Aircraft Maintenance and Operations

Images of U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft undergoing maintenance and preparations, highlighting technical aspects and personnel in action.

F-15C Eagles assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron receive hot-pit refueling during surge operations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 24, 2022. During a hot-pit refuel, the pilot remains in the cockpit with engines running while maintenance crews perform safety checks and refuel the aircraft, cutting the time between sorties to less than 30 minutes.
F-15C Eagles assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron receive hot-pit refueling during surge operations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 24, 2022. During a hot-pit refuel, the pilot remains in the cockpit with engines running while maintenance crews perform safety checks and refuel the aircraft, cutting the time between sorties to less than 30 minutes.