General Discussion

What is the current status with ‘hawg retirement? I have heard various opinions such as they are re-winging all 281 aircraft (implies non of them are going to be retired). I’ve also heard that they’re planning on retiring about 40 or so aircraft, and several of those will be from guard units. Any concrete answers out there? Or is it a constant variable depending on politics and current day events? Fingers crossed they’ll keep all 281 🤞

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/35888/ai-claims-flawless-victory-going-undefeated-in-digital-dogfight-with-human-fighter-pilot https://youtu.be/McH63bA9TDU Have we learned nothing from Terminator!!!??

Hey all, I searched around for this question but couldn't find a good answer. I just had my first checkride outside of AETC in the MAF, and I feel like I knocked it out of the park. I got "commendables" on a few items from my EP. I've never heard of this. Is it just a "good for you no one cares" kind of thing or will it help highlight me in a positive manner, look good on boards, etc. Are they very common or is it a rarity?

Currently at UPT and starting to think about a dream sheet. Unfortunately ole' COVID has really hampered operational guys from stopping by so I can pick their brains. I'm AD and I came from a Viper guard unit (enlisted but I did interview). I enjoy flying but as much fun as fighters would be, I'm pretty sure I don't want to spend my days in a vault. Looking for advice on any of the following: U-27 and 28s CV-22 130 (SOCOM) ISR 135s U-2 B-52 T-38A (to my understanding this is considered a pre-22 assignment?) I greatly appreciate any insight.

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

Just finished UPT and C-130 school. Waiting for my shipment of HHG's back to my home unit right now, in fact. My UTM / finance is saying I do not qualify for DLA moving back to home station because it's considered a "separation PCS." Can anyone chime in on this? Seems insane to deny almost $3k worth of DLA. Moving is effing expensive, especially with a wife, 2 kids and a dog... Just want to make sure I'm asking the right questions and not overlooking anything. Thanks in advance!

Anybody here had one of the accompanied assignments at Al Udeid? If so, I had a few questions about family living in Doha.

In the recent past, the AF in its infinite wisdom has decided to stop giving 'follow-on' assignments to FAIPs as they have in the past. (For example, 37 FAIP with a Fighter follow-on or a TONE FAIP with a Strat. follow-on). For the T-1 FAIPs at XL, I have heard that recent FAIP follow-on drops have included an E3, E8 and a 135 to the Forks (Bergman you might know this guy), as well as a couple of C17s and a C5. Recent fighter type drops from XL have included numerous 16s and a Mudhen. Just wondering how the FAIP mafia is fairing as far as the other bases go...

https://mobile.twitter.com/FAANews/status/1099399252554534912?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet Not many details.

The ANG/AFRC commuting thread exists but I was wondering about the experience of active duty people with long commutes: Has anyone ever lived in DFW and commuted to KSPS? It’s two hours but seems doable with a crash pad a few nights a week. I know IPs live in Edmond and commute to Vance at about 1.5 hrs. That’s below SMD!

Saw a thread on this a while back but thought I’d get an update on the 2 piece flight suit. I’ve heard the 2 piece is mandatory for combat missions now, but what about otherwise? Will the green bag eventually be phased out, or will it remain a personal choice? Haven’t been able to find a very solid answer online other than the 2 piece now being authorized in-garrison and deployed. What about UPT? Thanks!

Just read on another forum from someone who witnessed a C-17 crash at Elmendorf? Anyone hear anything? Edit: https://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/0...elmendorf.html Quote: Authorities say they are investigating reports of a plane crash on Elmendorf Air Force Base this evening. Some reports indicated the aircraft involved was a C-17 cargo plane. A black plume of smoke is visible rising from the base. Firefighters at the downtown Station 1 say they saw a ball of flames at about 6:45 p.m. and a plume of black smoke rise from base. They were called for an agency assist to a report of a plane crash but then were cancelled moments later as they got out on the st…

Hey guys, Really appreciate all the information I’ve learned from you guys over the years. I’ve been applying left and right to Guard/Reserve fighter units for about two and a half years now. I’m getting impatient and am starting to consider AD. My scores are relatively good and I’ve been told several times by a couple units “You’re a great candidate; there’s not really anything you can do to make your application better. Just keep trying.” 28 years old, Pilot: 90 / Nav 85 / PCSM 86 w/ 73 flight hours, Max PCSM 96. I played college sports, graduated on the honor roll, have my PPL, etc. My question is this: should I go AD, what are the odds I g…

Not sure what this means for recently separated or retired. https://twitter.com/W7VOA/status/1243656134109597702?s=20

Thankfully the pilot is fine. standby for a safety down day? “ A U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper assigned to the 49th Wing crashed during landing at Holloman AFB at approximately 1800 MDT today. The sole pilot on board successfully ejected and is currently being treated for minor injuries. Emergency responders are on scene; additional details will be released as they become available.”

We've got a few T-6 pilots (AETC unit) that really like the visor shown at the link below. https://www.aquilaoptics.com/index.php?m=Home&c=Products&a=view&id=2 This visor is not currently approved for flight in AETC, and I'm trying to do our folks a solid and at least run down if there's an easy path for the powers that be at AETC to say yes without going down the AF1067 rabbit hole. Anyone here fly with this visor in ACC or elsewhere and familiar with any official safe to fly approval for them? Thanks in advance!

Does anyone know where the regulation is of who can use GUT time? Any pilot (Guard/reserve) can just sign up for this at any base that has a sim right? Is it first come first serve or does each base scheduling office have first dibs. Sent from my iPhone using Baseops Network mobile app

I have often heard that it's a fighter pilot's air force so I was curious to see if y'all thought certain MWS get overlooked for opportunities like exchange tours, promotions, etc. Or are some MWS favored for those kinds of things?

https://americanmilitarynews.com/2020/02/gen-goldfein-approves-gender-neutral-change-to-air-force-song/

Currently at Vance about halfway through T-6s and recently hooked two flights in a row resulting in being put on flying CAP (commanders awareness program). Getting off altitude from poor trim and being task saturated in the pattern drove the unsats. I’m just hoping to hear some stories from guys that got their wings after struggling during UPT and what actions did you take to improve? I spend hours chair flying every day, but something just hasn’t clicked yet.

I was wondering if Al Dhafra had internet available, either wireless or land line. I heard rumor that they were installing wireless but have nevere gotten this rumor confirmed or denied. Someone who has been recently please let me know. Just wondering if I'll be able to talk to my wife using Skype or if will be emails only. Thanks.

Anyone know or have a contact at AFPC that deals with promotions? Can send to my .mil if needed.

Snowbirds jet down around an hour ago it seems. The video is awful to watch , doesn’t look like chutes had time to deploy.

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

Greetings all, Does anyone have any info regarding Banzai Flight at Vance? I was recently informed that I'll be in Banzai Flight. Any info will be greatly appreciated.