OVER FIFTY PERCENT OF CAF PILOTS RETURN TO ACTIVE FLIGHT STATUS

MIDLAND, Texas (Nov. 24, 2003) - Over 180 Commemorative Air Force (CAF) pilots have been returned to flight status following a temporary flight suspension issued by the board of directors of the CAF. The directive, made effective Oct. 29, 2003, called for all CAF pilots to participate in a formal safety review before being returned to CAF flight status.

The safety review, initiated as the result of two accidents involving CAF airplanes in 2003, included a thorough examination of the organization's flight operations and maintenance procedures. According to CAF officials, most of the pilots are expected to be certified to fly again by the end of the year with normal flight operations back in place well before the airshow season begins. "The safety review has been well received by our pilots. They recognize its importance in reinforcing safety in all we do," Bob Rice, president of the CAF said. "Safety must be and is an essential element of our corporate culture."

Plans also call for a committee appointed by the board of directors to address long term safety procedures within the organization. Examples of these procedures include safety meetings held within the CAF units, distribution of safety articles and posters to all CAF pilots, evaluation of the pilot selection process and determining the role of the unit flight evaluation board.

The CAF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to flying and restoring World War II aircraft. Based in Midland, Texas, the organization has over 10,000 members and operates a fleet of over 150 World War II aircraft. There are 336 pilots certified to fly CAF airplanes.

For more information please contact Tina Corbett at (432) 563-1000, ext. 2231.

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