Depot-level maintenance took longer than expected for nearly three-quarters of Air Force aircraft from fiscal 2019-2024, according to a new report, as unplanned repairs rise across the aging fleet. The report, from the Government Accountability Office, also found that the extent of the delays has been masked because officials often revise their target timelines after unplanned work occurs.
depot-level maintenance
The Air Force will send off its final A-10 Thunderbolt II from depot maintenance this month and deactivate the unit that performs overhauls, upgrades, and rebuilds on the venerable close air support jet.
A group of about 150 Aircraft Battle Damage Repair Airmen can perform depot-level maintenance in the field and put damaged aircraft back in the fight. Some of those Airmen were recognized at the AFA Warfare Symposium in Aurora, Colo., last week.
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. ...