Contact: Katie Boyd (202) 224-6518
Tuesday, February 7, 2006

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) made the following statement on today’s Introductory Flight Training (IFT) program site selection:

Senator Shelby said, “I am disappointed that the Air Force did not choose Selma as the site for their Introductory Flight Training program. I believe Selma is an excellent location for IFT, as it meets all the education and training requirements set forth by the Air Force. Although Selma was not awarded this contract, I look forward to finding other opportunities for Craig Field and the Selma Community.”

Selma, partnered with Lockheed Martin, was in competition to receive the Air Force Introductory Flight Training program to provide ground school and flight training for Air Force Officers. It was announced today that the program was awarded to Pueblo, Colorado, teamed with Doss Aviation.