HuggyU2

Siegzy, welcome to Beale. Lots of GA flyers there Be sure to check out the High Sierra flyin which is held annually.

I had forgotten about Rans! I flew an S-12 a few times years ago, and really enjoyed it. It even had a BRS chute on it. I'm glad to see they are still innovating, and will definitely look at their product line as an option for me.

T-Pain, I'm not arguing with you one bit. Please understand I'm not pontificating and stating you must have the job satisfaction I did. My career was exceptional... and unique.. and I spent a lot of mental time planning through various things to make it go my way. No doubt I was fortunate in things I couldn't control. Even my U-2 cohorts will tell you I had a charmed career. Had things gone for me like they went for some other people on here, I'm sure I would have separated or retired before my 28 years. I remember sitting in front of the Alconbury MPF (CBPO for you old guys) when my UPT commitment ended and the bonus was offered. "Get out or stay in?" I sat in my car with the engine running for about 30 minutes questioning the decision. In the end, I went in and signed up for 6 more years (or whatever it was). Glad I did. Here's the bottom line. My overly-long post yesterday was simply aimed at Joe's statement: "it's pretty f*cked up to turn down a massive improvement in income and quality of life to drag your family from base to base, suffering through deployments and taking a massive paycut just because you want to wear a bag and go fast." That rubs me the wrong way. Big time. I've heard this sentiment from others, and I've heard it often: that my selfishness and unwillingness to leave the military has caused my family pain and suffering, and a reduction in their quality of life. I'd be a rich airline Captain, had I separated at the 6 year point, right? And my lack of seeing the big picture financially has prevented my family from being wealthier. And my time away from home negatively affected my kids... as opposed to the 18 months I was Executive Director and when I was home, I was in my office working from 1900-2300 most nights, and unable to do stuff on the weekends. There's more to QOL than meets the eye. I really don't think that's what Joe's message really was intended to be... but that's what I hear when I read people that post "you're crazy and doing a disservice to your family if you stay in 1 day past your commitment". I've had U-2 guys seek my advice, and in some cases I've told them they should leave the AF at the end of their current commitment. If I was in their shoes, I'd certainly do it. And had I gotten the fighter I wanted out of UPT, I doubt I would have lasted beyond my 6 year commitment. It turns out the U-2 Program was the perfect fit for me. I only left because they threw me out. I do not begrudge anyone that leaves when they are done. They gave 6, 8, 10 years of their life to the country, and deserve every ounce of my respect. But don't tell me I'm fucked up because I decided to stay for 28.

I see this topic come up as "thread creep" in other threads, and figured I'd start a thread. A nice photo of an RV was recently posted. I figure there is a good brain-trust around here with the RV-line of aircraft, and others. I met a Captain building an RV-14. Sounds like the ultimate RV to me. Really interested in learning more. Do any of you have experience with one yet? https://www.vansaircraft.com/public/rv14.htm

You know, Joe, the "military life" isn't for everyone. You're certainly not the only one that has made a similar statement/post, and it is certainly not my goal to poke you in the eye. I simply have a different outlook I'd like to share. While you consider my decision to stay in "fucked up", I certainly didn't, and I "wore the bag" for 28 years. It's a "service to the country". There's sacrifice involved. And my family got to be a part of that experience. No, my kids didn't get much of a vote. The career decision was mine to make. You're right: I could have improved my "income" had I separated at the end of my 6-year UPT commitment, but more money wasn't my goal. As for "improved quality of life"... that's a personal matter. Serving as a USAF pilot was my dream... and I was living my dream. The satisfaction I had in doing my service was my "good QOL". And my kids relish their time living on base. They were very happy times. I signed up to serve. And when I got married, she agreed to it too. Oh yeah... she was a military brat who never stayed anywhere more than 3 years while growing up. I guess the lifestyle rubbed off on my oldest kid, who is now a Lieutenant, and commissioned despite outsiders saying it was a stupid decision, based on civilian career potential due to graduating from a prestigious private university. Said Lt is apparently fucked up like dad. As for me, I could have been an civilian engineer like my dad, who had a PhD. I went to 4 different high schools in 4 years. Is that fucked up QOL in your book, and is my dad to blame? I meet people now that say "my oldest is in 7th grade, so we need to stay h ere until he graduates". Really? Well, ok. If that's what they need, then so be it. To me, it seems odd when they only reason is that "they are established in football" or "with their friends". But I respect it. They know their family's needs better than anyone (hopefully). Having spent 18 months as the Executive Director of a very interesting civilian group after I retired, I can tell you the experience was worse than being on active duty in many respects. The AF isn't the only organization doing things terribly wrong and inefficient. If you want the money, and hate the QOL, then don't join the military. And if you make that realization while you're in, get out at your earliest opportunity. Many of my friends did just that. But in my case... as bad as things had become in the AF by the time I left in 2014... I still looked forward to going to work every day.

