HuggyU2

You do know there's a "Guard/Reserve" section here, right?

Had there been a U-2 pilot in a chase car saying "Raise your left..." on the radio, these wing strikes could have been avoided.

Face it... after introducing Jar Jar Binks, the entire Star Wars brand burned to the ground, never to rise from the ashes.

Yes, 2Lt's coming to fly the T-38 at Beale is definitely a new change. I personally see this as a unique data point that will only be repeated if a lot of variables are all met... i.e. I believe it is very unlikely to happen again. I don't believe it is the "good deal" everyone seems to think it is for the guy, but I'm sure he will enjoy the experience. Going back over 30 years, I can only think of 3 CTP-only pilots that decided to interview for the U-2. All three were accepted. Two made it through U-2 training. (There may be a fourth but I can't remember at this late hour). All three had MWS backgrounds prior to going to T-38 PIT. One of the three I met on a recruiting trip. He was very interested in applying for the U-2 but already had orders to be a T-38 UPT instructor. We were able to get his orders changed to Beale instead, with the hope that he would fly the T-38 two years and then interview. That's what happened, and he's had a pretty good career to include a tour as a U-2 flying squadron commander. We had a former CTP-only T-38 instructor that left Beale not too long ago, and he's on this forum. Maybe he will chime in with his thoughts.

When it comes to getting a GTC, do like Nancy Reagan, put on your red dress, and “just say no”.

There's a big difference here: CB Ford was trying to ruin someone (Kavanaugh). McSally doesn't seem to be going the vindictive route. She simply states "Yes, it happened to me, and I get it.". She's not starting a Congressional inquiry to ruin an innocent man. If I'm missing something about her intent, let me know. I really know very little about the woman. The few things I do see since she retired from the USAF, I applaud.

Matmacwc! I'm your Huckleberry! Being a FAIP from the 1980's, I have mad fix-to-fix skills. Feel free to drop me a pm and I'm sure we can schedule a video-teleconference and I'll draw it all out (4 colors, naturally) on the whiteboard (no chalk, sorry). Sewer Rat, we can include you on the call if you want to learn too. I'm here to help.

Sewer Rat, Could you comment on pitfalls affecting the airline industry? Thanks, Huggy

Pawnman, a friend told me the FAA is mandating a fix to this. A modification will be made so that when the tanks go empty, it will really reduce the weight and allow the 777 to float higher. And the new jet fuel blend (50% Jet A, 50% helium) will also help... somehow.

Apparently, Boeing is working on a fix. I hate CNN.

Now that you are running a side business, do you you conduct business on the phone while walking in uniform, Lieutenant?

I know a former U-2 guy that got 173 credit hours of flying in January... at about $170/hour.

I avoided "safety stink" my entire USAF career. And I've never been directly involved with anything on the civil/GA side. I'm not qualified to comment.

Let me know how you feel when your daughter turns 15.

It's refreshing to come here and see people simply post information or condolences. No one trying to be an NTSB investigator like they idiots on another forum I go to. The shit they post is downright embarrassing... and disrespectful. They are supposedly "aviators"... and most are pretty well to do...and I would expect they would know better. Thanks for keeping it professional.