In this file photo, a crew chief at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, waits to signal an F-22 Raptor out of the hanger, Oct 25, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristin High)
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Updated: Tuesday, 20 Sep 2011, 1:25 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 20 Sep 2011, 1:13 PM EDT
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (WAVY) - The Commander of Air Combat Command lifted the F-22 stand down Sept. 19.
Now, wing commanders can return their crews to flying as soon as possible. The lift is nationwide, but it is up to each wing to determine when they will start flying, according to officials at Langley AFB.
The U.S. Air Force stopped flying its entire fleet in of F-22 Raptors in May 2011 because of concerns about the system that delivers oxygen to pilots aboard the stealth fighter jets.
Gen. Mike Hostage made the decision to lift the ban following approval by Secretary of the Air Force and Air Force Chief of Staff.
"We've been working hard to get our F-22 crews back in the air as safely and as soon as possible," said Hostage. "I'm confident we've reached the point to begin a measured and incremental return to flying. "The stand down we implemented in May was a prudent decision. We're using insight from recent studies and investigations to manage the risks with our crews."
The next step in the process will begin with obtaining necessary proficiencies for instructor pilots and other F-22 wingmen.
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