|
|
|
|
JPATS Joint Primary Aircraft Training System
In a rather unusual turn, the Raytheon T-6A Texan II JPATS aircraft has earned FAA type and production certificates, under Part 23 aerobatic category. The aircraft is a highly modified Pilatus PC-9 design, powered by a Pratt and Whitney PT6-A turboprop powerplant. The aircreft is the first with an ejection seat system as part of its FAA type certificate. Both Navy and Air Force primary training will eventually utilize the Texan II, which has special power management and automatic trim devices that make it handle much like a jet-powered aircraft. The U.S. Department of Defense and has ordered 68 production versions of the aircraft, with a total purchase of more than 700 aircraft expected by the year 2014. Canada and Greece also have placed orders for the Texan II.
The following Notice of Intent appeared in the Pensacola News Journal August 8-11, 1999. NOTICE OF INTENT The Department of the Navy Will prepare an environmental assessment (EA) to evaluate the environmental effects of replacing its primary training aircraft. The current T-34C will be replaced by the newly acquired turbo prop T-6A aircraft and associated training system equipment at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field, Milton, Florida. The effects of associated construction activities will also be evaluated in the EA. The aircraft and associated land-based system equipment are referred to as the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS). This system will replace all primary pilot training equipment in the Navy and Air Force inventory. The T-6A will be phased into service and the T-34C will be retired from service over a six to ten year period. Currently five military construction projects, consisting of upgrades or modifications to existing facilities, are proposed at NAS Whiting Field to support the JPATS. The Navy is proposing to extend the runway at Navy Outlying Landing Field (NOLF) Brewton, Alabama (Brewton Muni Airport). Additional plans include acquiring Clear Zone land at the NOLF Barin, Alabama, runway 27 approach end to accommodate the longer runway requirements of the T-6A. The T-34C and T-6A are single-engine, propeller-driven aircraft. The annual number and frequency of aircraft takeoff, landing, and touch-and-go operations at the associated NOLFs is not expected to change as a result of this replacement project. Takeoffs and landings at NAS Whiting Field (North) are expected to increase by approximately 40%. Operations at NAS Whiting Field (South) may increase by 20%. NOLFs to be used by the JPATS aircraft include NOLF Barin, Alabama; NOLF Brewton, Alabama; NOLF Evergreen, Alabama; NOLF Saufley, Florida; and NOLF Choctaw, Florida. As more T-6A aircraft join the training fleet, operations will also commence at NOLF Summerdale, Alabama, and NOLF Silverhill, Alabama. These operations will require acquisition of land for the required Clear Zones to accommodate the longer runway requirements of the T-6A at NOLF Summerdale and NOLF Silverhill. These two projects will also require runway extensions. Agencies and the public are invited to provide written comments on issues or concerns that should be addressed in the FA. Comments should be mailed within 15 days of the date of this notice to:
Commanding Officer Southern Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Attn: Robert Teague (064RT) P.O Box 190010 North Charleston, SC 29419-9010 Telephone: (843) 820-5785 Fax: (843) 820-7472 L;Q)~~ Legal No 57778 2T August 8,ll, 1999
Click below to Return to the Enter Page.
|
