You find it 'odd' because you did not do basic research. When I was active duty and stationed at MacDill, there is a procedure call 'hurrevac' where every available pilot is called to fly every available jet off base. Unfortunately, due to the nature of aviation maintenance, not every jet is in flyable condition when the hurricane hit. This is just one incident of life that we have no choice but, as Americans say, 'bite the bullet' and take the loss.
I did read the article where it stated that F-22's are not always 'flight worthy'.
That is why I also said 'fly IF possible'.
So I am aware of the fact that aviation maintenance is one of the reasons for not flying the plane.
I understand that a shortage of suitable pilots could be another.
But I also talked about transporting the jets to another base.
And with transportation I meant something like a truck.
See this link:
It is not a F-22 but a F-15, but I think you understand what I mean.
(It is transported from Tyndall Air Force Base, by the way)
Just like you said, in case of a hurricane the procedure 'hurrevac' is initiated.
But that only works for flight-worthy planes.
Only 49 % of the F-22's were mission ready.
If such a high percentage of F-22's is not ready to fly, shouldn't there also be an evacuation plan for jets which aren't flight-worthy?
Something with trucks who transport the planes by road.
It would cost a lot of money (and time) but I think it would still be less than just accepting the cost of the damage inflicted by hurricanes.
