General Discussion

https://www.seymourjohnson.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123298198 Cheers, Cap-10

Secret Program Works to Field SEAL Plane In a move that harkens back to the days of recycled World War II torpedo bombers sheep-dipped as close air support planes, the Navy intends to field a limited number of turbo-prop attack planes outfitted with the most modern surveillance, tracking and weapons systems to help special ops forces keep track of bad guys and, in a pinch, put warheads on foreheads. Call it an AH-1 Skyraider on steroids – a “Back to the Future”-resurrection of a kind of plane last seen pounding enemy positions with rockets, guns and bombs over Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos in the 1960s. Code named “Imminent Fury,” the classified, year-long p…

Fantastic, Boeing wins one for the home team.

Hey guys, There's no doubt that the F-15 is a pretty damn cool-looking aircraft, so it's natural to want to see it keep on flying, just because it's so iconic and awesome. About a few months ago I was reading an article from god knows where, I can't remember. But it was talking about the USAF looking into to new F-15 options (which I don't think they would follow through with) and the article mentioned a few "advanced" F-15 types that could augment planes like the F-22, -35, etc., etc. Among them were a few cool-looking and neat concepts that I looked up like: -F-15SE "Silent" Eagle: a Strike Eagle with internal weapons and option for …

I'm SURE there was a legit reason for the VC-25 and 2 F-16s to be flying around NYC, but a PA phone call to a few news stations might have been a smart move considering past events in the city... https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/F-16s...ty-on-Edge.html

Hello Gentlemen, I've curious of what you all think about aerobatic flying and how it resonates with a pilot selection board.. A little about me; my goal is to get selected for UPT by an ANG/AFRC fighter squadron in the coming years, I just enlisted in the ANG and i'm waiting on dates. I'm very interested in aerobatic flying, I would love to compete at the advanced and unlimited levels in a powered aircraft, or even a glider (if I could find an instructor in my area) My question is this; should I focus on building up my aerobatic experience or should I focus my aviation resources elsewhere? Is getting glider time even worth a damn to anybody? it looks cool to me but i…

You've herad the rumors, you've said, "No way" there's no way they can PT test in the desert. Well ladies and gentlemen, it's official. Starting 1 October, desert PT testing is here. Read the attachment and enjoy. Yet another reason not to deploy. AFCENT PT POLICY.pdf

Heard a story while ago that the 18th wing at Kadena can never come back to the states because they disgraced themselves in WW2 or the korean war. Something about leaving their enlisted to get captured by the enemy. That's also why their tailcode is ZZ, the absolute last they could have. Does anyone know what actually happened? If so, was it a specific sqdn, or the entire wing?

So I read this the other day: The U.S. was supposed to leave Afghanistan by 2017. Now it might take decades. and since the forum has been active on Afghanistan related subjects, namely AFPAK Hands, and the basically universal consensus that it is a waste of time, I wanted to start a discussion on whether or not it is time to leave and if so how? Leaving gets misinterpreted with defeat in battle, not so. Leaving means the completion of our military training mission, determination that our rebuilding & stabilization mission has run its course and that it is time to redeploy our forces & people to the northern part of the country, former Northern Alli…

Hey, I was just wondering what you all think about the pilot selection between Air Force and the Navy. I know the Navy has more planes then the air force, and they Navy gives "extra points" to people with technical degrees. I also know that the air force acceptance rate is around 55%. What are all of your thoughts on which branch it is easier to fly for?

Hello, I did a search for pet information while in the military, and it pretty much came up dry for what I'm looking for. I was wondering how easy it is to have a pet while in the military, especially within the flying community. I am pretty much looking for any advice, as to when would be best in your career to deal with a new pet, how easy it is to PCS/TDY with pets, etc. Anything would be helpful. Also, please share what(if any) type of pet you have, and how well it works out for you, and any problems you have run into while on active duty. I am really wanting to buy a puppy right now, but don't want to regret it a few months from now when it becomes a head…

Just saw the news that 19th Air Force Commander was fired (resigned, lol) for inappropriate comments made in an Air Force forum. Anyone know what he said? https://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/04/30/19th-air-force-commander-steps-down/26632917/

ive heard that you only get three chances to pass either a check ride or written test at UNT/Randolph, the whole time, and it is very realistic that one may drop out. on the flip side ive heard that you get like forty tries in UPT and you are basically forced through the program. how do the two compare with regards to attrtion and tolerance? [ 01. August 2006, 19:25: Message edited by: Toro ]

Just looking over the T-6 Ops limits and was curious on the definition/abbreviation of the following: 1. ITT - Inter Turbine Temp? 2. N1 - ? 3. Np - ? 4. PMU - ? Thanks in advance.

