Author name: successcityonline

Perennial pilot paucity puts Air Force in precarious position

The Air Force’s pilot corps is shrinking. The service was 1,907 pilots short of its 21,000-person goal for manned aircraft as of October, according to the latest data provided to Air Force Times. That’s nearly 260 more open pilot slots than it had at the end of 2021. A web of factors that include commercial airline …

Perennial pilot paucity puts Air Force in precarious position Read More »

With Flying Hours Limited, Simulation and Data Analysis Aid Pilot Training

AURORA, Colo.—The Air Force’s pilot training and safety enterprise is in the midst of a pivotal transition, with data analytics and high-tech simulators gaining ground but limited flying hours and related budget pressures a continuing issue, top generals said at the AFA Warfare Symposium.  The Air Force’s continued pilot shortage is among the drivers for change, as leaders …

With Flying Hours Limited, Simulation and Data Analysis Aid Pilot Training Read More »

F16 pilot

This Is How Long It Would Really Take Ukraine’s Pilots To Convert To F-16s

Ukraine still has not received a solid offer for donated Western fighter jets to improve the capabilities of its air force. However, of the types available, it seems one has been consistently the forerunner, and understandably so — the F-16. This is primarily due to the type’s availability, ease of support and sprawling logistical infrastructure, the …

This Is How Long It Would Really Take Ukraine’s Pilots To Convert To F-16s Read More »

USAF Puts HARMs on MiG-29s, Cruise Missiles on C-130s, Cargo in B-52s

If the U.S. can’t give Western jets to Kyiv, it’s got a plan B. In the last few months, the U.S. Air Force has modified Ukrainian MiG-29s to carry Western anti-radar missiles, turned U.S. strategic bombers into cargo carriers, and transformed airlifters into long-range strike aircraft, officials said this week, as Russia and the changing …

USAF Puts HARMs on MiG-29s, Cruise Missiles on C-130s, Cargo in B-52s Read More »