About

Introduction

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was enacted to address concerns about federal actions and their effects on the environment. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is the most detailed analysis prescribed by regulations implementing NEPA. An EIS is a public document and public involvement is a vital component of the NEPA process.

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) has published a Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS, pursuant to NEPA, for the proposed Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)-Randolph T-X Recapitalization. The Proposed Action includes the introduction of the new generation T-X training aircraft and associated construction and renovation of support facilities at JBSA-Randolph.

Background

The USAF will recapitalize the T-38C aircraft fleet with the T-X aircraft at Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Bases. Program-wide, the USAF will procure approximately 350 T-X aircraft. The new T-X aircraft will allow USAF pilots to train more efficiently and effectively to fly 4th and 5th generation USAF aircraft. Other benefits of the T-X aircraft include improved technology and improved maintenance leading to less downtime of the aircraft and increased simulator training in the pilot training program. The USAF installations scheduled to undergo T-X recapitalization include JBSA-Randolph, Texas; Columbus Air Force Base (AFB), Mississippi; Laughlin AFB, Texas; Sheppard AFB, Texas; and Vance AFB, Oklahoma. Deliveries of the new aircraft will start in fiscal year (FY) 2023.

To prepare for accepting the T-X aircraft, the USAF developed a geographically phased replacement plan that initiates T-X aircraft replacement activities at JBSA-Randolph before the other training locations because JBSA-Randolph conducts the majority of the USAF’s Pilot Instructor Training (PIT) and is an Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF) training location. The Secretary of the Air Force has since named JBSA-Randolph as the first location to undergo T-X recapitalization. Initial basing of T-X aircraft at JBSA-Randolph would be an essential first step in establishing a T-X PIT pipeline and would allow for the transition to T-X training at the other four pilot training bases that will be used for the T-X Advanced Pilot Training Program.

Proposed Action

The Proposed Action is to recapitalize the T-38C fleet at JBSA-Randolph with new T-X aircraft. The Proposed Action at JBSA-Randolph includes the construction and improvement of support facilities for training and maintenance of the T-X aircraft. The five major construction projects are proposed at JBSA-Randolph and include a Maintenance Training System facility, a Ground Based Training System facility, a Hush House pad, a Fuel Cell facility, and 65 sunshades. Additionally there are 14 minor renovation projects of existing facilities to support similar missions now conducted in those facilities. All flight operations would take place within existing airspace and additions to or alterations of airspace are not being considered. The Proposed Action would have three operational alternative approaches.

Alternative 1 – Baseline Projected T-X Aircraft Operations: the T-X aircraft would conduct training events for PIT and IFF training. Up to 600 nighttime T-X operations would be conducted annually phased in at a proportionate level to daytime operations. The T-X aircraft would perform the same types of operations now performed by the T-38C aircraft, but may have minor adjustments to account for the handling and enhanced capabilities of the newer T-X aircraft. T-X aircraft training events would occur at training locations now used by T-38C aircraft within the training region of JBSA-Randolph such as Seguin Auxiliary Field.

Alternative 2 – Increased T-X Aircraft Operations: The T-X aircraft would conduct training events for PIT and IFF training at operational intensities that are 20 percent greater than those defined for Alternative 1 and with a 20 percent increase in nighttime operations (i.e., 720 nighttime T-X operations). Alternative 2 is intended to cover a scenario in which, for either broad strategic or tactical operational reasons, USAF requires a surge or increase in training operations.

Alternative 3 – Conduct T-X Operations in Conjunction with a Reduced Level of T-38C Operations: This alternative would maintain the level of T-X operations detailed in Alternative 2, but would have a continued, sustained level of T-38C operations occuring at 10,000 per year starting in FY 2028 and going forward. This would allow for the more advanced pilot training to be implemented while sustaining legacy aircraft operations at a reduced level.

FAQs

What is NEPA?

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 was enacted to address concerns about environmental quality. NEPA's main objectives are as follows:

Ensure that federal agencies evaluate the potential environmental impacts of proposed programs, projects, and actions before decisions are made to implement them
Inform the public of proposed federal activities that have the potential to affect the human environment, including the natural and physical environments
Encourage and facilitate public involvement in the decision-making process

NEPA requires a federal agency to analyze impacts from a proposal and its alternatives, and provides the public with opportunities to participate in the process.

What is an EIS?

An EIS is a detailed public document describing a proposed action, all alternative actions that were considered, and the environmental impacts of implementing the proposed action and reasonable alternatives.

Regulations specify that an EIS be prepared when a federal agency proposes a major action with the potential to significantly affect the quality of the human environment. An EIS is required to “provide a basis of consideration and inform decisionmakers and the public of the reasonable alternatives.”

What is Scoping?

Public scoping is an early and open process for identifying issues and alternatives to be addressed in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and determining who (e.g., public and government agencies) is interested in the Proposed Action. The scoping period begins with publication of a Notice of Intent (NOI) in the Federal Register stating an agency’s intent to prepare an EIS. Public meetings may be conducted during the scoping period to provide information to interested parties and to receive comments on the proposed action and alternatives that will be considered in the Draft EIS.

What is the T-X?

The T-X is a new type of aircraft that the U.S. Air Force will use for pilot training. The T-X will enable pilots to train more efficiently with modern avionics better preparing them to fly 4th and 5th generation aircraft.

Why is T-X Recapitalization Needed?

The T‑38C is nearing the end of its service life and is incurring greater maintenance requirements as it ages. Greater maintenance issues lead to more down time of the aircraft, which threatens the availability of pilot training hours. Training with the older T‑38C fails to prepare pilots for the technological advancements of fifth generation aircraft including nighttime flight training. Training systems provided with the new T‑X aircraft will allow for enhanced and increased simulator training. As a result, the T‑X recapitalization program will allow the USAF top provide more efficient and effective pilot training for operating fifth generation aircraft.

Why was JBSA-Randolph Selected for Recapitalization?

JBSA-Randolph conducts the majority of the U.S. Air Force’s Pilot Instructor Training (PIT) and is an Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF) training location. Initial basing of T-X aircraft at JBSA-Randolph would be an essential first step in establishing a T-X PIT pipeline and would allow for the transition to T-X training at the other four pilot training bases that will be used for the T-X Advanced Pilot Training Program.

What is the T-X Recapitalization EIS Schedule?

The U.S. Air Force published the Notice of Intent for the EIS in the Federal Register on February 6, 2019, and the scoping period ended on April 5, 2019. After the scoping period ended, the U.S. Air Force is incorporating public input into their proposal. The Draft EIS is expected to be completed in Fall 2019.