General Discussion

I am just curious with all the pilots. What is one of the main reason you think plane crashes happen? Is it the plane, pilot, both, ATC what? My main area of interest is proper flight instruction and safety in flying. I became concerned in this area after being a flight attendant and having a very scary flight experience. I would love some feed back! Thanks!

Why does a Group/CC or Wing/CC need 2 execs + a secretary + a deputy/vice? Our Squadron can't hardly function with people having upward of 4 additional duties, yet they still take people out of the Squadron to fill these roles. I am just wondering.

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Reported by UK news media... https://www.itv.com/news/story/2014-01-07/helicopter-air-crash-cley-north-norfolk/

Did anybody hear about the mass piss test they did at Dover to include transit aircrews coming from overseas? Full disclosure this was beer talk at Ramstein with other aircrews so it might have been exaggerated. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

Caught this earlier today. Comm checks could be interesting. Lifting an overzealous barrier or another body blow to the military for the sake of inclusion/diversity? https://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20140802/NEWS/308020038/Lawmaker-wants-trial-program-deaf-serve-Air-Force I understand how well deaf individuals can integrate - I went to a school who had 25% deaf/HOH population and have seen it first hand. But this?

Gents, Time to figure out my next assignment, seeking insights. First tour was as slick nav, 2nd has been in flight test. Will be moving right at my 10 year mark, 9 months or so after Major's board. Mobility mission I knew is pretty much gone. Could go to Pensacola, AFSOC, or ACC to keep flying, but I know staff is coming sooner or later. Considering option of instructing at ROTC. I think it'd be rewarding (in a different way), fun, stable, and conducive to family time & hobbies. Anyone know what happens to aviators after a tour instructing? If it means never returning to cockpit, that might be a deal breaker.

Wondering if we will see more of this with the rise of "Grey Zone" warfare: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/23/world/americas/colombia-airline-flights-venezuela.html?_r=0 There was no specific mention of a loss of separation but it was enough to get a "sharp diversion". China seems to be practicing this also: https://www.lawfareblog.com/chinas-harassment-civilian-ships-and-aircraft-south-china-sea-reminds-us-why-we-need-more-us-freedom This article and referenced speech imply they make no distinction or even attempt at distinguishing between civil and military traffic for interception or harassment. Could ICAO as a governing body respond? Su…

Just a thought that popped up in my head with the AF being short on pilots and all. I mean, they already have the reserve units at UPT bases which helps but I'm sure there are plenty of qualified pilots out there who wouldn't mind being a civilian flight instructor for T-6s.

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!

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!

Anybody know what the lifestyle is like for the KC-10?I know there probably gone a lot just like everybody else.

After doing some searches, looks like AD fighter pilots rack around 300 hours a year (typically)? Any comments from the experts? From what I understand, a guard bum could rack around 100 hours during a year of typical guard weekend duty? I basically want to fly as much as I can, and was led to believe a guard fighter bum could bum his way up to around 500 hrs a year if he hung around the squadron all day?...or is that just being active duty guard? Just trying to decide if I should keep interviewing with guard units or go AD AF. I originally was going active before having trouble with a bunch of stupid recruiters. I posted earlier today and I'll say it again, I appre…

What's goin' on guys and gals? I know it's been a while since I've posted but hey, I've been busy! Anywho, if anyone has any questions about the new UNT program (aka CSO training) fire away. I'm a little more than half-way through and if I haven't experienced it yet, I'm sure I know someone who has. ---------- Wxpunk

The pseudo-thread hijack that started in the no more position and hold thread got me thinking about the responsibilities and training involved with Air Traffic Control that few aircrew (unless you've been SOF) get to see. I'd like those familiar with the ATC rules and regulations to chime in here. I already know some of these answers, I'm asking mostly to get discussion started and answers from those who are qualified in the subject matter. 1 - Just like we train our pilots through UPT, IFF, and FTU, the controllers have a training upgrade flow. Where does that occur (are there primary initial training bases) and how long does it last? 2 - Just like we can be Q3'd, …

I will be moving to the Peterson AFB area this summer and have questions about living there. 1) I'm giving my car to my younger brother and am shopping for a "new" used one. Do you HIGHLY recommend getting some type of 4WD since it snows there most of the time? Note that I'm a California boy who has never driven in the snow! 2) I'm also looking for apartments in the area. What places do you recommend? I'm willing to commute 20 mins (tops) from home to base. Thanks!

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 ]

assignment night is quickly approaching, end of March. I am seriously interested in the U-28, but I can find very little info about the lifestyle to expect. Is it going to be your basic climb, level off, drive for a few hours, land type deal or will the flights be more interesting? What are the living conditions like while deployed? If anyone is currently flying the airframe and wouldn't mind answering a few questions for me, or if anyone has any other info regarding U-28 (besides the other stuff already posted on baseops) I would appreciate it!

Considering putting the UK on the dreamsheet out of the FTU, and I'm having a difficult time finding the regs for importing a vehicle. I've found the UK customs website, but it's going to take some time to decipher that document. Does anybody have some good techniques or gouge for bringing in a newer vehicle? It's an 07 Tacoma if it matters. Cheers

My jaw is on the floor. These are crazy. Anyone know the artist by chance? I want some prints! I mean seriously...damn! I just can't find a signature or any background on the pictures.

Thoughts ideas etc on it?

Spending the night in Tampa so I can brief one of the muckity mucks at SOCOM. These tanker boys got it made. It's been a while since I've RONed here and the place looks great. New housing, new facilities everywhere and they even program the rental cars for you. I got in mine and it went right to Mons Venus.

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?

From af.mil 3/10/2006 - U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFPN) -- "Recognition" is being reinstated here after a three-year hiatus. Recognition 2006 events start after classes March 16 and conclude with a celebratory dinner March 18. Recognition marks the transition of the fourth classmen to upper class status. It is the ceremonial acknowledgement that the fourth class as a whole has successfully met the military training requirements expected of it and is prepared to continue its four-year journey through the rigors of academy life. In 2003, the decision was made to end Recognition as part of an overall culture and climate change at the academy. By professionall…

I did a search. I love how this statement has to be posted before any questions asked. Anyone here flying the HC-130 now or in the past? How vastly idfferent is the mission from the traditional slick, besides the refueling of the whillybirds. Do you still stay current in airdrop, assaults, formation (with another -130 not a rotors)and normal airland stuff? PM me if you are currently flying them in the active duty world or the good world or just post the info for others to see. Thanks [ 31. July 2006, 19:34: Message edited by: Toro ]