Columbus Air Force Base plans to phase out the T-38C Talon Flight training program with 61 to 77 new T-7A Red Hawk jets and begin overnight training missions in 2028.
During a public hearing held Wednesday evening at Lion Hills Center, Air Force representatives and CAFB personnel presented an environmental impact statement detailing the need for new training jets to replace aging T-38Cs, which have been used at the base since the 1970s.
“The biggest difference between a T-7A and a T-38C is that it flies at a much slower approach speed versus the T-38 so that, in theory, it is easier to fly,” Air Force Project Manager for the T-7A Basing Team, Christopher Garcia said. “… One of the biggest issues with our T-38C Fleet is they are just aging out. The maintenance needs are the biggest driving factor in needing the replacement. Also, as technology has increased, we need newer aircraft to fly with the new fourth and fifth-generation fighters. This T-7A should bridge the gap.”
In 2022, two T-38Cs failed due to mechanical issues during flight. One crash-landed near Crawford in November and the other’s landing gear failed just two weeks later, causing the aircraft to land on its belly at the base.
The plan would phase out 85 T-38Cs from 2028 through 2030, and overnight flight missions would begin in 2028 and reach full capacity in 2030, consisting of 595 overnight training missions from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
“The T-7As allow pilots to use night vision goggles, and that’s something you can’t do in the T-38Cs,” Garcia said.
The plan also includes 11 construction and renovation projects to base facilities to accommodate the new jets, including new hangar bays for storage and maintenance facilities. Those projects would begin sometime after a plan is approved in 2024. Garcia said cost estimates aren’t available yet.
CAFB currently conducts 139,284 sorties (flights) per year with the T-38Cs. With the implementation of the T-7A, the base would conduct 94,869 to 118,592 training sorties. The base currently trains about 475 new pilots per year, according to its website.
The statement reads that the most significant impact to people living near the base would be the addition of nighttime flying missions but that the new jets would not cause a net increase in noise pollution or impact on residents.
“The increased noise levels would not adversely affect the health of residents,” an Air Force officer said in a pre-recorded message presenting the EIS.
The jets will come from Boeing, which was awarded a $9.2 billion contract in 2018 to build 351 new jets and 46 flight simulators for the new craft.
Public comment
Before final approval, the Air Force must receive public comments from people near the base before moving forward. To that end, the Air Force submitted three options for the project.
Option one would deliver 61 jets from 2028 to 2030, while option two would deliver 77 aircraft over that time. Option three would have 61 aircraft at CAFB but also have room for 16 additional jets.
The statement reads that the public comment period began Oct. 6 and citizens can submit comments and concerns via a second public hearing held Monday via Zoom or through the project’s website until Nov. 20. Copies of the plan and impact statement are available online and at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library.
Once those comments are collected, the Air Force Command will use them to determine which option best fits the needs of the base and surrounding residents in Lowndes County in early 2024. As of Wednesday night, only one comment has been made, Major David Crisek said.
14th Flying Training Wing Commander Col. Justin Grieve said via a pre-recorded message that the new program will provide better-trained pilots at CAFB.
“Our wing’s mission is to train world-class pilots,” Grieve said. “Throughout our base’s history, we have helped shape the future of pilot training. The T-7A program is a key component for continuing excellence in pilot training while preparing our future pilots to fly the growing fleet of fifth-generation aircraft. Support from our community has always been amazing and is vital to the success of the pilot training transformation. The T-7A program will enhance the base and community’s role in supporting our national defense.”
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