The Air Force has ordered safety inspections for its entire fleets of KC-135 tankers, RC-135 reconnaissance planes, and WC-135 “nuke sniffers” over poorly-made tail pins, preventing aircraft from flying until they are cleared. The Time Compliance Technical Order (TCTO), issued Feb. 14, affects hundreds of aircraft. ...
The Air Force and Navy are both experiencing declining aircraft availability, a long-term downward trend exemplified by flying fewer hours per aircraft, according to a new report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The data suggests readiness is worse than what the Defense Department reports. ...