[Llarry]

The first pair of Boeing T-7A jet trainers have arrived at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. Assigned to the 12th Flying Training Wing, these aircraft will be initially used to train instructors -- it will be next year before students start training on the type.

The T-7A will ultimately replace the long-serving Northrop T-38. The aircraft is a joint Boeing-SAAB design. The USAF plans to buy at least 350 and possibly as many as 475 of the aircraft.

The Navy is also on the hunt for a new advanced jet trainer and the T-7A is a major contender. The Navy has decided that student carrier pilots will not be required to qualify in carrier landings before getting their wings -- a major cultural shift. The reason is that modern aircraft have Precision Landing Mode that makes carrier landings easier. The exception will be pilots of E-2D Hawkeye aircraft, who will still qualify while in training. Navy purchases are likely to total 200-plus trainers.