JUNE 1, 2026 – The T-38 Talon fleet-wide operational pause was lifted May 28, 2026, across Air Education and Training Command, Air Combat Command, Air Force Materiel Command and Air Force Global Strike Command.
The Air Force continues making progress toward safely returning the fleet to service and anticipates inspected aircraft will begin returning to flying status within the next few days.
Collaborative engineering and maintenance teams across the joint force have finalized the inspection procedures to be accomplished to ensure a safe and thorough return to flight.
Affected major commands continue to actively mitigate impacts to operations, training and readiness.
During this period, aircrews are maximizing simulator training to maintain proficiency and currency requirements.
The operational pause was initiated last week to ensure the safety of aircrews following a May 12, 2026, mishap at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi.
Mission
The T-38 Talon is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer used in a variety of roles because of its design, economy of operations, ease of maintenance, high performance and exceptional safety record. Air Education and Training Command is the primary user of the T-38 for joint specialized undergraduate pilot training. Air Combat Command, Air Force Materiel Command and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration also use the T-38A in various roles.
Features
The T-38 has swept wings, a streamlined fuselage and tricycle landing gear with a steerable nose wheel. Two independent hydraulic systems power the ailerons, rudder and other flight control surfaces. Critical aircraft components are waist high and can be easily reached by maintenance crews.
The T-38C incorporates a “glass cockpit” with integrated avionics displays, head-up display and an electronic “no drop bomb” scoring system. The AT-38B has a gun sight and practice bomb dispenser.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs