The Air Force logged its best year in terms of aviation safety in Fiscal 2014, according to a service release. Compared to Fiscal 2013, there was a 32 percent reduction in overall Class A aviation mishaps in Fiscal 2014, along with a 64 percent drop in Class A flight mishaps, states the release, which cites Air Force Safety Center data. The Air Force defines a Class A mishap as one involving loss of life, an injury resulting in permanent or total disability, the destruction of an aircraft, or more than $2 million in property damage or loss. “This is truly a good news story,” said Maj. Gen. Kurt Neubauer, Air Force safety chief. He added, “Commander involvement at all levels resulted in [Fiscal] 2014 being the safest aviation year in the history of the Air Force.” Whereas in Fiscal 2013, 19 Class A flight mishaps resulted in 14 aircraft destroyed, the seven Class A accidents in Fiscal 2014 caused the loss of two airplanes, states the Oct. 10 release. “Aviator attention to detail and proper risk management enabled these historic lows,” said Neubauer.
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.