Haley Stevens: “this amendment allocates $1 million for the Air Force to assess comprehensively the implications of the service's recent…”

“this amendment allocates $1 million for the Air Force to assess comprehensively the implications of the service's recent decision to terminate development of a two-seat trainer variant of the F-22 advanced tactical fighter. I might state to the Senate that we have been informed that, if there was a proposal to eliminate the two-seat variant of the F-22 advanced tactical fighter, that would leave us without a training vehicle for this very sophisticated new aircraft. We are not mandating that the decision be changed. We are mandating that there be a study made of that decision with regard to safety and training problems, as well as budgetary and technical problems, and that the Appropriations Committees and the Armed Services Committees of the House and Senate receive this study by February 15, 1997. The Air Force normally acquires fighter aircraft in single-seat and two-seat variants so that the latter may be used for pilot flight training. Although the twin-seat trainers cost more than the single seat aircraft, they are considered necessary for the effective and safe training of pilots in the demanding air-to-air and air-to-ground tactical environments. Should a student pilot experience difficulties, the instructor pilot can assume control of the aircraft and safely demonstrate the required procedures and maneuvers.”