Defense Secretary Leon Panetta ordered the Air Force to take additional steps to mitigate risks to F-22 pilots in light of an unresolved oxygen problem. Some pilots of experienced hypoxia-like symptoms, and some have refused to fly the Lockheed Martin built aircraft. Beginning immediately, F-22 flights must remain near potential landing locations, and the Air Force will expedite installation of an automatic backup oxygen system. (Sources: multiple, including
American Forces Press Service,
MSNBC,
Los Angeles Times, 05/15/12)
Gulf Coast note: Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., which trains F-22 pilots, is also among six bases were F-22s are based.
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