Airmen undergoing F-22A Raptor maintenance training now will be using their own dedicated stealth fighter for training instead of “borrowing” an operational Raptor. The Air Force delivered an F-22A that had been used as a test aircraft to the F-22 schoolhouse at Tyndall AFB, Fla., where it will serve as a ground instructional trainer aircraft. First, though, Tyndall must reconfigure the fighter from its test condition, removing special sensors, connectors, and wire bundles—anything that would hamper training to work on production aircraft.
When acting Air Force Secretary Gary A. Ashworth rescinded service-wide “Family Days” last week citing the need to build readiness, he left it up to commanders, directors, and supervisors to decide if they would still permit extra days off. Here’s how Air Force major commands are taking that guidance.