General Discussion

Good day all. The other day I was talking to a fellow at school about our proposed military careers. I'm going for AF pilot, and he's heading Army Pilot. Anyway, the discussion came back toward Battlefield, and the way that people can fly planes, etc. and a thought came to us. So here's the progression: 1: Since pilots can only fly so many hours a day, and are only on duty for a couple days at a time, does that carry over to front line deployment(i.e. bombing runs in Afghanistan, Iraq)? 2: If it does, what does one do on their time off? Here's where the Ranger stuff comes in. 3: If a pilot were Airborne, and Ranger qualified, would they be allowed to go out with the…

Dudes, anyone have any experience or advice on applying for hardship separation? I know it starts in vMPF just like any other separation app, but outside of that the afi doesn't really give info on who it gets routed to after your Wg/CC, approval time, who you need to payoff etc... Any insight or advice would be appreciated. I can provide more info on my specific situation if required. Thanks in advance. Duck

https://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/careers/air-force/enlisted/2015/09/28/enlisted-drone-pilots-decision-expected-early-next-year/72806812/

I just saw something on C-130.net about a downed Herk in Afghanistan. Here's to hoping for any shred of good news.

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2015-10-08/saic-offering-eclipse-550s-usaf-pilot-trainer-bid Thoughts??

Is there anybody here who has applied for and/or has been selected for the White House Fellowship program? I am looking for a little more gouge then what the AF application and the website have about the program; and to see if I even have a shot when the application window comes around next summer. Thanks in advance.

I am a 2014 VSP recipient and recently started flying for a Major Airline. I could not be more happy with civilian life and love the airlines, but as a former T-6 FAIP I recall a couple guys in my squadron that were AD recalls who received a substantial bonus to return to AD to fly the T-6. Considering instructing in the T-6 was by far the most rewarding and fun experience for me in the AF, my wife is from a UPT town, and the first year or two at the Airlines come with a bitch of a commute and schedule I could think of worse things than to take a nice chunk of change to go fly T-6's again for a couple years in my wife's hometown while my seniority number continues to tick…

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

Northrop beats out Lockheed/Boeing. https://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/2015/10/27/northrop-grumman-wins-usaf-bomber-contract/74661394/

I'm posting this for a good friend of mine who is a former Marine Cobra pilot. I don't know much about what the actual job entails other than it's an office job that pays 6 figures plus benefits. He specifically said they were looking for recently separated or retired AF Osprey pilots. If you're interested and/or want more info, drop me a private message and I'll pass along his contact info.

Hi there, Have dates for January OTS with a quick follow-on to UPT. I'm feeling pressure at home since when I leave for OTS my wife will have a newborn and will get to pack up the house by herself...so we're trying to get as much done as we can in advance since I won't be much help till I'm back from OTS. We need orders to get the ball rolling on move.mil, SCRA benefits, on-base housing applications, etc....but I'm told that my guard unit ran out of "Officers Days" and unsure when we'll be able to get orders cut. I'm just hoping it's not last minute so I have time to get as much done as I can before I'm gone. Regardless, can anyone explain to me what Officers Days are and…

https://aviationweek.com/defense/us-considers-72-new-f-15s-or-f-16s?NL=AW-05&Issue=AW-05_20151120_AW-05_723&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_2&utm_rid=CPEN1000000222965&utm_campaign=4309&utm_medium=email&elq2=e5153b4a2cf242409c8803e7790d1554 U.S. Considers Up To 72 New F-15s Or F-16sNov 19, 2015Bill Sweetman | Aerospace Daily & Defense Report EMAILINSHARECOMMENTS 9F-15: Boeing LONDON — The U.S. Air Force may solicit bids for 72 new Boeing F-15s, Lockheed Martin F-16s or even Boeing F/A-18E/Fs as budget issues put planned production rates for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter out of reach, according to senior service and industry officials at the Defen…

Does anyone have or know where to find a list of all the pilot exchanges available?

https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/2015/11/25/holloman-fighter-jet-crashes-during-training-mission/76379366/ A1 pilot thankfully

Hi all. I know there is a lot archived here but am having a hard time with the new search since the site upgraded. Mainly wondering about good sources for t6 gouge that I can scrub before my class starts. In particular are boldface and ops limits up to date on the following site? https://www.t6driver.com/gouge_boldface.html The page looks like it was last updated when geocities was the hot shit but has lots of resources. Would hate to put time into something super outdated.

Does anyone know where I can find contact info for a RAPCON? I'd like to talk to a local controller (ABQ) regarding some recent SIAP changes...my google-foo does not appear to be strong tonight, however. Don't think the ARTCC (ZAB Center) guys are the ones to talk to - since the ABQ Class C isn't in their "lane"...if anyone can help, I'd much appreciate it!

With airline pay and retirement being ambiguous based on many factors, does anyone have a good calculation on the financial aspects of punching at 15 and going guard/airlines versus retiring at 20?

Has anyone who took the 2nd round of VSP in 2014 heard about what needs to be done to receive a VSP W2? Most of those in the 2nd offering received that pay in Jan 2015, therefore it was not reflected on our final Active Duty W2. I still have a MyPay access password, but it does not list VSP W2's in the schedule.

Montana is looking for UPT applicants again. We are not having an official board this FY, instead we are interviewing qualified applicants on an individual basis, so get your packets in ASAP if interested. See the attached letter for application info. Contact Capt Young with any questions (406)791-0289 FY16 UPT Applicant Packet.pdf

Twenty-five years ago today, I found myself in the Saudi Arabian desert near the Iraqi border with NVG's on watching a steady stream of traffic headed northbound and downtown. It was a very impressive sight. I mentioned this in the office today and guys were amazed that it was 25 years ago. Of course some said they were in grade school then so I gave them a quick history lesson.

https://www.afcent.af.mil/Units/379thAirExpeditionaryWing/News/Display/tabid/298/Article/643030/farewell-b-1-the-b-1b-lancer-sets-rotational-records-before-leaving-aor.aspx Who is going to replace them? Or are we just curtailing the bomb dropping for 6 months?

https://www.abc15.com/news/region-phoenix-metro/west-phoenix/official-f-16-from-luke-air-force-base-crashed-thursday-near-bagdad-ariz Fingers crossed.

Perfect point defense weapon when an F-35 is doing LOWAT. https://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/man-who-shot-crop-dusting-plane-18-times-sentenced#.VsTmF8p4t08.twitter