Flying Training School
	Motto:	Tenax Propositi Vinco
	Meaning:	Holding fast to my purpose, I conquer

The SAAF installation at Langebaanweg, which became the Flying Training School, dates back to 1942/43, when Air Force Station Congella (Langebaan Section) was built. Langebaan Lagoon was in constant use by airmen around this time. No. 262 Squadron Royal Air Force, based at Durban and flying Catalina flying boats, made use of Langebaan, and for some time in 1943 a detachment of Royal Netherlands Navy Catalinas from No. 31 (Dutch) Squadron, RAF, was also active in the area. On November 14, 1945, AFS Congella (Langebaan Section) was renamed No. 3 Air Depot Section, only to become AFS Saldanha on December 12.

The first aircraft to land at the new air force station was an Avro Anson, which arrived in February 1946, but the airfield was not officially proclaimed until April 5 of that year. Four months later Langebaan became the home of the new Bombing, Gunnery and Air Navigation School (BGANS). The following month, September, 10 Ansons were received and advanced training began. On April 14, 1947, The BGANS was renamed AFS Langebaanweg, and received its first Harvards and Venturas. The following year it received its first Spitfires for advanced fighter training, and in fact the pilots who went to Korea with No. 2 Squadron trained at Langebaanweg before they left. 

In October 1952 Langebaanweg received its first Vampire fighters, and the `Vamps' remained as advanced trainers till October 1967, when they were transferred to Pietersburg air base along  with the Air Operational School (later No. 85 Advanced Flying School). By 1966 the first Impala Mk I Ä an aircraft destined to become famous at the hands of the FTS's aerobatics team, the `Silver Falcons' - had arrived.On February 1,1968 AFS Langebaanweg was given its present name, and most of the SAAF's Impala Mk Is were stationed here, where pupil pilots' training - started at the Central Flying School - is rounded off.

In October 1952 Langebaanweg received its first Vampire fighters, and the `Vamps' remained as advanced trainers till October 1967, when they were transferred to Pietersburg air base along with the Air Operational School (later No. 85 Advanced Flying School). By 1966 the first Impala Mk I - an aircraft destined to become famous at the hands of the FTS's aerobatics team, the `Silver Falcons' - had arrived.

On February 1,1968 AFS Langebaanweg was given its present name, and most of the SAAF's Impala Mk Is were stationed there, where pupil pilots' training - started at the Central Flying School, was rounded off. On 28 March 1983, FTS Langebaanweg was renamed AFB Langebaanweg, but the 'Impala' unit was named 83 Jet Flying School on 4 February 1984. On the 21st anniversary of Langebaanweg a formation of 36 'Impalas' were put into the air. 83 JFS was closed during November 1992 and all MkIs were transferred to 85 AFS.

• Info from Aircraft of the SAAF, H. Potgieter, W. Steenkamp
• Additional A. Dyason.