General Discussion

So, I return from my 4-ship to the range today and read on my email that the AETC/CC has authorized the GWOT-S medal for *everyone in AETC* regardless if they have or have not directly participated in the Global War On Terror. WTF??? That is a slap in the face to those of us who have spent hours and hours flying CAPs for Operation NOBLE EAGLE. As if it wasn't bad enough that the GWOT-S was the only recognition ONE flyers are going to get...now it's pretty much just being given to *everyone*.

Just found out yesterday i'll be doing casual and IFT at Wright Patt. Not as sexy as somewhere in florida, and no damn back seat rides, but kinda sweet to get to do ift where the wright brothers flew. Anyways any gouge on Wright Patt would be appreciated, especially if there is someone who knows a cool job for a new Lt. to try and swing (since there are no damn planes there that arent in the museum!!!) If any othe Lt's are goin let me know and if we can live off base, we can get rooms near serority row

I feel like I am getting screwed by the Air Force. I am AFROTC and was awarded a navigator slot as a alternate in Novermber of 2004. 5 days later I was given a pilot slot. In January 05 I went to Brooks. On the 10th of this month, I was told I was DQd from pilot because of my eyes, but I was given a waiver for navigator. However, no navigator slots are available at this time. Because of this, and the timing of it all, I have been slated to be a missile/munitions maintenance officer, but I have not been given a base. They said that I may get a nav slot back if one becomes available prior to commissioning (14 May 05), but if not, I have to take the missile/munitions …

For all you 21 guys, quick question... I'm interested in flying the C-21, and the only dudes I've ever talked to that flew it all flew 130's afterwards. Is that the typical follow-on? Or are there other options? Do you have much say in that to begin with? Thanks for the help

For my airlift brethren: 1.- The PILOT always make THE RULES. 2.- THE RULES are subject to change at any time without prior notification. 3.- No CO-PILOT can possibly know all THE RULES. 4.- If the PILOT suspects the CO-PILOT knows all THE RULES, he must immediately change some or all THE RULES. 5.- The PILOT is never wrong. 6.- If the PILOT is wrong, it is due to a misunderstanding which was a direct result of something the CO-PILOT did or said wrong. 7.- The CO-PILOT must apologize immediately for causing such misunderstanding. 8.- The PILOT may change his mind at any time. 9.- The CO-PILOT must never change his mind without the express wri…

What kinds of things do you real pilot-types look for in a watch as far as functionality? Stop-watch feature? Backlight/indiglo, etc? I read about all those Breitlings and Citizens, and please correct me if I'm wrong, but those seem like little more than something fancy on your wrist.

I am sure there is a post on this somewhere, but does it take to become an Aggressor Pilot? That sounds like a neat job. Do you apply after you have flown say an F-16 for a few years or after your an IP, or even have a high amount of combat hours? How competitive is that? Id imagine it would be almost as hard as making the Thunderbirds..am I wrong? Im bored, so thought I would ask so it gave me something to do. Yeah guess you could say Spring Break sucks in pittsburgh..lol id almost rather be in school. Lastly though, does the USMC still use Kfirs as aggressor type aircraft, or have those phased out? thanks, just wondering.. [ 26. March 2005, 17:27: Message e…

I understand the basic U,F,G,E and downgrade grading system at UPT but I was wondering exactly what types of things count as downgrades during flights? How much do you have to bust airspeed or altitude to get a downgrade? what other things would you get a downgrade for? what things would cause you to hook a ride? if you have specific examples from rides that would help. Thanks.

Any Viper dudes out there know where the Snake Dance originated and what the story behind it is? I heard it's from Korea, but wasn't sure...

