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Sequestration Update: AF Heritage Flight Foundation Responds to Industry Challenge

April 13th, 2013
Following a late February announcement by the U.S. Air Force that Air Force participation in Heritage Flights during the 2013 air show season had been cancelled, the Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation (AFHFF) immediately developed plans to maintain the Heritage Flight’s visibility and impact at air shows in 2013. The Foundation, an organization operated and funded by ICAS member and air show performer Dan Friedkin, increased its commitment to the program, in order to provide Heritage Flights for the duration of the 2013 season. Although contemporary Air Force pilots and aircraft will not participate, AFHFF civilian pilots will fly civilian warbirds at remaining scheduled 2013 Heritage Flight air shows to honor the brave men and women who have served, and proudly support the Air Force's recruiting and retention efforts. It is the Foundation's belief that -- in due time, when the fiscal environment changes -- the U.S. Air Force will re-instate the use of modern fighters into the program. Until then, the AFHFF will provide Heritage Flights for the public in accordance with the 2013 AFHFF Support Manual (to be released shortly).