hardie9e

A few questions regarding the FAC-A qualification Is there a course or qualification in the AF that a non-fighter qualified pilot can attend? Will a pilot have to be tied to a traditional FAC-A airframe (A-10, F-16, etc...)? Is there a way a pilot from another airframe can become qualified to operate as a FAC-A i.e. AC/MC/HC-130, HH-60, CV-22, etc...?

Prayers for the crew and their families.

That checks

Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules Variants Declared 'Mission Capable' After U.S. Air Force Testing MARIETTA, Ga., Nov. 1, 2012 – The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] HC-130J Combat King II and the MC-130J Commando II aircraft have been certified as “Effective, Suitable and Mission Capable” by the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center. The U.S. Air Force is currently recapitalizing the HC, MC and AC-130 gunship fleets with new C 130J variants. The HC-130J is the personnel recovery/combat search and rescue aircraft for Air Combat Command, and the MC-130J is the Special Operations tanker aircraft for Air Force Special Operations Command. Currently Lockheed Martin is on contract for 27 MC 130Js and 15 HC-130Js. The certification was received in October. “This further demonstrates the amazing flexibility of the C-130J. We took a KC-130J tanker and, through in-line production design changes and significant capability enhancements, produced the current HC and MC aircraft,” said George Shultz, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager for C-130 Programs. “The C 130J is without equal in terms of its multi-role, multi-mission flexibility and availability. No aircraft in production — or in development — can match the capabilities of the Super Hercules.” From initial contract award in mid-2008 to the first ahead-of-schedule flight on July 29, 2010, the HC/MC program demonstrates the proven design, reliability and technology of the C-130J. The new AC-130Js will be converted MC-130Js with the addition of a precision strike package. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation's net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion. http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2012/november/lockheed-martin-c-130j-super-hercules-variants-declared--mission.html

1/26/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- More than 30 potential civilian contract companies were in attendance during Industrial Days sponsored by the Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Jan. 9-11. The event, hosted by the Air Force Combat Rescue Helicopter Program, gave potential contractors a glimpse into the service's plans to replace the aging HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters. "The CRH's primary mission is to recover isolated personnel from hostile or denied territory, but it will also conduct humanitarian, civil search and rescue, disaster relief, and non-combatant evacuation missions," Maj. Ian Kemp, Chief, Combat Rescue Helicopter Requirements Branch, said. During the three-day event, an open session was conducted with all potential companies the first day. The following two-days were dedicated to one-on-one sessions with potential prime contractors and their subcontractor teams that had previously requested a meeting. "The 'Industry Days' focused on maintaining an open dialogue with industry and providing them with an overview of the program, to include the preliminary acquisition strategy, contract strategy and program timeline," Dave Schairbaum, Director, Rotary Wing Branch, said. "Additional details were provided on the requirements for airworthiness, test and evaluation, training systems and product support." The CRH program will continue to seek feedback from industry to ensure the elements of the Request for Proposal are clear and well understood, said Lt. Col. Dave Jeter, Program Manager, Combat Rescue Helicopter. Release of a Draft RFP is planned by the end of Feb. 2012. (Courtesy of Air Force Public Affairs Agency) Saw this online.

Yeah, my unit at home is in the process of checking on it. I thought it was a little out of left field to begin with, cool, but I was surprised. The guys here in Little Rock aren't 100% sure either, because they still have some Rep out there who works with LRAFB on stuff. I'll find out soon, hopefully.

Anyone ever do the academics/sim only at little rock and then move on to do the flying at TN ANG before going to their unit?