Yep, I am a terrible runner, always have been. The only time I would run before ROTC was sprinting for baseball or the occasional mile run for P.E.. I am still very athletic if you can picture that, although some may not consider me athletic since I have a hard time with a mile run. But you get the idea. To give you a sense on how poor my endurance is, I have ver difficult time with the 1.5 mile test. I can usually run at a 7-8 minute/mile pace for about .5-.75 miles, then I hit a wall and either drop back dramatically or hurl, yes I know pathetic... The Cadre has been lenient with me because I am a newer cadet with no background in running or running sports. Also …

Is/was there any rhyme or reason behind the tailcodes on jets...I mean, why the hell is Kadena "ZZ"?? Also, why don't heavies have the traditional two-letter tailcode? The only time I've ever seen it was an SJ on a KC-10, and ZZ on a KC-135...always been curious.

Initial report indicated the pilot survived.

Got the message today around 1730L...RIF names were released to my Sq. Initial look seemed to match the VSP eligibility year groups. I did recognize names that applied for VSP. I was on the list. Didn't apply for VSP. Good luck to us all! 03' 11M

Concerns the Navy, but how long until the Air Force needs it? The Navy restored the Aviation Command Retention Bonus...a bonus Navy Commanders receive once they assume command. Looks like 36K for agreeing to serve a set period of time, or at least until they are fired. Is the Navy losing too many O5 command potential/promotable officers, or is command just that undesirable that the Navy has to shell out the dollars to get some interested? Not a good sign to have to compel/pay officers to serve in a command position. Don't get me wrong, I am all for bonuses in attempt to shape the force and keep critical skills (pilot, enlisted specialities), but command has always…

Im wondering why do some guys crush the backs of their flight cover, so the back sticks up? Others will make a the back flatten out in the back. If you arent seeing what Im saying. When you put the cover on push the back down, it creates a tail look. Can anyone tell me why? I heard a few things. In WWII the flight caps were crushed by the headset, and it stuck. Another one was that guys with tons of hours "can" do it. Then I heard that fighter/bomber guys wear the crushed-back-tail-sticks-up (USN speak ducktail) And the heavy drivers wear the one with the back flatten and sticking out back. If anyone knows the reason please let me know, and the correct …

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?

Does the AF only use time in the AOR to determine the amount of reconstitution leave or do they use all time spent away from your home of record? I am deployed as guest help with another unit. I will have over 90 days deployed and will get another week of reconstitution if they consider time spent at the other unit (which is out of my State) as well as travel time getting to the AOR and back. Our Log Plans guy back home is telling me that they only use time in the AOR to calculate the leave while the unit I am with says they count all time away from home. Which is it and can someone point me to a specific reg?

Thoughts & Prayers to all the family & friends and squadron mates of those killed in the USAF CV22 that crashed west of Qalat in Afghanistan. Your sacrifices were not in vain. Rest in Peace and Godspeed Guys. ISAF: 4 killed in U.S. aircraft crash in Afghanistan By the CNN Wire Staff April 9, 2010 -- Updated 0655 GMT (1455 HKT) (CNN) -- A U.S. aircraft crashed in southern Afghanistan, killing three U.S. service members and one civilian employee, a statement from NATO-led forces said Friday. The cause of the crash of the Air Force CV-22 Osprey was not known, said the International Security Assistance Force statement. Several other service members were inj…

I think that about sums it up.

Great video - Columbus Lt Col IP flying with a Japanese exchange student experiences a bit of a language barrier. I have watched it no less than 10 times and I still laugh when I watch it. Turn Off the Heat!