​​​​​“FY22 pilot training production was 1,276, down from 1,381 in FY21 due to continued challenges with civilian simulator instructor manning levels, T-6 supply shortfalls and T-38 engine overhaul delays,” Faske said.

Slower-than-expected repairs to the engines used on the T-38 Talon jets have limited the number of aircraft for more than a year that can be used for daily training missions. T-38s are the Air Force’s sole intermediate aircraft for teaching airmen to fly fighters and bombers.

“It has not gotten worse, but it has also not gotten better. It’s pretty much stagnated where it is,” said Maj. Gen. Clark Quinn, commander of the Nineteenth Air Force at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. “The government is looking at perhaps doing some in-house … parts production to try and help facilitate getting them back healthy.”
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