Late last week, USAF announced it would establish a C-17 integrated program office at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Georgia to oversee the C-17 airlift fleet sustainment efforts, with support from Boeing, the prime contractor. Additionally, the service said that the Oklahoma City ALC in Oklahoma would manage C-17 engine work with support from engine-maker Pratt & Whitney. USAF plans to transition to these long-term sustainment partnerships through 2012 and expects the public-private effort to save up to $12 billion over a 30-year period.
The crash of a T-38 trainer jet this May—which caused a weekslong pause in flights across the fleet—was caused by an improperly installed pin for one of the jet’s horizontal stabilizers, according to a new accident report released Oct. 30. When the pin disengaged midflight, it created the slightest amount…