The Air Force’s T-6 Texan II fleet was expected to resume flying Thursday following a five-day standdown.
Air Education and Training Command ordered all of its T-6s to stand down April 10 after indications of an engine oil line malfunction. The T-6A special program office conducted a fleetwide inspection, which was finalized April 14. Investigators checked the condition and security of the cooler supply and return lines on every aircraft. All T-6As passed inspection and were cleared for flight.
Chafing of the supply lines can cause loss of oil, resulting in causing damage or engine failure, according to AETC. As a result of the inspection, T-6A maintainers were given clearer specifications for the installation of lines and on along with allowable wear before replacement.
AETC flies 446 of the turboprop aircraft as entry-level pilot training. The aircraft are largely flown at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi; Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma; and Laughlin Air Force Base and Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas.
Student pilots, during the standdown, focused on academic work and simulator training. There are nNo more training delays are expected.
The Navy and Marine Corps also use the T-6 for entry-level pilot training. The Navy monitored the Air Force’s inspection, but did not ground the plane, Navy spokesman Lt. Tim Hawkins said.
