Engine Issues Force USAF F-35 Demo Team To Cut Back 2021 Schedule

posted in: Airshows, Military, Schedules | 4
USAF F-35 Lightning II - AirshowStuff

The USAF F-35 Lightning II Demonstration Team will be cutting a number of planned airshow performances this year due to fleet-wide engine issues. This surprising news was confirmed by the team earlier today.

The Pratt & Whitney engines in the Air Force F-35A fleet have reportedly been operating at higher than expected temperatures. This, combined with underperforming materials within the engine is resulting in greater mechanical defects and wear from use. The worn out engines are taking longer to repair than expected, leading the fleet to face a shortage of replacement engines.

In response, Air Combat Command (ACC), which oversees the Air Force’s tactical fighters to include the F-35 Demonstration Team, has decided to cut back on the number of airshows that the F-35 team will support this year. The revised schedule is not yet finalized, but is expected to be about eight shows shorter than the original list of performances.

Some affected shows may have already received the news; the Great Tennessee Airshow in Smyrna recently replaced the F-35 Demo Team with the F-16 Demo Team on their website. It is likely that ACC will work to assign one of their three other demonstration teams – the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor, and A-10 Thunderbolt II – to shows which fall off of the F-35 schedule.

Stay tuned to our forums for more information on the schedule changes and other airshow information. You can also check out our airshow calendar page to find airshows and events near you!

4 Responses

  1. Mike G.

    Now I feel a bit selfish watching Kristin buzz my house in Layton, UT during her practice sessions. Her talent, combined with the power and grace of the F-35A, is truly something all Americans should be able to see (and feel).

  2. Jerome p Cleary

    Trying to win tickets to a airshow in Alberta. I have ridden in back seat of F 104 in caf in Germany.

  3. Cazbee

    I also live near the runway of H.A.F.B and being a resident of thirty years I can confidently say things have definitely changed on Hwy 193. And it’s to be expected. I live in a great city. Friendly people, lots of entertainment, beautiful views, plus The Base provides employment for so many. But….I never imagined how I would be feeling about “The sound of Freedom.” Two year’s later. I have grown up with the Jets. I’ve always loved talking about how we live so close we go on the roof for the air shows. By far one of the coolest things about living so close. The sheer power of these machines can be felt the minute the engines are started the ground begins to rumble. Now maybe the reason things are running hot is because some days it’s just to much. Between five and ten F-35’s Take off at least five times a day. Come off the runway and make a hard left directly over my home. How were we supposed to work from home. You say please hold for a moment quite frequently

  4. Cazbee

    I also live near the runway of H.A.F.B and being a resident of thirty years I can confidently say things have definitely changed on Hwy 193. And it’s to be expected. I live in a great city. Friendly people, lots of entertainment, beautiful views, plus The Base provides employment for so many. But….I never imagined how I would be feeling about “The sound of Freedom.” Two year’s later. I have grown up with the Jets. I’ve always loved talking about how we live so close we go on the roof for the air shows. By far one of the coolest things about living so close. The sheer power of these machines can be felt the minute the engines are started the ground begins to rumble. It drives me crazy! Now maybe the reason things are running hot is because some days it’s just to much. Between five and ten F-35’s Take off at least five times a day. Come off the runway and make a hard left directly over my home. How were we supposed to work from home. You say Please hold for a moment quite frequently. Hell even when yard work is being done, and that’s all you hear. Jet engines. Loud, Annoying, Pompous. This demo and crew are out of control!!!!

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