Overview
- Air Education and Training Command said the ferry from Boeing’s St. Louis plant was postponed because of weather, and 99th FTS commander Lt. Col. Michael Trott will train in St. Louis before flying the aircraft to Joint Base San Antonio–Randolph.
- The first aircraft will be assigned to the 99th FTS “Red Tails” in tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, with a second Red Hawk expected to arrive at Randolph in January.
- Instructor cadre plan to use already installed simulators to refine the syllabus and start local flying once the jet arrives, leading to the first instructor training in fall 2027.
- Maintenance preparation begins next month with a course for the first 39 T-7A maintainers that runs through June to support initial operations.
- The program calls for 351 aircraft and 46 simulators, with IOC planned at Randolph in August 2027 and follow-on deliveries slated for Columbus AFB in 2027, Laughlin in 2032, Vance in 2034, and Sheppard in 2035.