I'm curious if anyone can point out the answer to this. I've noticed on several of the previously mentioned websites there seems to be a few different colors available for the A-2's. Is there a specific color that is considered standard uniform? I like the look of the lighter, russet colored jackets, but everyone I know at my unit has a darker brown. I'm not mission qual'd yet, so I haven't recieved mine. Just interested. Hacker; Is there a specific color of the leather that was characteristic of the jackets from the WWII era crews? -hardie9e

Hey Guys, This would be the thread to ask the following questions, I appreciate your help, I've been trying to figure out if I am able to recieve BAH for my home while at UPT. Here are the following questions: 1. Is there a way to recieve BAH for my HOR at my guard unit? 2. Do they view going to UPT as a PCS(a change of PDS?) or a TDY? 3. I heard something about a BAH Exception Form from a guy at another guard unit. This form was for the purpose of recieving an exception to the BAH at UPT and recieve it for my HOR instead. Does this exist? 4. Where/what is the regulation that would allow this? I have been reading through all the regs here (http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/trvlregs.html) but I don't understand all the finance regs well (only FARs and AFIs, lol). Thanks for your help! -Hardie9e

Hey Guys, Figured this would be the thread to ask this question. How difficult is a transfer from fixed wing to rotary down the road? Hypothetically, if a guy is flying herc's and wants to transfer, what hoops might he have to jump through? Easier after the herc commitment is up? (ANG) -Hardie9e

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/02/24/338770/usaf-abandons-large-helicopter-for-rescue-mission-proposes-buying-112.html USAF abandons large helicopter for rescue mission, proposes buying 112 UH-60Ms By Stephen Trimble The US Air Force has decided to buy 112 Sikorsky UH-60Ms to recapitalise its ageing combat search and rescue fleet, despite a standing requirement for a larger helicopter. Sikorsky will modify the M-model aircraft to the HH-60L configuration, replacing a fleet of HH-60G Pave Hawks that has dwindled to about 101 airframes, says Lt Gen Mark Shackelford, head of USAF acquisition. The HH-60 represents the current standard for the USAF's SAR mission, in which its crews are tasked to fly deep into enemy territory to retrieve downed airmen. "The new H-60s will be modified to be rescue helicopters, obviously with some tempering of performance," Shackelford says. © Staff Sgt Aaron Allmon/USAF In 2006, the USAF signed the CSAR-X contract to buy 141 Boeing HH-47s, selecting the Chinook over the Sikorsky HH-92 and Lockheed Martin/AgustaWestland HH-71. But the contract award process became a landmark example of acquisition policy. The US Government Accountability Office sustained two protests filed by the losing bidders, and the USAF's attempts to restart the competition without heeding its recommendations failed. The service terminated the contract with Boeing in June 2009, clearing the way for a sole-source contract to Sikorsky for the smaller helicopter. If Congress approves funding for the plan, the USAF will recapitalise its existing fleet, but fall short of plans to broaden the mission with a larger and more capable aircraft. Under the CSAR-X programme, the USAF envisaged not only rescuing downed airmen, but also picking up small units behind enemy lines, or even ferrying cargo or passengers during natural disasters. That requirement drove it to ask bidders to provide a medium or heavylift helicopter. The requirement for "personnel recovery" still stands, Shackelford says, and will be addressed by the USAF in the future. But for now it is focused on ensuring that downed aircrews will not lack a helicopter force ready to retrieve them. "Those [aircraft] are busy fliers in a war and very much sought after," he says. Guess they decided to replace the pavehawks with new ones. -Hardie9e

Figured this would be the best topic to ask this. I have 3 letters I am planning on putting in my packet for boards, let me know what you guys think. One if from the Chief of my volunteer Fire Department where I'm a firefighter. Second from a Major who flies in the reserves with the AF. Third, from my first flight instructor who is AF Reserve retired Col. Would these be a good line up? Both the Col. and Maj. have flown with me, the Maj. was a Capt. at my airline. Should I have others too? These are going to be for 3 applications, 2 fighters and 1 helo(Air Rescue). Thanks for you help guys. -Patrick

Random Question, but I figured it may pertain. Has any fixed wing pilot (F-model stuff) ever transfered to helo? I know, crazy, but just wondering.