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April 11, 2013

South Africa's Silver Falcons To Be Grounded

Aerial Demonstration Team Being Pulled From Airshows

The U.S. air show organizers and promoters that are feeling the sting of the loss of the Blue Angels and The Air Force Thuderbirds this season due to cuts in the federal budget are not alone. In South Africa, the bite of the defence force budget bug seems to have claimed another victim. This time it’s the South African Air Force’s Silver Falcons elite aerobatic team. The cockpit ambassadors of the SAAF have been grounded.

AAAA Announcement Creates Buzz

Bell Helicopter used the 2013 Army Aviation Association of America's (AAAA) Annual Professional Forum and Exposition in Fort Worth, as the launching pad for what they call their "Third-Generation" Tiltrotor -- the Bell V-280 Valor. "The introduction of the Bell V-280 Valor underscores our commitment to our military customers. The Bell V-280's unmatched capabilities in speed, range and payload, and its operational agility combine to deliver the best value for the U.S Army," said John Garrison, president and CEO at Bell Helicopter."

Implementing A 'Tiered Readiness Concept' For Active-Duty Units

Air Force officials began to stand down active-duty combat units April 9 to ensure the remaining units supporting worldwide operations can maintain sufficient readiness through the remainder of the fiscal year. The stand down is the result of cuts to Air Combat Command's operations and maintenance account, which must be implemented in part by flying approximately 45,000 fewer training hours between now and Oct 1.