USAF embarks on training aircraft corrective measures

The US Air Force (USAF) is set to begin implementing a series of corrective measures to address persistent problems in the T-6 Texan II trainer aircraft.

The measures include redesigning the oxygen system and adjusting oxygen control levels in flight. Additionally, the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) will increase maintenance on the oxygen distribution system, known as OBOGS, to curb problems identified in the aircraft.

The measures come after a six-month examination of problems, namely fluctuating oxygen levels for pilots during flight. During examination, varying levels of oxygen concentrations in the cockpit was identified as the major factor in unexplained physiological events that affected T-6 pilots across AETC.

A process to redesign the T-6 OBOGS system has been initiated to stabilise the variation in the percentage of oxygen levels pilots breathe. AETC and the Air Force Material Command are also working with the aircraft manufacturer to adjust the OBOGS software algorithm to stabilise oxygen concentrations. While this will reduce the physiological events, the USAF will also pursue a broader redesign.

AETC officials are also adding study materials for T-6 pilots that will focus on identifying symptoms, responses and corrective procedures for all types of events, not just hypoxia.

The USAF will also introduce new maintenance procedures drawn from several different air force and navy T-6 bases, such as purging excess moisture from the system to keep the OBOGS operating more efficiently over time.