The USAF Thunderbirds marked their 2,000th official F-16 Fighting Falcon demonstration during an air show at Columbus AFB, Miss., earlier this month. “The F-16 is a remarkable and dependable aircraft. It starts with its design characteristics, but the platform has always had excellent parts supportability, contractor partnership, and engineering oversight from our system program office,” said Capt. Lucas Buckley, Thunderbirds maintenance officer. “But the main reason we’re still flying the F-16 here is the work done by the exceptional airmen in this squadron, who put in sweat equity each and every day to keep their machines safe, reliable, and effective.” The Thunderbirds have flown the F-16 since August 1982, more than half of the team’s history. The air show was held April 5-6, according to a base release. (Thunderbirds release.)
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.