This article is based on an official press release from the United States Air Force.

First T-7A Red Hawk Arrives at JBSA-Randolph, Marking New Era in Pilot Training

The United States Air Force has officially begun the physical transition to its next generation of pilot training. On Friday, December 5, 2025, the first T-7A Red Hawk assigned to the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) touched down at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph (JBSA-Randolph), Texas. The delivery marks a critical milestone in the program to replace the aging T-38 Talon fleet, which has been in service since the 1960s.

According to the Air Force, the aircraft was received by the 12th Flying Training Wing and specifically assigned to the 99th Flying Training Squadron (99th FTS). While the arrival signals the start of a new era, officials clarified that the jet will not immediately be used for student pilot training. Instead, the initial focus will be on validating maintenance procedures and familiarizing a core cadre of instructor pilots with the advanced digital system.

Operational Impact and Immediate Mission

The arrival of the T-7A at JBSA-Randolph initiates a “foundational” phase for the program. Air Force officials stated that the 99th FTS will utilize this first aircraft to develop new training syllabi that leverage the platform’s digital capabilities. This shift moves the curriculum away from the traditional “stick-and-rudder” focus of the T-38 toward the systems-management approach required for fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 and F-22.

Brig. Gen. Matthew Leard, Director of AETC Plans, Programs, and Requirements, emphasized the shift in training philosophy necessitated by modern combat environments.

“The T-7 is more about displaying and ingesting large amounts of information. That really is the challenge of the fifth-gen or sixth-gen world.”

In addition to pilot familiarization, the aircraft will serve as a hands-on platform for “Type 1” maintenance training. This allows ground crews to validate technical orders and maintenance procedures on a live aircraft before the fleet expands.

Technical Leap: T-7A vs. T-38C

The T-7A Red Hawk, manufactured by Boeing and Saab, represents a multi-generational leap in capability over the Northrop T-38C Talon. Designed using modern digital engineering, the T-7A addresses specific performance gaps identified in preparing pilots for high-performance combat aircraft.

According to program data, the T-7A is powered by a single GE F404 turbofan engine, generating approximately three times the thrust of the T-38C’s twin GE J85 turbojets. The new aircraft also features a digital “glass” cockpit that mimics the displays found in the F-35 and F-22, a significant upgrade from the analog and hybrid gauges of the T-38.

Key Design Features

The airframe design includes “stadium seating,” placing the instructor higher than the student for superior visibility. Unlike the single-tail T-38, the T-7A utilizes twin tails, which provide enhanced control at low speeds and high angles of attack. Furthermore, the aircraft employs fly-by-wire flight controls, allowing it to simulate the flight characteristics of various combat platforms safely.

Honoring the Tuskegee Legacy

The “Red Hawk” name and the aircraft’s distinctive livery are direct tributes to the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II. The red tail honors the “Red Tails” of the 332nd Fighter Group, who painted their P-47s and P-51s to distinguish their unit in combat.

The assignment of the first jet to the 99th Flying Training Squadron is historically significant, as the unit is the direct lineal descendant of the Tuskegee Airmen’s 99th Pursuit Squadron. Lt. Col. Michael Trott, Commander of the 99th FTS, highlighted this connection upon the aircraft’s arrival.

“We intend to continue the legacy of breaking barriers and challenging assumptions by utilizing the advanced capabilities of the T-7 training system.”

Program Timeline and Future Milestones

Following this initial delivery, the Air Force has outlined a phased rollout for the T-7A fleet. A second aircraft is scheduled to arrive at JBSA-Randolph in the spring of 2026. Deliveries will continue through 2026 and 2027 to build a fleet of 14 jets at the base.

The program projects Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for August 2027. By 2028, deployment is expected to expand to Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi, which is slated to be the first base to train new student pilots on the T-7A system. In total, the Air Force plans to procure 351 aircraft and 46 simulators to fully replace the T-38 fleet.

AirPro News Analysis

The delivery of the first T-7A to an operational base is a tangible step forward for a program that has faced delays, but the strategic implication goes beyond simple fleet modernization. The Air Force is effectively acknowledging that the gap between trainer aircraft and frontline fighters had become too wide to bridge with legacy platforms.

