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.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.