Lawmakers Move to Protect Pilots from Ejection Seat Problems
Aircrew egress systems specialists hoist an F-16 Fighting Falcon canopy into the air June 26, 2017. (U.S. Air Force/Airman 1st Class Caleb Worpel)
29 Jul 2021
After an ejection seat malfunction led to a fighter pilot’s death last year, lawmakers plan to require the Air Force and the Navy to notify them when the live-saving seats are in need of repair.
The pilot’s death was linked to a spare parts shortage which meant the ejection seat was three years late in being serviced.
In its markup of the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, the House Armed Services Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee wants to know how often the Air Force delays maintenance on aircraft with an ejection seat scheduled for repair, according to the bill text.
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