After being forced to eject from his F-8 Crusader, Lt. Col. William Rankin soon found himself amid a thunderstorm — 40,000 feet above ground. Its flight marks the beginning of the T-7′s final development phase before Boeing starts producing military-ready jets. The review could also reshape who wields influence among Air Force planners and policymakers in a typically pilot-heavy culture. Pilots, air battle managers and combat systems operators who sign new contracts will receive between $15,000 and $50,000 annually for three to 12 years. Each service has its own vision requirements for enlistment or commission. But within the branches, specific occupations have different standards. The fighter jet responding to the wayward small plane caused a loud sonic boom that was heard across the capital region. F-16 jets will bolster Ukraine in the long run but not necessarily as part of a spring counteroffensive against Russia. Kabanuck crossed the final finish line in 43 hours, 18 minutes and 22 seconds, placing 183rd of 765 runners. Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart took over as head of 19th Air Force in August 2022. The 2021 incident prompted Air Force leaders to take a close look at the quality of instruction and how to better accommodate foreign students. Load More