General Discussion

I was just wondering if, barring the retirement or removal or your current platform, is it possible to change platforms during your career. Obviously, this applies to AD, but all input would be welcome!

I'm sure most everyone's heard the tape of the 16 guy in europe who crapped himself inflight. At the end of the tape he says to the pilot something like "burner and boards, talk to frankfurt first." I know what burners (ab) and boards (spd brk) are, but what does he mean using them both together? Thanks!

I will be heading out to UPT within the next year hopefully. I have been looking into what it entails, and am curious what the standups are like, what is involved, how long a standup usually takes, and how often do students "fail" them. Thanks any info.

Is it possible to log Actual Time while VFR? For Example, you are flying along and it is 3000-3, you can see the ground/water below you, but you have no horizon, just clouds to the ground. Can you log Actual Instrument time?

Is it true the 17's have sticks instead of yokes? Anybody know where to find some cool cockpit photos (of anything non-civilian)?

How is it determined whether or not the good ol' poopy suit is donned for a sortie? Expected duration over water?

Just a quick question for any women currently in training at UPT - I'm heading off to Columbus in the near future to start training, and read in the student guide that: Does this mean that only short hair is allowed? I can't see any other way for hair to be "unbound" and still meet requirements. I'd love to know some real-life answers, as if I'm going to be cutting my hair, it might as well be before OTS : ) Thanks!

Good Stuff: Base has a "morale" folder on one of the drives. About 300 GB of music, music videos, games and MOVIES!!! You can check out a vehicle and go to Kuwait City (if vehicles are available) or Camp Doha. Bad Stuff: Dining Hall with many rats and cats. Aircrew Billeting...rooms are small, smaller or smallest. Expect three per room. Tents are a better option. [ 12 January 2004, 13:25: Message edited by: evil load ]

What is your perception of the fighter lifestyle versus the heavy lifestyle? I.e. time spent TDY, length of the workday, attitude of guys in the squadron, etc. I ask because I know there are a lack of fighter guys in tweets and texans, and maybe there are some misconceptions about fighters out there.

When in UPT, does a student know exactly where he or she is ranked as far as class standing, or is it usually a guess? thanks

Upon completion of FTU and reporting to your first ops assignment, generally how long does it take for the average pilot to complete 2FLUG, then 4FLUG, then IPUG? Do those things sort of "go at your own pace" or is there a stricter timeline to follow? Also, if you're not flying any upgrade sortie, what types of sorties might you find yourself flying? Thanks guys.

I've seen a lot of pics with dudes sporting the CE mask and vest, and quite a few pics of guys with the CE mask but no vest. Do factors of the sortie determine whether or not the vest is worn, or is it more of a personal preference type of thing? Thanks.

I remember reading in some reg that aircrew aren't permitted to wear sunglasses with polarized lenses. Is this just something guys slough off, or is there an actual, viable reason not to wear them? The only thing I can think of involves distorting one's view of the HUD or something...who knows. Thanks!

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…

This is a pretty dumb question as far as questions go. Did any of you guys who have already graduated from UPT purchase "The Breaking of the Wings" from your base frame shop? (I know that Laughlin had it, I assume the others do, as well.) I never purchased a copy and have searched the internet to find the story about it. I would really appreciate if anyone who has this would contact me. I am trying to get a copy of the story in it. Thanks!

Hacker, Hoser, Toro...do you guys know the name of this exercise, and do you know the possibility of joining items like Red Flag, etc in the future? FYI.... 12/17/2003 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFPN) -- For the first time, the C-17 Globemaster III was included in a mission-employment exercise held here the first two weeks of December. The C-17 adds a greater air-mobility presence to the exercise, which allows combat air forces to get a better idea of how the airlifters are used, said Lt. Col. John Sullivan, commander of the new C-17 Weapons Instructor Course. The exercise packed the flightline here with aircraft from the Air Force, Navy and German air fo…

My dollar ride is on Wednesday (17 Dec), and I'm looking for cool things to do with my dollar. Any ideas or suggestions? Does it HAVE to incorporate naked women? I'm looking for my dollar to be pretty 'special' to get a laugh or two and to have some fun. Post what YOUR dollar had on it...this should get interesting... I'll award points for creativity. Thanks in advance!

hello, i have a few stupid questions. i'm a little ignorant...so bear with me please. 1)are warant's treated the same way as commisioned guys. for example do you salute a warrant? 2) are warrant's ever given a ground tour like in the marines, navy, and air farce. 3) i was told that most guys wanna fly the blackhawk as a preferred airframe, and that the apache's are usually the least desired airframe. is this true? 4) and lastly, don't think i'm just after the image or anything, i'm simply curious. do army aviators get the leather jacket's and all the bell's and whistle's that you would see a naval aviator get. thank you cheers

Dos Gringos new (first) CD is out now and avialable to you. The CD is titled "Live From The Sandbox". This is a great CD for all the military pilots out there, makes a great present for all your military pilot friends too. Get your copies now by replying on this post or emailing me. My email should be listed at the bottom. Anyone who has heard the Cd lets hear what you think. Dos Gringos rules.

why is the t-38 so hard to land? I heard thats the reason most students drop out of 38s.

Hello to my Air Force brothers! I'm currently an AH-64D pilot over here in northern Iraq. I've got about two and half years left on my obligation and and have some questions about a possible life with the Air force, active or guard. Oh yea, I am a Warrant Officer. I will have 1000+ hours and my degree will be finished. I will be 31 with eleven years active time as well as attending the JFCC. What's the best way to go? A job flying helicopters or fixed wing is fine and so is guard or active, although, active is preferred. The "Longbow" has got all the bells and whistles with all the avionics and dual laser gyros, etc. About 300+ will be combat time and wonder if any of thi…

Hi, I am curious about the process one goes through to become part of AFSOC. I assume they are looking for above-average helo and heavy pilots who then go through specialized training.Could anyone provide some more concrete details?

Ok, I know that most of you are fixed wing pilots, but I am really looking at flying Helicopters for the Military. The question I have is as follows: What are the career ops outside of the military? Where can you find these jobs? Respectfully, PWL

Just wondering what type of Vehicles Fighter Jocks Drive?

What would be the best foreign language to know as a USAF pilot. I have to decide which one to start soon, and am at ends between Russian and German. German, I believe, would be useful due to the chances of being based in Germany. Russian on the other hand, would be good to know if I was to be selected as an astronaut. Hopefully, the Russians will still be major contributors to the space program in twenty years or so. Any other ideas would be great! Thanks