Two U-2 pilots have just achieved a milestone in their careers—2,000 flying hours in the high-flying reconnaissance aircraft. Maj. Brian Peck, a U-2 instructor with the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron, Beale AFB, Calif., is No. 20, and Maj. Michael Means, 1st RS operations officer, is No. 21. Only 19 other pilots in the history of the U-2 program have reached 2,000 hours, reports A1C George Cloutier.
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.