The fledgling Afghan air force has reached 1,000 flight hours with its C-27A transport fleet, according to a senior USAF official helping to train the Afghans. The milestone was achieved during a C-27 mission bringing Mi-17 helicopter cargo to Kandahar and taking out wounded Afghan military personnel. This historic mission on Aug. 29 coincided with certification of the first Afghan C-27 aircrew to fly in day/night all weather conditions without US air advisor support. Earlier this month, the Afghan air arm took delivery of its sixth C-27A. It plans to operate a fleet of 20 refurbished C-27 airframes, along with various helicopters and other fixed-wing platforms. The first C-27 arrived last December. USAF advisors operating with the Combined Air Power Transition Force continue to develop the Afghan C-27 pilot cadre.
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.