Free Republic

The Pentagon announced Tuesday changes the Air Force will make to mitigate hypoxia-like symptoms experienced by some pilots flying F-22s, and a phased approach to lifting flight restrictions implemented earlier this year. To fix the air supply problem and reduce the incidents of hypoxia-like events, the Air Force has made two changes to the aircraft’s cockpit life support system, Defense Press Secretary George Little said. First, the Air Force will replace a valve in the upper pressure garment vest worn by pilots during high-altitude missions. The valve was causing the vest to inflate, and remain inflated under conditions where it...

MEDFORD, N.J. (AP) - Military jets Saturday diverted a small plane flying in temporarily restricted air space shortly before President Bush flew out of Philadelphia on Air Force One, a Secret Service spokeswoman said. Two F-16 fighter jets ordered the plane to land at Medford's Flying W Airport, and the president was never in any danger, Secret Service spokeswoman Ann Roman said. The fighter jets had to use flares to get the pilot's attention, said Lt. Col. Kacey Blaney of the Northeast Air Defense Sector. Usually pilots respond to radio contact or other signals, she said. The plane and pilot...