Despite a rise in F-16 crashes this past fiscal year, the commander of the Montana Air National Guard’s 120th Fighter Wing, Col. Mike McDonald, believes the F-16 has “an excellent safety record given the demanding missions in which it is flown every day.” In an interview with the Great Falls Tribune, McDonald called the sleek fighter the Air Force’s “workhorse.” The Montana Air Guard has flown Vipers, in various models, since 1987. Under BRAC 2005, the unit must switch its F-16s for F-15s.
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.