General Discussion

Is the AF getting the Harvest Hawk package like the USMC for their C-130s? It would be an added plus for the airlift fleet and bring more fight to the enemy. Tac Air isn't needed as much when the largest enemy vehicle is a Toyota 4x4 in Afgan. Let the C-130s drop the Candy and see who picks it up. If it's the bad guys, fire them up. Perhaps the CoS being an old AC-130 guy will find the funding. How much would one F-35 cost anyway? Bet you can get 5 Harvest Hawk packages for the price of one F-35. Are there any AF C-130 crews that would like to pickup that additional mission? Better than flying a RPV in getting kills.

Small jet with two aboard crashes at Lubbock airport Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Thursday, May 22, 2008 Story last updated at 5/22/2008 - 2:10 am A U.S. Air Force plane crashed just north of the Lubbock airport Wednesday night. The small twin-engine jet appeared to be on final approach to Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport when it crashed just outside the airport fence at 9:49 p.m., said James Loomis, the airport's director. Two people were on board. No critical injuries were reported. Loomis couldn't say Wednesday night if weather caused the plane to crash. "The Air Force will conduct its investigation," he said, adding the crash would not affec…

USAF Open to sending A-10s to Ukraine

https://www.wtkr.com/news/military/la-fi-bunker-buster-bomb-20111117,0,7519435.story Pretty cool, but by my math that's over $15M per boom. I hope we're getting more than just 20 for our money.

Saw a Gulfstream V today on the ramp at CWF on my student solo from Corpus. Wow! What a plane. Meticulously (go ahead spell check Nazi's!) maintained, plush interior and avionics like I've only seen in movies (I thought Tweets to C-12 was a big jump!). One of the pilots was nice enough to give us a tour and a brief rundown on the capabilities (Ceiling FL 510, etc..) Amazing. Just wondering if any of the active flyers have gotten the DV airlift assignment and what they thought of it? Seems like working with 4 stars could have some great perks and some pretty big drawbacks too.

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/08/12/politics/fbi-investigating-air-force-helicopter-shooting/index.html Discuss....

All, I know this forum is mainly geared towards pilot talk, but perhaps someone out there may be able to assist. I am a current ROTC masters student (heading to Columbus AFB hopefully before the next millennium), in the process of writing a thesis. I was curious if anyone who has done the same and has used/gone-through the USAF Institutional Review Board...or knows how to submit/get approval for human subject proposals, or knows their basic protocol. Last I heard they were located out at Brooks city-base...but that may have changed, according to the site and the PR lady located there. Any information would be of great help. Thanks. Riebs

Just saw this in the news this morning. I thought this would have already been posted here, but couldn't find it. I'd like to buy this guy a beer. I bet he has some insane stories. U.S. Air Force veteran accused as mercenary in Libya’s civil war is freed June 25 at 10:48 PM An American Air Force veteran who was accused of acting as a mercenary in Libya has been freed after a six-week detention, officials said Tuesday, in a murky episode that highlights the tangled nature of that country’s civil war. Jamie Sponaugle, a 31-year-old Florida man, was piloting an aircraft near the Libyan capital of Tripoli on May 7 when his plane went down, according to off…

https://m.ktxs.com/news/small-plane-crash-near-abilene-regional-airport/27818540 RIP...

I recently heard that the rules on wearing partial PT uniforms had changed... ie people could now workout while wearing just the shorts and a civilian t-shirt or vice versa, so long as they were not at an official formation. I was in the gym recently with a buddy when he mentioned to one of the enlisted troops we work with that folks might get upset about partial uniform. I spoke to him afterwards and told him I'd heard that the rules had changed but I'd look into it... Anyone got the low-down? Did the regs change? - PS. I thought I asked in another post but I couldn't find the post or topic. Feel free to add your other PT uniform gripes/complaints here. Oh yeah,…

Edited for expired info

Saw this article this morning. https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/21363/usaf-reveals-timelines-and-basing-plans-for-its-huge-adversary-support-contract

https://www.examiner.com/x-5411-Military-an...road-less-taken

Well, I guess we now know where the airframes are coming from for the VC-25A replacement. https://www.defenseone.com/business/2017/08/russian-air-force-one-boeing-trump-747/139872/

I've come to a time in my life where I have to decide what I want to do for myself and my girlfriend. I'm wanting to apply for Marine PLC air program, but I realize that Marine Pilots do get deployed on ships, and they don't have as many fixed winged aircraft. I've never even considered the Guard til now. Not that I was being close minded, I just always thought the Marines was the place for me. I like the idea of being able to fly, which is what I want to do, and being home with my wife. She has a career and I have to appreciate that. I'm not married. I've been with this girl for almost four years, and I want what is best for the both of us. While I can't give up my d…

What airframes usually attend? Obviously the fighter/bomber guys go, but I've also seen Helo guys wearing the patches. (CSAR guys I figured). Do Tac Airlift crews ever go? Just wondering..... Thanks!

Hi everyone I would like to introduce you to a new website that I have created dedicated to my work photographing military aviation in the uk, particularly in the Low Flying Training Areas of Wales www.aircraft-pictures.com As well as a dedicated section to the A-10 and F-15, there is also a Miscellaneous USA section featuring more types. If you recognize your mugshot and want a free high res image emailed to you then please get in touch Enjoy... Alex

Just curious what the most recent loan was for cadets. In 97 it was 18k at 3.5%. Any recent grads care to share?

So enlightened and all knowing. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/01/military-officers-conscientious-objector-status-gaza https://www.laprogressive.com/defense/military-mindset

This may have been posted before, my apologies if it has, but I don't think I've seen it here: LETTER ON WHETHER TO BECOME AN AIR FORCE PILOT...... OR A NAVAL AVIATOR...... The piece is written by Bob Norris, a former Naval aviator who also did a 3 year exchange tour flying the F-15 Eagle. He is now an accomplished author of entertaining books about U.S. Naval Aviation including "Check Six" and "Fly-Off". In response to a letter from an aspiring fighter pilot on which military academy to attend, Bob replied with the following: 22 December 2005 Young Man, Congratulations on your selection to both the Naval and Air Force Academies. Your goal of becoming…

Badass. 'Nuff said. https://www.navytimes.com/article/20130711/NEWS03/307110007/Rescue-swimmers-receive-DFCs-HMS-Bounty-rescue

Remember 10 years ago when they allowed you to go up to 75 days (or more maybe) use or lose? Think that will come back with everything going on?

Developing, but reports say pilot ejected. Hoping to hear good news on their status soon.

Am I just suffering from being up at 0430 and without caffeine, or has no one posted about this yet? Glad he got out!

It has been a rough day in England. Godspeed . F/A-18 Down in England