Examples of aircraft involved in Heritage flight certification (Source: www.acc.af.mil)TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
Don't be alarmed if you see some unusual aircraft flying in the skies above Tucson this weekend. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is conducting their flight training and certification course for the Air Combat Command Heritage Flights.
This four day course, that runs from February 28 through March 3, allows aircrews to perform ground and flight training. This training enables civilian pilots of historic military aircraft and Air Force pilots of current aircraft to safely fly in formations together.
The Air Force is continuing with the training to ensure that if there is a resolution to current budget issues, aircrews can still safely perform flights. This may be limited as Air Force participation in Heritage Flights could cease after certification due to prioritizing flight hours as part of sequestration.
Heritage flights are important for recruiting and public awareness of the Air Force mission. This year's historic aircraft flying in the training include a P-51 Mustang, a P-40 Warhawk, an A-36 Apache, a P-47 Thunderbolt and a F-86 Sabre. Current military aircraft involved include a F-4 Phantom II, an A-10 Thunderbolt II and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
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