions are obsolete.

It certifies that an individual “has satisfactorily completed the training or special qualification indicated hereon.” The form is simple by design, focusing on clear documentation rather than detailed evaluation scoring (which belongs on forms like AF Form 8 or AF Form 4348, USAF Aircrew Certifications).

Key sections include:

  • Aircrew Member Information: Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial, and DoD ID Number (replacing older SSN references).
  • Certification Statement: Confirms satisfactory completion.
  • Training Details Table (on both front and reverse sides for multiple entries):
    • Training Requirement / Subject Title
    • Date Completed
    • Certifying Official / Organization

The form allows multiple training events to be documented on a single sheet, making it practical for maintaining comprehensive records in an aircrew member’s training folder.

Purpose and When to Use AF Form 1381

AF Form 1381 is optional but widely used across the USAF. Its primary role is to document aircrew certifications and training accomplishments that do not result in a formal qualification entry on the AF Form 8/8a. Examples include:

  • Special qualifications or certifications (e.g., instructor upgrades, tactics certifications, or mission-specific skills).
  • Acceptance of Qualification (AoQ) from AFMC, non-AFMC sources, or other services/contractors.
  • Certain ground training, formal course completions, or events not tied to basic aircraft qualification.
  • sUAS (small unmanned aircraft system) initial training (IT), mission training (MT), evaluations, or fundamentals of instruction.
  • Additional training accomplishments in various MAJCOM-specific programs (e.g., SOF/CSAR, fighter/trainer, or heavy aircraft units).

Major Commands (MAJCOMs) may prescribe its use through supplements to AFMAN 11-202V1. It supports the broader aircrew training ecosystem, including qualification, mission qualification, continuation, upgrade, and ancillary training.

Important distinction: Use AF Form 4348 for many aircrew certifications and AF Form 8/8a for core qualification evaluations. AF Form 1381 fills gaps for specialized or supplemental training records.

Who Uses AF Form 1381?

  • Aircrew members (pilots, navigators, weapon systems officers, flight engineers, loadmasters, RPA operators, etc.)
  • Unit commanders, standardization/evaluation (Stan/Eval) sections, and training managers
  • Flight examiners, instructors, and certifying officials
  • Personnel in Active Duty, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard components

It appears frequently in MDS-specific (Mission Design Series) aircrew training manuals and is filed in the individual’s Flight Evaluation Folder (FEF) or aircrew training records.

How to Complete AF Form 1381?

  1. Enter the aircrew member’s full name (Last, First, Middle Initial) and current DoD ID Number.
  2. In the table, list each Training Requirement/Subject Title clearly (e.g., “KC-135 Tactics Certification,” “sUAS Fundamentals of Instruction,” or “AFMC Acceptance of Qualification – Specific Event”).
  3. Record the Date Completed (use YYYYMMDD format for consistency with Air Force records).
  4. Have the Certifying Official (typically a qualified instructor, examiner, or commander) sign or annotate their name, rank, and organization.
  5. Use the reverse side for additional entries if needed.

Best practices:

  • Ensure entries are legible and accurate — errors can delay record updates in systems like ARMS (Aviation Resource Management System).
  • Attach supporting documentation (course certificates, grade sheets, or memos) when submitting for commander acceptance.
  • File the completed form in the member’s permanent training records.
  • MAJCOMs or units may have local guidance or approved substitutes.

Download the official fillable PDF directly from the Air Force e-Publishing site: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a3/form/af1381/af1381.pdf.

AF Form 1381 works alongside:

  • AF Form 8/8a — Certificate of Aircrew Qualification
  • AF Form 4348 — USAF Aircrew Certifications
  • AF Form 1522 — ARMS Additional Training Accomplishment Report
  • AF Form 4022/4023 series — Aircrew training progress and summary reports (in some units)

Key governing publications include:

  • AFMAN 11-202 Volume 1 — Aircrew Training (prescribes the form and overall program)
  • MDS-specific AFMAN 11-2 series manuals (e.g., for F-16, C-130, KC-135, CV-22, etc.)
  • Various MAJCOM supplements and local Stan/Eval guidance

Always consult your unit’s Stan/Eval or training section for the most current application, as policies can be supplemented at MAJCOM or wing level.

Why Proper Documentation Matters?

Accurate use of AF Form 1381 helps maintain:

  • Mission readiness — Ensures aircrew are properly certified for specific tasks.
  • Safety and compliance — Supports auditing, inspections, and standardization.
  • Career progression — Provides verifiable records for upgrades, evaluations, and assignments.
  • Efficient training management — Reduces redundancy when accepting prior training from other sources.

For U.S.-based Air Force personnel, keeping training folders current prevents grounding issues and supports seamless transitions between units or aircraft types.

Need the Form or More Help?

  • Official download: AF Form 1381 PDF
  • Review AFMAN 11-202V1 and your MDS-specific training manual on the Air Force e-Publishing website (e-publishing.af.mil).
  • Contact your unit’s Aviation Resource Management (ARM) office, Stan/Eval, or training manager for assistance with completion, filing, or questions about specific certifications.

Maintaining strong aircrew training records is a shared responsibility that directly impacts operational effectiveness. If you’re preparing for upgrade training, a new assignment, or a commander review, ensure AF Form 1381 entries are complete and up to date.

This guide is for informational purposes and based on publicly available Air Force publications as of 2026. Always refer to the latest official versions on e-Publishing and your chain of command for authoritative guidance.