The Air Force Academy retired its TG-10C Kestrel glider fleet after certifying a final new cadet instructor pilot on a check ride last week. The school acquired 12 TG-10s in 2002 for use in cadets’ basic and aerobatic training. The final Kestrel sortie took place on July 23, according to a July 26 academy release. Before their transfer to the Civil Air Patrol, the school’s Kestrels logged 140,000 total flights, according to 94th Flying Training Squadron officials. Replacing the TG-10s are the academy’s new high-performance TG-16As. They “are made of fiberglass instead of sheet metal. It’s leading-edge soaring equipment,” said Lt. Col. Richard Roller, 94th FTS commander. The academy has received 15 of the German-built TG-16s, and is awaiting delivery of four more, states the release. New cadets began using the TG-16 on July 16. (Colorado Springs report by Amber Baillie)
Memorial Day Remembrance
May 23, 2025
By AFA Chaplain Maj. Gen. Steven A. Schaick, USAF (Ret.) President John F. Kennedy said, “A nation reveals itself not only by the men (and women) it produces, but also by the men (and women) … it remembers.” Memorial Day...