{"id":55739,"date":"2019-07-17T02:24:39","date_gmt":"2019-07-17T02:24:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2019\/07\/17\/east-coast-us-navy-aviators-to-see-their-flight-hours-slashed-for-the-rest-of-fiscal-year\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T00:06:43","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T00:06:43","slug":"east-coast-us-navy-aviators-to-see-their-flight-hours-slashed-for-the-rest-of-fiscal-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/naval\/2019\/07\/17\/east-coast-us-navy-aviators-to-see-their-flight-hours-slashed-for-the-rest-of-fiscal-year\/","title":{"rendered":"East Coast US Navy aviators to see their flight hours slashed for the rest of fiscal year"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WASHINGTON \u2014 Budget shortfalls created in part by greater-than-expected demands on maritime patrol aircraft are forcing the Navy to cut flight hours for several squadrons on the East Coast, according to a naval aviation official<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The shortfall, approximately $100 million, will hit helicopter pilots the hardest, with maritime strike squadrons and sea combat expeditionary units that support cruiser and destroyers deployments taking a 25 percent cut, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maritime patrol squadrons, test pilots and fleet air support units will all see a 10 percent cut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heavy operational demands placed on P-8 maritime patrol aircraft account for the shortfall and will need to be accounted for going forward, the official said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flyovers will also be curtailed, although previously scheduled events will go on as planned, the official said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The $100 million shortfall was first reported by USNI News<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\t