An F-4D Phantom jet squadron celebrated a landmark achievement of 80,000 consecutive mishap-free flight hours over nearly 22 years when a jet landed safely at an Air Force base here in Daegu Tuesday.
Since Oct. 30 in 1985, the 151st Fighter Squadron of the 11th Fighter Wing has flown a combined 34,320,000 km without any accident, according to officials at the unit.
They said it would represent the world's longest mishap-free record by the aging F-4 model.
"We have been the best of the best in operating Phantom F-4Ds and today's record could be reached due to the teamwork of our pilots and all of the airmen and mechanics who dedicated themselves to successful operations," said the wing commander, Brig.Gen. Kim Sang-kyung.
The 11th Fighter Wing is the leading unit of the South Korean Air Force, operating F-4D and F-15K jets.
Established in 1969, South Korea's first Phantom squadron has played a key role in the country's air defense.
