The U.S. Air Force Is Headed for a Crash: Too Many Old Planes, Not Enough Cash

AGING FLEET

Most people replace their cars every six years, but the Air Force might hold on to a fighter jet for nearly half a century.

Published Dec. 25 2018 9:45PM EST

181226-axe-us-airforce-crash-hero_no1jwv — Mark Wilson/Getty

The U.S. Air Force’s planes are old—and getting older. The average Air Force plane is 28 years old, according to the Congressional Budget Office. That means hundreds, if not thousands, of Air Force pilots are flying planes built

David Axe

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The U.S. Air Force Is Headed for a Crash: Too Many Old Planes, Not Enough Cash

Most people replace their cars every six years, but the Air Force might hold on to a fighter jet for nearly half a century.

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David Axe