General Discussion

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?

Currently I'm in UPT approaching track select. Just looking for the correct path to fly the AC-130Us. My background includes flying over both lick-my-sack-a-stan's as a 135 nav flying low, dark, and unarmed. Just thought it might be a bit more fun being on the other end of the boom and making bad things go boom-boom. Anyone in the community that can point me in the right direction. At least toward AFSOC. Ultimately, I would like to fly the Reapers.

For those with a little time under their belts, does the Aviator Continuation Pay (Bonus) time include all your flying time, or only rated time? The verbage on the AFPC ACP website is that "Pilots with a minimum 9 Years of Pilot Aviation Service" are eligible for the bonus. I'm trying to figure out if they consider Aviation Service as the point when pilot training started (and I start receiving flight pay) or if it's 9 years of rated service -- from my UPT date. I've called finance, MPF, talked to my orderly room and gotten the run around AFPC - nobody seems to have a straight answer. Anybody here who has received the bonus have an answer?

Has anybody else had REALLY BAD service at Hickam recently?

I was looking around my room one day bord and I came upon a GA News paper so decided to read it. Found an interesting article in there. Reportedly an aircraft contacted some air traffic control facility and said he was passing through 60,000ft. 5 minutes later the SAME pilot was heard over california. Has anybody heard about this?? Dont know who would be tracking this guy, but a few other pilots heard it and it was an article from awhile ago. I tried doing a search and nothing comes up besides UFOs. Has anybody heard the same thing, and what do you think it would be? That would be sweet to go that fast! Maybe its complete BS that a few people want to make up- but…

Im cleaning out my folders after OTS and wondering what I should always keep a copy of? Some things Iv kept so far are: 1. Orders 2. All Medical records 3. SGLI 4. DD214 5. Security clearance paperwork If anyone has anything good to add to the list please do so as Im really wondering if I should keep some of this stuff like the old orders, travel voucher paperwork that has been paid, ect. Thanks

Hi all, Headed down to sheppard for UPT this summer. I've been trying to get an idea for my finances. I was wondering if some guys could help clarify a few questions. -What does it cost to live in the dorms or is it free? What about internet/cable/heat/water? -How much can i expect to take home per month if I'm single, not using the TSP, etc. I assume I get flight pay for UPT? How do taxes and life insurance costs play in? -How much per month do guys usually spend on food / fun? -Anyone have good investment tips for the rest of the money i'm not blowing on beer? also, I dont wanna sound like i'm looking forward to the money more than the flying (quite th…