Air traffic controllers at Edwards AFB, Calif., operating what’s called Space Positioning Optical Radar Tracking, or SPORT, help keep track of aircraft flying test missions in the base’s restricted—and hazardous—test airspace. They often work one-on-one with test pilots, providing information on all aircraft that are in close proximity and air space boundary and weather notifications, among other duties. According to ATC supervisor, Charles Cooper, the SPORT controllers have many years of experience and are highly trained for their test mission role.
The last remaining T-1 Jayhawk at JBSA-Randolph, Texas, took its final flight to the "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., on July 15. The 99th Flying Training Squadron will train pilots using T-6 and simulator until it gets T-7 Red Hawk in fiscal 2026.