415th Flight Test Flight - Overview

Overview

The unit provides flight testing for T-38 Talon jet trainers carried out at Randolph Field. The unit performs functional check flights, making sure the aircraft are ready to fly after undergoing modifications and repairs.

The 571st AMXS, a unit of the 309th Maintenance Wing at Hill AFB, Utah, performs T-38 overhauls at Randolph, where the 571st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Operating Location A handles depot maintenance of all T-38s in the Air Force, as well as some Navy T-38s.

The 415th FLTF is a small unit, consisting of two full-time test pilots, a command support staff NCO in charge and a cadre of other senior NCOs who specialize in aviation resource management and aircrew flight equipment. Every plane - except for those with minor modifications - requires a functional check flight before it's delivered to the field... each FCF lasts about an hour; the unit shuts down the engine and test all the controls. It takes an un-airworthy aircraft and certify it for flight.