Quantcast

USAF retires T-1A Jayhawk after over three decades of service

Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
Southwest Airlines Announces Reimagined Fare Products, New Benefits for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and Tier Member Customers
United CEO calls Trump's tariffs a 'chess game'
Flight tickets from Srinagar remain exorbitantly high despite aviation ministry request
RTX Q1 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Increase Year Over Year
Delta faces federal investigation as it scraps hundreds of flights for fifth straight day
Coalition pledges to remove EV tax break two days after Dutton ruled out scrapping it – as it happened
Adani’s airport unit seeks $750 million loan from global banks
GE Aerospace affirms outlook; CEO met with Trump to discuss tariffs
Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
Archer unveils plans for NYC air-taxi network in partnership with United Airlines
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
ICAO Proposes ‘Journey Pass’ Biometric ID Boarding
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
Southwest Airlines extends flight schedule through early April 2025
Cathay Pacific reaches 3,400 pilots this year, with low resignation rate of 2.9%
Qatar Airways Nears Boeing 777 Fleet-Wide Starlink Upgrade
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
50 New Routes Launching In April 2025
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
USAF retires T-1A Jayhawk after over three decades of service
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
Simple Flying | Simple Flying

The United States Air Force (USAF) has retired the T-1A Jayhawk, a multi-engine trainer that served for over three decades. The aircraft was introduced in the early 1990s as a modified Beechjet 400A and played a crucial role in training pilots for airlift or tanker aircraft. It also served in navigator training for the US Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and international partners.

On December 17, 2024, the last Raytheon (Beech) T-1A Jayhawk left Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas after a small ceremony. It is now stored at Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona with the 309th Aerospace Maintenance And Regeneration Group.

The T-1A was designed to transition pilots from basic trainers to larger airframes with more powerful engines and complex cockpit environments. Equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5B engines and advanced avionics, it provided realistic mission practices. The aircraft featured stable handling qualities and a systems layout suitable for two flight students under an instructor's supervision.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The Jayhawk had been operational since February 1992 and was used by various squadrons across multiple bases including Randolph AFB in Texas, Columbus AFB in Mississippi, Laughlin AFB in Texas, Vance AFB in Oklahoma, and NAS Pensacola in Florida. Over its service life of 32 years, thousands of pilots trained on the T-1A before advancing to transport aircraft such as the C-17A Globemaster III and KC-135 Stratotanker.

In July 2024, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph phased out the Jayhawk as part of a transition to the T-7A Red Hawk. This new trainer offers enhanced systems and capabilities that aim to improve training efficiency while maintaining high standards of instruction.

Lt. Col. Dominique Haig of the 99th Flying Training Squadron reflected on this transition: "It was an honor to be a part of the final Red Tail T-1 flight." He acknowledged its role as "a workhorse for the past 31 years preparing instructor pilots and combat systems operators."

As modern warfare evolves with advancements like fifth-generation stealth fighters and drone swarms, USAF training requirements have intensified. While bidding farewell to the Jayhawk's legacy of service during complex times, there is recognition that future demands necessitate even more intensive preparation.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The Emirates Group recently held an exhibition titled "Tomorrow Takes Flight," showcasing its sustainability initiatives in aviation.

Jul 4, 2025

Air France-KLM has announced plans to take control of SAS Scandinavian Airlines by increasing its ownership stake to 60.5% by the end of 2026.

Jul 4, 2025

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has expressed concerns over the Global Solidarity Levy Task Force's (GSLTF) proposal to impose a premium flyer levy, citing potential negative impacts on the airline industry and broader economic...

Jul 4, 2025

American Airlines, known for its extensive network of hub airports, once operated a significant hub at St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) in Missouri.

Jul 4, 2025

Qantas Airways has reported a cyber attack targeting one of its contact centers, leading to a potential data breach affecting up to six million customers.

Jul 4, 2025

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is experiencing a significant increase in airline travel.

Jul 4, 2025