F-35B restrictions lifted

Flight restrictions have been lifted on the F-35B, the Marine Corps version of the stealth fighter, clearing the way for testing and training flights to resume. Col. Kevin Killea, who oversees aviation requirements for the Marine Corps, said the Navy and F-35 program office had more work to do to resolve the manufacturing issues blamed for the grounding. All 25 F-35Bs were grounded Jan. 18 after a fuel line detached just before a training flight at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., on Jan. 16. The Pentagon later said the issue stemmed from a manufacturing defect, not maintenance or design issues. (Source: Reuters, Defense News, 02/13/13) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base is home of the F-35 training center.