F-15s grounded for third time in a month

[unhappycamper]

F-15A, B, C and D models are grounded for a third time while inspections continue on the fleet.


F-15s grounded for third time in a month
By Bruce Rolfsen - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Dec 4, 2007 15:29:27 EST

Less than 24 hours after some F-15 Eagles began flying following a second grounding, the jets were grounded for a third time in a month.

The head of Air Combat Command, Gen. John Corley, made the decision Monday evening after the accident investigation board looking into the Nov. 2 breakup an F-15C over Missouri raised new concerns about the fighters.

This third grounding decision affects 442 F-15A, B, C and D models. The F-15E Strike Eagle, a larger and newer version of the jet designed as a bomber, continues to fly.

The jet that broke up was about 27 years old. Most of the F-15As through Ds flown by the Air Force are more than 25 years old.

How long the F-15s will remain idle is unknown, said ACC spokesman Maj. Thomas Crosson. Even if the latest problems result in a third round of inspections, the jets will not immediately return to the sky after passing the checks, Crosson said. Commanders want a comprehensive overview of the jets’ problems and decided to keep the planes parked until then.

The investigation into the Nov. 2 crash that started the groundings may produce some critical insight into the F-15 fleet’s problems.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/12/airforce_F15_grounding_Round3_071204/

[ladjf]

1. Leave them grounded for a few years. It will save a lot of money.