F-35s continue sorties

F-35 pilots at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., have flown more than a half-dozen local area orientation flights around the base since flight operations began March 6, Flightglobal reports. Two pilots, one from the Air Force and the other from the Marine Corps, are flying the local sorties to gauge the readiness of the 33rd Fighter Wing's new F-35A, a conventional take-off and landing variant. (Source: Flightglobal, 03/27/12) Eglin will train pilots and maintainers from all branches of the services that will use the F-35, as well as pilots and maintainers from foreign purchasers.