Marine F-35 to start local flights

The Marine Corps will start local area flights on the F-35B this week at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Local area flights at Eglin are on-going with the F-35A conventional take-off and landing version, and the Marine’s F-35B will be joining them once Naval Air Systems Command gives its consent. A senior USMC official told Flightglobal they expect to begin flying on or about May 1. (Source: Flightglobal, 04/27/12)