Gen. Stephen Lorenz, commander of Air Education and Training Command (AETC), which is the major command under which pilot training falls, recently indicated the potential for changes in Air Force pilot training.

His proposals included delaying the “specialization” of pilot training students until they were closer to, or already had earned, their wings.  Currently, pilot training students “track” into specifically-geared training programs six months into their 12-month program. 

The Air Force Times article notes that Lorenz’s proposal is in line with what he experienced as a student in pilot training.

Lorenz also alluded to a desire for a new advanced training aircraft, to be acquired in the next “10 to 15 years.”  Given the age of the T-38 (some from the early 1960s are still flying), it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Air Force would eventually plan to replace them.