General Discussion

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/

This is what is RIGHT with the Air Force, they get it correct sometimes, and this time, they got it so right it will give you chills. Kuddos to Luke AFB.

The 99th RS is having their Centennial 24-26 August. While not a "reunion", we figure we will make it one anyways, since a lot of Alumni are coming to the event. Details at www.99RSevents.com If you didn't get the email through the U-2 network today, you can contact me and I'll get you the additional info. Most of you have my direct contact info. If not, send me a p.m. with your info, and I'll call.

Here's a question for OSSers/Airfield Management-savvy types: Once an 1801 is filed, does a record copy of that go in "the system" (I'm sure there's a better name for that, but I have no idea what it is)? In other words, does the FAA and/or ICAO equivalents ever get the full contents of the form, or just the pertinent route/speed/altitude data to generate the strip? More specifically, if the PIC block is ever filled in as anything other than "On File", does that go outside of military channels?

Can someone point me to a good source showing numbers of pilots that were downed in a combat theatre and subsequently rescued/returned to service in the same theatre? Any data or sources would be appreciated.

I'm a 2009 USAFA grad with a UPT ADSC that expires in May 2021. In July of 2015 I transferred my benefits to my wife. Earlier this year, I transferred one month to my kids. I am considering getting out when my ADSC is up (will likely try to Palace Chase prior). I understand that I didn't actually start earning post 9/11 benefits until I completed my USAFA service commitment in 2014. According to the VA website, you have to six years of service before you can transfer. My question is, has anyone had a problem where the VA denied benefits because they were transferred only a year after the USAFA commitment is complete? The rule seems clear to me, but I have this…

Off the street guard hire, just PCSd to home unit after finishing B Course. Finance is refusing to pay DLA because they are considering it my "final PCS" I also had to stay in a hotel / friends couch for 20 days because my HHG shipment was 3 weeks late delivery. I tried to claim 10 days TLE and they are also not paying, stating the "final PCS" reason I've read the JTR... I think I'm eligible for both. Anyone have other interpretations of it?

They say that if you get paid to do something you love, then you never work a day in your life. But they also say that if you throw money in the mix, it makes that 'hobby' feel more like work. When you're off the clock so to say, do you ever still feel like flying? I've heard stories of certain people getting out of the Air Force or Navy and never flying again but it seems like a lot of people enjoy the career path. I feel like I won't ever get tired of it but how has it affected you? Do you take your family flying for fun? Ever have planes on buying a small plane? Are the huge amounts of commercial pilots from the Air Force an indicator of a lack of flight time…

Looks like Big Blue is finally raising our flight pay . 6 years only gets a $50 increase while the 14 year guys goes down to 12 years now at $1k. But we have to worry about our guys being able to jump to the airlines at 750 hours.

Random thought I just had before my morning coffee kicks in. As the KC-46 line gets up some steam, with Airbus tankers in an off the shelf status, wondering if there's opportunity for a private venture to acquire and employ a dozen or so tankers over the next several years. DoD has found itself woefully unable to support it's training needs in both A2A and A2G, leading to the rise of Blue Air, Drakken, and ATAC, among others. Likewise, for years Omega has been filling the gaps in DoD's probe and drogue coverage, and the premium on those assets is going nowhere but up as the numbers of grey tails goes down. Seems to me that a handful of tankers available on a …

They are looking for military statics for this AirFest. Small ramp area, so can't bring in the big aircraft. T-6, any fighter, or some of that AFSOC stuff that is different and cool. One-day show, 4 Nov, sponsored by Hangar 24 Craft Beer. Concert on ramp after the show. Non-towered airport, 8001x100 runway, FBO has contract fuel. Arrive Friday, or come in Saturday morning. Show doesn't start until ~1300. Ping me for details if you think you might want to show up.