By prioritizing information management and high-angle-of-attack flight characteristics in the T-7A, the Air Force is signaling that future air dominance will rely less on pure aerodynamic maneuvering and more on sensor fusion and data processing. The “Red Hawk” is not just a replacement for the T-38; it is a cultural shift in how the service defines pilot competency for the mid-21st century.

Sources

• United States Air Force

This article summarizes reporting by WSMV and Caleb Wethington. Read the original reporting for full context.

Middle Tennessee State University Breaks Ground on $73.4 Million Aerospace Campus

On Wednesday morning, officials from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and local government leaders gathered at Shelbyville Municipal Airport to officially break ground on a new, dedicated aerospace campus. According to reporting by WSMV, the project represents a significant expansion for the university’s aviation program, which has faced capacity challenges at its previous primary hub.

The new facility, valued at $73.4 million, is designed to serve as the primary flight operations center for MTSU’s Department of Aerospace. With enrollment numbers surging and the aviation industry demanding more qualified pilots, university officials state that this expansion is critical for maintaining the program’s status as a top-tier collegiate aviation institution.

Facility Specifications and Timeline

The groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of a construction phase expected to last approximately 24 months. According to project details released by the university, the target completion date is set for late 2027. The 16-acre campus will feature specialized infrastructure designed to handle high-volume collegiate flight training.

Key components of the new Shelbyville campus include:

• Academic Building: A 50,000-square-foot structure housing classrooms, faculty offices, briefing rooms, and a dispatch center.
• Aircraft Hangar: A 28,000-square-foot facility dedicated to the maintenance and storage of MTSU’s fleet, which includes Diamond DA40 and Piper aircraft.
• Expanded Apron: Significant ramp space to accommodate the university’s fleet of over 45 aircraft, allowing for safer taxiing operations.

The budget for the project was finalized at $73.4 million, an adjustment from earlier estimates of $62.2 million. University data indicates this funding is a collaborative effort, with approximately $57.2 million provided by state appropriations and the remainder covered by MTSU matching funds and reserves.

Addressing Overcrowding and Industry Demand

The decision to move flight operations from Murfreesboro Municipal Airport (KMBT) to Shelbyville (KSYI) was driven by logistical necessity. MTSU’s Aerospace Department has grown to include over 1,000 students, with roughly 900 concentrated in the Professional Pilot track.

According to university reports, the volume of “touch-and-go” landings and training maneuvers required by this student population created congestion and noise issues in Murfreesboro, where student traffic mixed heavily with corporate and general aviation. Shelbyville offers a larger airfield and more open surrounding land, which officials believe will enhance safety and training efficiency.

“This marks a new beginning of a new age in aviation education… MTSU will build on its reputation as one of the nation’s preeminent aviation schools.”

, Sidney A. McPhee, MTSU President (via project announcement)

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AirPro News Analysis

The relocation of MTSU’s flight operations highlights a growing trend among major collegiate aviation programs: the decoupling of flight training from general aviation hubs in rapidly densifying metropolitan areas. As cities like Murfreesboro expand, the conflict between noise abatement, corporate jet traffic, and the repetitive nature of student flight training becomes untenable.

By securing a dedicated footprint at Shelbyville, MTSU is not merely solving a congestion problem; it is future-proofing its curriculum. We observe that dedicated campuses allow for “uncapped” enrollment potential, a critical factor as airlines continue to project long-term pilot shortages. This move positions MTSU to scale its output of flight hours and certified pilots without the operational bottlenecks inherent in shared municipal airports.

Economic and Local Impact

Beyond the educational benefits, the move is expected to generate economic activity for Bedford County. The influx of students, faculty, and support staff is anticipated to drive demand for local housing, retail, and maintenance services. Shelbyville Mayor Randy Carroll expressed gratitude for the partnership, noting the long-term role the campus will play in the community’s future.

While construction is underway, MTSU has already initiated a transition phase, utilizing temporary facilities at Shelbyville to begin relieving pressure on their Murfreesboro operations immediately.

Sources

• WSMV
• Middle Tennessee State University

This article is based on an official press release from Pipistrel Aircraft. See the original release for full details.