136?? Apparently, you don't fly the 737-900ER.

Quite possibly true. But now, those "participants" will not have access to a significant WMD resource. So, to answer the question you posed to me: yes.

I believe that the use of WMD crosses a significant and serious line. While I agree that we jump into too many fights, this is one I believe we should stand up for, and I am willing, as an American citizen, to accept the consequences. Additionally, it has the tertiary advantage of putting notice to the rest of the world that, despite the Obama administration's hollow threats of a red line, the current administration isn't going to be bullied by the Russians or anyone else. The more the Russians scream and shout, the more satisfied I am. Hell, if they wanted to influence the election, I'm sure they would have supported Hillary, and kept the status quo of American inaction towards Russia's aggressiveness. BTW... Trump should personally call Assad and let him know a bomb is going to be dropped on one of his palaces on Monday, and that he might want to find a hotel for a few evenings. Then on Monday, do what he told him he'd do.

A few years ago, a Raptor landed gear up when the pilot neglected to lower the gear. Do do any of you know if that pilot flew again in the USAF?

Nothing specified. What are you thinking?

Bolter, Any idea how far down the runway did the jet stop?

This event continues to grow, and is a two-day event this year. 19-20 May, in Redlands, CA... about 1 hour west of Palm Springs. This not your father's airshow: it's a beer festival, concert, with an airshow component. And there is more craft beer at AirFest than at any airshow in the US. The Canadians are bringing the CF-18 Demo Team for one of their very few US performances, including a twilight performance on Saturday evening. F-16 Demo will be there too. The civilian performers are stellar. FYI: the Sunday show is going to be different. The planes will fly, but about half of the show will not be announced. Instead, the bands will play while the aircraft fly overhead. Should be a laid back vibe, with a a lot of "beermosas" flowing... and should make for a relaxed Sunday. Click on the Redlands date for the dropdown menu: https://www.hangar24airfest.com If interested in bringing a static display, drop me a note, and I'll pass your info on. https://hangar24brewing.com

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/03/22/eating-vegan-diet-promotes-white-masculinity-sociologist-argues.html Really?

Probably because there's a picture of Toro hanging in the ROTC Detachment, with a caption that says: "Hey Cadet, you want to send in a request to fly a fighter?? Go ahead... make my day."

I'm doing about 60 in a 45 on Beale, and go beak-to-beak with a mil cop. No indication on my radar detector, however. I see the brake lights, and he reverses. I immediately pull over. He comes to the window: "Sir, I had you doing 61 in a 45" (I guess he had a good eyeball... pretty accurate). Me: "I'd like to see your radar screen, because my radar detector never went off." Him: "Sir, radar detectors are not allowed on Beale" Me: "While that may be true, I'd like you to explain to my commander... and yours... how you got me doing 61 mph, using an X-band radar that didn't activate my radar detector." Him (flustered and agitated): "Have a nice day, sir", and walks off.