Defense Secretary Panetta Orders Halt to Long-Range F-22 Missions in Alaska

F-22s must stay in proximity to landing sites due to concerns over pilots experiencing hypoxia-like symptoms

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By KTVA CBS 11 News
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Story Created: May 15, 2012 at 11:26 AM AKDT

Story Updated: May 15, 2012 at 12:01 PM AKDT

F-22 Raptor jet aircraft fly over the Pacific Ocean. Photo by Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald, Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force

ANCHORAGE - Alaska's most advanced fighter has had its wings clipped by the Defense Department.

Secretary Leon Panetta today announced the F-22 Raptors will only be flown within a safe distance from landing strips.

The move comes after 12 pilots, since April of 2008, have reported oxygen deprivation from an unknown problem with the plane's oxygen system.

The oxygen problem is being blamed for a November 2010 crash near the Denali Highway that killed Anchorage based pilot Captain Jeff Haney.

The flight restrictions mean none of the planes can do long-range interception and airspace patrols over Alaska.

The Air Force says those missions will be done by "other" aircraft, but KTVA has been unable to confirm which ones.

Panetta also says all F-22's will be fitted with a back-up oxygen system until the problem can be found and fixed.

No word yet when the flight restrictions will be lifted.

The F-22 is the Air Force's most costly and advanced fighter.

The last plane to be manufactured for the Air Force was delivered to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson earlier this month.

“All F-22 flights will remain in the proximity of potential landing locations to enable quick recovery and landing should a pilot encounter unanticipated physiological conditions during flight. That means long-duration airspace control flights in Alaska will be performed by other aircraft,” said George Little, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense.

 

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Anonymous said on Tuesday, May 15 at 9:08 PM

MADE IN USA lasted thru WWII and Korea and Vietnam war - MADE IN USA...makes all the difference!

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BobD said on Tuesday, May 15 at 5:19 PM

So much for testing by the manufacturer..All up-grades or repairs should be done with NO cost to govt.

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nick said on Tuesday, May 15 at 1:58 PM

Pricey plane and it can do tiny circles around the airport it flew a tiny it from

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jeremiah blankenship sr. said on Tuesday, May 15 at 1:45 PM

these planes are wack.post that. take me off your list.

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Anonymous said on Tuesday, May 15 at 12:07 PM

That is what happens when made in USA is from China

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