Pipistrel Secures Historic Type Certification in Colombia, Opening Key South American Market

Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. company, announced on December 1, 2025, that it has achieved a significant regulatory milestone in South America. The manufacturer has become the first organization to receive type certification under the Colombian Aeronautical Regulation-Very Light Aircraft (RAC-VLA) standards. Issued by Aerocivil, Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority, this certification covers three of the company’s key models: the Pipistrel Explorer, the Velis Club, and the X-Eye.

According to the company’s announcement, this approval allows Pipistrel to immediately begin deliveries and operations within Colombia. The certification is viewed by the manufacturer not just as a singular market entry, but as a strategic “blueprint” for further expansion across Latin America, where many regulatory frameworks align with Colombia’s standards.

Breaking Ground with RAC-VLA Standards

The certification by Aerocivil is particularly notable because Pipistrel is the first manufacturer to meet the specific requirements of the RAC-VLA category in Colombia. The RAC-VLA regulations, adopted in October 2019, were designed to align Colombian aviation standards with international norms, specifically resembling the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) CS-VLA specifications.

By securing this certification, Pipistrel has validated the airworthiness of its fleet for the diverse and challenging geography of the region. Gabriel Massey, President and Managing Director of Pipistrel, emphasized the broader implications of this achievement in a statement regarding the announcement:

“This achievement not only opens up new opportunities in Colombia but also serves as a blueprint for our entry into other markets with similar regulatory frameworks. Pipistrel’s successful type certification by Aerocivil marks a crucial step in demonstrating our commitment to meeting international aviation standards.”

Certified Aircraft and Market Applications

The approval covers three distinct variants of Pipistrel’s airframe, each targeting specific sectors of the Colombian aviation economy. According to the press release and technical specifications, the certified models include:

• The Pipistrel Explorer: An EASA type-certified two-seat aircraft capable of Night VFR (Visual Flight Rules) and intentional spins. It is positioned for private travel and advanced pilot training.
• The Velis Club: A variant designed specifically for flight schools, emphasizing durability and cost-efficiency for high-volume training environments.
• The X-Eye: A specialized version of the Explorer equipped with a sensor pod, purpose-built for aerial surveying, remote sensing, and 3D mapping.

Addressing Regional Demand

Colombia represents the second-largest aviation market in South America. Industry data suggests a growing demand for modern pilot training solutions to support major regional carriers such as Avianca and LATAM. The certification of the Velis Club and Explorer allows Colombian flight schools to modernize aging fleets with more fuel-efficient alternatives.

Furthermore, the X-Eye variant addresses a critical niche in Colombia’s industrial sector. With a geography defined by mountains, jungles, and coastlines, the nation has substantial requirements for aerial monitoring in mining, agriculture, and infrastructure. The X-Eye offers a lower-cost platform for these missions compared to traditional helicopters or larger fixed-wing aircraft.

Strategic Expansion in Latin America

This certification is part of a wider effort by Pipistrel and its parent company, Textron, to solidify a foothold in the Latin American general aviation market. The company has been steadily building its infrastructure in the region. In March 2024, Pipistrel appointed Wulf Aviation as its first distributor in Mexico, and the company maintains established distribution channels in Argentina and Chile.

AirPro News Analysis

Regulatory Alignment as a Growth Engine: The decision to pursue RAC-VLA certification in Colombia is a calculated move by Textron. By validating their aircraft against a standard that mirrors EASA requirements, Pipistrel effectively lowers the barrier to entry for neighboring Latin American countries that look to Aerocivil as a regulatory benchmark. This “first-mover” status in the VLA category gives Pipistrel a significant competitive advantage over other light aircraft manufacturers who may still be operating under older or less harmonized certification categories.

We anticipate that Pipistrel will leverage this Colombian certification to expedite approvals in markets with similar topographies and regulatory environments, such as Peru and Ecuador, where the demand for cost-effective aerial surveying and training remains high.

Sources:
Pipistrel Press Release
Aerocivil Regulatory Data (RAC-VLA)
BlueSky Business Aviation News (Mexico Distribution Context)