60 Minutes: Is the Air Force's F-22 fighter jet making pilots sick?

[GatorFC]

Caught the tail end of this on 60 Minutes tonight and didn't know the context for these pilots' refusal to fly the raptor. Here's the full segment from the CBS News website.

Is the Air Force's F-22 fighter jet making pilots sick?

Military officers rarely speak out against their services, but in our lead story you'll hear from two elite pilots who question the safety of Air Force's most sophisticated, stealthy, and expensive fighter jet, the F-22 Raptor. Maj. Jeremy Gordon and Capt. Joshua Wilson have chosen to stop flying the F-22 because they say during some flights they and other pilots have experienced oxygen deprivation, disorientation, and worse. They are concerned about their safety in the air, as well as the long-term health consequences. The Air Force says it is doing all it can to investigate and solve the problem, and are keeping the jets in the air with careful supervision of the pilots.

 

[MikeD]

There is some as yet unknown problem with the jet's OBOGS system. A little while back, some F-22 pilots had blood tested that showed signs of blood poisoning by similar chemicals that are found in vehicle antifreeze. Over the past months, there have been a good number of IFEs for physiological incidents related to oxygen problems. And many feel that the Alaska crash which killed the pilot and deemed pilot error, was a hastily investigated and engineered whitewash.

 

[bunk22]

Gotta love that OBOGS system!! Even in the Hornet world, it's a big issue..trickles down to our OBOGS system as well.

 

[trafficinsight]

melt em all down and build an endless supply of F-16's and A-10's

 

[wheelsup]

Sweet 'stache

 

[Pilotforhire587]

Anyone see this tonight? Thoughts?

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504803_...-why-they-did-it/?tag=cbsnewsMainColumnArea.1


http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7407680n&tag=contentBody;storyMediaBox

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7407682n&tag=segementExtraScroller;housing

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7407700n&tag=segementExtraScroller;housing

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7407702n&tag=segementExtraScroller;housing


http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7407682n&tag=cbsnewsMainColumnArea.2


http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504803_...ntroversy-begins/?tag=cbsnewsMainColumnArea.1



There is no doubt this is a bad ass aircraft and I love seeing it at airshows and flying out of Tyndall down in FL, but this is a very intriguing issue an I would really like to see what the military guys on here think. Maybe we could start a thread in the LAV if need be.

 

[Soku39]

Is it harsh to say that at this point I'm almost sick of hearing about this?

 

[Pilotforhire587]

Is it harsh to say that at this point I'm almost sick of hearing about this?

I think so... Especially now, I think issues like this getting public attention are all that will really pressure solutions to be found.

 

[Zondaracer]

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7407680n&tag=contentMain;cbsCarousel

 

[Brn N Rubr]

melt em all down and build an endless supply of F-16's and A-10's

I'd say bring back the TomCat....

 

[Autothrust Blue]

melt em all down and build an endless supply of F-16's and A-10's

For the sorts of warfare we're engaged in these days, ground-attack turboprop airplanes might make more sense too. (Probably cheaper...)

 

[killbilly]

For the sorts of warfare we're engaged in these days, ground-attack turboprop airplanes might make more sense too. (Probably cheaper...)

Bring back the OV-10! Long live the Super Tucano!

 

[Pilotforhire587]

For the sorts of warfare we're engaged in these days, ground-attack turboprop airplanes might make more sense too. (Probably cheaper...)

You mean like the Spectre?

 

[Autothrust Blue]

You mean like the Spectre?

Needs more Embraer.

 

[Cazadores]

Needs more Embraer.

Meh....Bring back the SKYRAIDER!!!!! SPADS 4EVER!!!!!

 

[thevideographer]

Meh....Bring back the SKYRAIDER!!!!! SPADS 4EVER!!!!!

Probably more expensive to run than an A10.

 

[Cazadores]

Probably more expensive to run than an A10.

Probably, and the A-10 is pretty much my favorite jet in the USAF inventory, but the AD just did the job with such timeless, humble elegance, and it is hard to beat the sound of its huge radial or the vibrating thump it gives in your chest...

 

[jdlilfan]

Probably, and the A-10 is pretty much my favorite jet in the USAF inventory, but the AD just did the job with such timeless, humble elegance, and it is hard to beat the sound of its huge radial or the vibrating thump it gives in your chest...

Plus it could stay aloft for hours working and fly slow enough to escort helos.

 

[Cazadores]

Plus it could stay aloft for hours working and fly slow enough to escort helos.

All the while carrying enough ordnance to make those hours worthwhile. I just love the story of a design thought to be obsolete which as hard as its critics fight it, just keeps coming back and finding a niche. No jets, no long range missiles, no "gee whiz" technology, just a tough, solid design and smart, incredibly courageous pilots at the controls. Not only is the AD a great plane to see and watch fly, it really does have a great history...Love that plane.

 

[Cazadores]

And yes, probably unbelievably expensive to own and fly. Would love to have one, and a T-28, but unless I start playing Megabucks, and winning.....