I know that a PPL is not necessary, but most people say that it is very beneficial to increasing your chances of getting a pilot's slot in the Air Force. I am thinking about taking the Air Force ROTC route and attempting to get a slot that way. Has anybody else here got their PPL before trying to get a pilot's slot? If so, how much did it help you? Is a PPL enough, or should a person also get an Instrument rating (which usually takes longer than getting a PPL and is very expensive)? I have talked to many people involved in Air Force ROTC and they say that the major you take is not a force at all, just as long as you get a bachelors and a good grade. Considering thi…

Tragic Loss ERAU and NAC alum ENS Steve Elledge was killed yesterday in a plane crash near NAS Meridian. There is a memorial on the Navy Club homepage: https://www.db.erau.edu/campus/student/clubs/nac/ Steve was a loving husband, an awsome dude and a great friend who would do anything for his bros. He died doing what he absolutely loved. GodSpeed -j Attached Thumbnails

FYI for Mustang fans: https://www.mustangsmustangs.net/p-51/p51sh...6/gmlhome.shtml

I just got a notice from a fighter wing in the NE to apply with their unit for an upcoming board. First off, I've never talked to this unit in any way. Has this ever happened to anyone? I don't even know how they got my info. Regardless, I'm staying loyal to my sponsoring unit.

For those interested in the ANG and reserves getting Aviation Career Incentive Pay (Flight pay)this website is excellent. https://home.earthlink.net/~incentivepay/ I found it while writing a letter on the subject to my Congressman. What do you guys think? Tentoad

If you wanted to fly the bone would it be smart to go FAIP. That way you will upgrade to the left seat and be able to fly more then 2 or 3 times a month?

I’m probably getting ready to buy a new or used car. Is there any extra benefit to being in the military when I go check out loans? Such as: better availability of interest rates or just a company I should check out (beyond the dealers finance department) for getting a loan? Since we are on the subject, does anyone have an opinion on buying now verses buying in 1.5 years from now? Just wondering if everyone is under the opinion that the interest rates might be a bit higher by the middle of next year. Thanks!

Are there squadrons where you'll typically find the higher-speed dudes? I remember reading somewhere about the 19FS (F-15C) up at Elmendorf being the Air Force's top albino squadron...what's up with that? More of an urban legend-type thing? Edit: The 19FS article had nothing to do with their recent William Tell "victory", it was written a few years ago. [ 16. March 2005, 20:47: Message edited by: Dirt Beater ]

Anyone know where I can find a copy of the GP online? More importantly, just need Ch. 4 to print and take with me on the road this weekend. Thanks.

Just wanted to let you guys know that the American Fighter Pilot series is now being widely advertised for a March 22nd 7-episode DVD release. Sweet. [ 16. March 2005, 14:11: Message edited by: GooneyBird ]

We are getting past a rough spot of flaming and since the board is getting back on track, I thought we might keep it moving in the right direction by sharing a few stories about your most memorable moments in your particular aircraft. In 1990 I took a T-38 to Eglin AFB for the weekend. My girlfriend lived in nearby Shalimar and I thought it would be a great place for a weekend stop. I called before I left Houston and she assured me she would be there waiting for my arrival. I got lucky on the way and found a 200 knot tail wind up at FL 390. As I started the let-down into Fort Walton Beach, I noticed I was very fat on gas. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and it was…

av8tor55 - If I can give a recommendation, not from the military stand point, but from the view of someone who worked for a large insurance company and someone who sold term life insurance, term life is a waste of money. If you were looking for a small amount of supplemental insurance, term could be the way to go. If you are looking at covering your mortgage, I would look at mortgage insurance. Otherwise, I would recommend spending the extra money on whole life insurance. It builds cash value that you can borrow against. Basically with term life you would be giving USAA $90 a month and saying "I bet I die this month". And USAA says "Okay, I will take that bet". Loo…

Can anybody recommend any schools online?University of Phoenix is just to expensive. Thanks

I've read in earlier posts that there are interservice transfers for winged aviators. But if they didn't already fly fighters, their only hopes were heavys and helos. But, is it possible for an interservice transfer from let's say, a non-pilot Coast Guard officer with 3 years, end of commitment, to transfer to the Air Force and go to UPT and not be limited to what aircraft he/she can select?? any info would be great.

Does anyone know or has heard when all UPT bases will be flying T-6s? I have heard sometime between FY06 and FY08. If anyone has heard anything more specific or could elaborate that would be great.

I was just wondering about what percentage of combat pilots see combat through the course of their career. It seems like we have such a large military that many never do, is this true?