Osprey Amphibious Flight Qualifications Successful

Marines flew their MV-22 Ospreys aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge as part of a flight qualification program for air crew. Pilots performed at least five landings each over the last week on several of the five landing spots and conducted at least two short takeoffs each. The star-crossed Osprey program, beset with safety issues early on and accusations of false safety reporting, initially brought some skepticism among the Kearsarge crew, according to the Navy newsletter. The successful landing, though, seemed to dispel initial wariness. Bell Helicopter, Textron and Boeing all have hands in the new Marine workhorse designed to replace the ancient CH-46E and CH Ch-54D helicopters. Navy Newstand reports.