The rate of F-16 Class A accidents over the past year was the highest since 2001 and came at a time when the Air Force has been reducing flying hours for five years, reports Scott Lindlaw of the Associated Press. The 2007 rate was 3.18 per 100,000 flying hours, compared to 3.85 in 2001. Unlike with the 2001 accidents, the Air Force has attributed several of the 10 Viper crashes in 2007 to pilot error or disorientation. In 2001, the prime culprit was the engine.
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.