http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1208870508695&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Apr 28, 2008 8:33 | Updated Apr 28, 2008 8:34

IAF resumes F-16I training flights

By JPOST.COM STAFF

The Israeli Air Force will resume training flights in most of its F16I fighter jets, following a decision by Israel Air Force Commander Maj.-Gen. Elazar Shkedy. The fleet had been grounded in late March after carcinogenic material was found in the cockpit of seven of the aircrafts.

The planes in which the material, formaldehyde, was found, are still grounded and the army is continuing efforts to pinpoint the source of the material in order to ensure the health of its pilots.

Shkedy made the decision to suspend training flights after a number of pilots complained of a bad smell coming from the cockpit of one of the planes.

The IDF Medical Branch conducted tests and discovered that the smell was caused by a type of formaldehyde known to be carcinogenic in high concentration.

The F-16I - called Sufa (Storm) in Israel - is one of the most advanced and sophisticated combat fighter jets in the world alongside the F-15I.

The plane was purchased by Israel in 2000 when former chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz was head of the IAF. In total, Israel purchased 102 planes from Lockheed Martin and is supposed to receive the last batch by the end of 2008.

Yaakov Katz contributed to this report