The Air Force launched a new program last week aimed at “harnessing” airmen’s creativity. The program, dubbed “Airmen Powered by Innovation,” will replace three existing similar programs. They include, the Innovation Development through Employee Awareness, Productivity Enhancing Capital Investment, and Best Practices programs. “API will consolidate the benefits of each program and simplify the process for submitting ideas, making it easier for our airmen at the lowest levels to effect change across the entire Air Force,” said David Tillotson, the Air Force deputy chief management officer, in an April 4 release. USAF Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Larry Spencer said the top-down tracking requirement of the new program will help reward innovation at all levels. “In this fiscally-constrained environment, we need every airman engaged in finding smarter ways to do business,” he said in the release. Airmen can submit ideas online or work with their local AFSO21 office, states the release.
Air Force F-16 pilots are testing out new sensors that could help maximize their performance and avoid deadly accidents while flying fast fighter jets under heavy G-forces and stressful conditions.