1. Restrictions still in place for Osprey aircraft despite grounding being lifted
2. Services limited to using Osprey within 30 minutes of a suitable airfield
3. Efforts underway by military branches to gradually return Osprey squadrons to full capability
Months after the grounding of the Osprey aircraft was lifted, Military.com has learned that there are still significant restrictions in place limiting the aircraft’s operations. The tiltrotor aircraft is not allowed to fly more than 30 minutes away from a suitable airfield for emergency landings, causing services like the Navy to rely on other aircraft for missions. The restrictions were put in place by the V-22 Joint Program Office but details on what makes a suitable landing zone are unknown.
Efforts are being made by the Marines to return their Osprey fleet to full operational capability after months of restrictions. The Air Force and Navy are following return to flight plans but have not provided specific details on current restrictions. Members of Congress have identified limitations with the Navy’s Osprey variant, the CMV-22, which is limited to flights within 30 minutes of a suitable divert airfield.
Despite the limitations, the services have been slowly returning to flight operations since the deadly Osprey crash in November 2020 that led to the military-wide grounding. Mechanical issues related to a clutch problem have been a concern, but the Joint Program Office is working on solutions for the aircraft to remain in service until at least 2055. Recent flight checks have begun for some Osprey variants as the services resume operations cautiously.