Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the Air Force planning to phase out the F-16 fighter jet from its fleet, and what does this mean to Luke AFB’s current training mission?

The Air Force began using the F-16 in 1979 and plans to keep the aircraft in service for at least another decade. The planned replacement for the F-16 is the F-35 Lightning II, which is the military’s new and improved fighter jet. Establishing a second F-35 training base at Luke AFB is the next step in the military’s development and national protection. Eglin Air Force Base in Florida has been selected as the Air Force’s first training base for the F-35.

Regarding Luke AFB’s current training mission, the Air Force has not released a specific date yet as to when the F-16 will be retired from the base. But it is possible that Luke will continue to have some F-16s until 2025 or beyond in order to continue supporting the training missions of other ally countries that have purchased F-16s from the U.S.

2. What will be the benefits if Luke AFB is selected for the F-35 mission?

First and foremost, it will enable Luke AFB to continue playing an integral role in our military’s air defense and security systems. Locally, there will also be direct benefits to residents and businesses in the West Valley, metro Phoenix area and the state of Arizona. The new training mission will generate additional civilian employment and construction jobs, wages, consumer spending and investments. Luke AFB can also anticipate receiving an immediate investment from the federal government of $125-$150 million in construction-related projects. Much of this investment will positively impact the state’s economy with local labor and suppliers of construction material.

Also, Luke’s military personnel and their families will continue spending money in our local economy, so the new F-35 mission will contribute significantly to our housing, retail and hospitality industries. In addition, Luke AFB purchases a large amount of goods and services locally, and those contracts are with companies throughout Arizona. Thus, the F-35 mission will bring with it decades of sustainable recession-proof economic benefits to the Valley and state.

3. Why should I care about protecting the future mission of Luke AFB?

There are several reasons why each and every one of us living in Arizona should care about the future mission of Luke AFB, and here are just two: First, the men and women who volunteer to enter the military and serve our country are, without a doubt, America’s heroes and go to work each day to protect our freedom and security.

As we know all too well, we’re living during a time in history when the world is a very fragile, unstable place. We are currently involved in two wars and there is ongoing civil unrest in other parts of the world as well. Unfortunately, there are countries who do not believe in granting the same rights and freedoms to its people that we take for granted here in the U.S. So now, more than ever, it’s critical that our military personnel are prepared to respond when the need arises. And, in order to be prepared, our military personnel must receive the best training possible.

The Air Force base that has the experience and knowledge necessary to provide the best training for our new F-35 fighter pilots is located right here in the West Valley. Since Luke AFB began operations in 1941, the base has trained and graduated more than 55,000 fighter pilots. Also, Arizona has the ideal climate, land, airspace, training ranges, facilities and infrastructure needed to train and fly the next generation strike fighter. Thus, securing the F-35 training mission is the next logical step for Luke to continue to serve as one of the Air Force’s premier training bases for decades to come.

Second, Arizona’s military industry is one of the largest industries and economic generators in the state. Collectively, these military bases employ 83,000 active duty personnel, reservists and civilians and generate $9.1 billion annually to Arizona’s economy. Just as we would do all we can to keep the state’s largest employers and revenue generators right here in Arizona, we need to do everything possible to protect Luke AFB and our other military bases in Arizona. This is especially important in light of the current economic challenges facing our state.

4. Will the takeoffs/landings or flight patterns change if Luke AFB becomes a F-35 training base? Will the number of daily training flights change?

It is anticipated the takeoffs/landings and flight patterns, as well as the number of daily training flights, will largely remain the same. The only difference will be the new F-35 aircraft. Luke currently flies between 150-175 training missions (referred to in the military as “sorties”) a day.

5. Are there any noise issues relating to the new F-35?

The site-specific data collected during the environmental impact study, which is required by federal law, will include noise generated from the F-35.

The only current noise data available is from an acoustics study that was conducted on the F-35 by Lockhead Martin (manufacturer of the F-35), in conjunction with the Air Force Research Lab. The study was conducted in October 2008 at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Utilizing more than 170 microphones to collect data, the study found the takeoff and flyover noise generated from the F-35 comparable to the F-22 and F-18, and slightly louder (less than 10 percent) than the F-16, currently stationed at Luke AFB. The study noted that acoustic levels experienced by the public depend on a number of conditions, including topography, weather (temperature, humidity and wind), time of day, observer location in relation to the aircraft, length of time listener is exposed to aircraft, etc.

6. Will additional land-use restrictions be required around the base if Luke AFB is selected for the F-35 training mission?

When the state of Arizona established noise contour lines around Luke AFB through statutory regulations, elected officials had the foresight to make the area within the noise lines larger in order to provide the flexibility to accommodate new aircraft and changing training mission requirements. The current noise lines around Luke AFB are almost twice as large then what is necessary for the F-16. Due to the region’s and state’s proactive approach in protecting Luke, it may not be necessary to expand the existing noise lines in order to accommodate the F-35.

7. Currently, what types of development can occur within the restricted land-use areas?

Arizona’s Compatible Land Use Plan for military airfields is structured into seven separate zones that are based on the high hazard and noise guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Air Installation Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) program. Compatible uses and the recommended intensity of these uses differ within these seven zones. These compatible uses range from wholesale trade and distribution to manufacturing and industrial processing. Other allowable uses also include business/commercial, professional services, communications facilities and utilities, among others.

8. How can I show my support for Luke Air Force Base as a future training site for the     F-35?

First, register your support online at www.LukeForward.com. Next, contact your state legislators and federal congressional representatives to express your support for the F-35 training mission at Luke AFB. To find out who your state and federal representatives are, visit www.azleg.gov and click on the “How Do I Find” button. Citizens can also voice their support of Luke AFB when the federal government seeks public comment from community stakeholders during “public scoping meetings” that will be held as part of the environmental impact study. The future of Luke AFB depends largely on the community support it receives from people like you. So be sure to let your voice and the sound of freedom be heard!