Air Force picks stunt planes to train and inspire cadets

The U.S. Air Force has officially welcomed four new two-seat, single-engine aerobatic trainers to its fleet at the Air Force Academy. Dubbed the T-19A Kestrel, these all-carbon-fiber aircraft are civilian-built GB1 Gamebird performance planes, selected to expose cadets to high-G maneuvers before they enter formal pilot training.

This move aims to enhance airmanship skills and provide a tangible recruiting tool to attract more pilots. By forming a competitive demonstration team, the Air Force hopes to inspire future aviators and address its ongoing pilot shortage. The program, from concept to delivery of four aircraft, was completed in an unusually fast 10 months, highlighting a new approach to military aviation training.