Bill Carey

The U.S. Air Force’s F-22 Raptor fleet remains grounded into a fourth month as the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board conducts a study of the F-22 and other aircraft using onboard oxygen generation systems (Obogs). The system is the suspected cause of a fatal crash on November 16 last year of an F-22 assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson near Anchorage, Alaska, and other incidents in which pilots experienced hypoxia, or oxygen deprivation. The length of the safety standdown–ordered May 3–has led to concern that F-22 pilots are “losing their training edge,” reported a television station in Panama City, Fla., near Tyndall Air Force Base, the F-22 training base. Before the grounding, the F-22 fleet was restricted to flying below 25,000 feet starting in January. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley directed the service’s scientific board to conduct a “quick-look study…and recommend any needed corrective actions on aircraft using onboard oxygen generation systems.” The board was to conduct controlled flight tests “to examine subsystems identified in reported incidents,” including the pressurization system, mask and cockpit oxygen levels. The review includes the A-10, F-15E, F-16, F-35, B-1, B-2, CV-22 Osprey and T-6 Texan II. On July 21, the Air Force said, “There is no intention to direct a standdown of any other aircraft in the inventory.” Obogs reportedly has been implicated in problems involving Navy F/A-18C/Ds, which use a Cobham system, as well as the F-22 fitted with a Honeywell system. Obogs use engine bleed air, separating out nitrogen and other components through a molecular sieve and providing a continuous supply of near-pure breathing oxygen. “The product gas is then monitored for oxygen purity and regulated before it is delivered to the pilot,” Cobham said, describing its system for the F-16. “A solid-state oxygen monitor is employed to ensure the oxygen concentration exceeds minimum physiological breathing requirements.”

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

F-22 Fleet Remains Grounded into Fourth Month

The U.S.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Hanneke Weitering

Another JAS4-1 eVTOL aircraft recently rolled off the production line

Joby Ramps Up eVTOL Aircraft Production in California

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

More younger aircraft are on market

Jefferies: Available Bizjet Inventory Dips Slightly

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Sailing-inspired technology supports a new way to build training aircraft.

Elixir Aircraft Offers a New Approach to Flight Training with High Tech Carbon Fiber Airframe

Amy Wilder

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Epic’s latest model begins deliveries this week

Epic E1000 AX Receives FAA Certification

Matt Thurber

Projected performance includes 1,000-nm range and 200-knot cruise

DBT Aero Introduces Two-seat Double Box Tail Airplane

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Aircraft buyers can use the system to view maintenance documents before proceeding with the purchase

Crewchief, Trade-A-Plane Provide Online Logbook Access

Low-speed taxi validates steering and braking systems

NASA’s Quiet Supersonic Jet Completes First Taxi Tests

Charles Alcock

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

More In Aircraft