The US Air Force has divested the three A-29C Super Tucano turboprops assigned to its Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, California, after determining that the aircraft did not meet the school's requirements. An Edwards Air Force Base spokesperson confirmed that the Air Force is now exploring alternative options to fulfill spin training and mission systems instruction needs.
In an October 29, 2026 notice of intent, the Air Force Test Center outlined plans to award Sierra Nevada Company a basic ordering agreement for ground handling and on-call maintenance of the three aircraft, specifying that return-to-flight maintenance is excluded as the turboprops are not expected to fly again. The aircraft, built by Embraer and Sierra Nevada Company, were originally acquired by Air Force Special Operations Command before being transferred to Edwards in July 2024.