A second T-1A Jayhawk flight simulator joined the 71st Operations Group at Vance AFB, Okla. When fully up and running later this year, the simulator will help relieve strain on the base’s advanced specialized training fleet. The $3.7 million 240-degree field-of-view cockpit sim is designed to accurately replicate complex weather and scenarios at more than 200 airfields, according to group officials. “This simulator has the ability to allow students to link multiple simulators together” as well, said Michael Rathmann, 71st OG simulation project officer. Vance, one of three specialized undergraduate pilot training locations for tanker/transport pilots, received its first Jayhawk simulator from L-3 Communications less than two years ago. The new one arrived on Feb. 22. Installation is scheduled to take place through mid April, followed by delivery of the simulator’s visual section in May. (Vance report by A1C Frank Casciotta)
Planning an Air Show Is Hard. At Andrews, It’s Even Harder
Sept. 17, 2025
Joint Base Andrews opened its flightline this month to thousands of civilians, exposing a normally restricted airbase that regularly hosts the president and foreign dignitaries to a curious public eager to see current and historic military aircraft up close and in action.
