General Discussion

https://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/03/29/retired-military-pilot-died-hero-trying-to-save-kids-from-drowning-at-florida-beach.html I didn’t know him, but I’m sure someone here did. rest easy

I'm looking to see if anyone has heard or has any information on the Air Force possibly moving the 457th AS (C-21s @ Andrews AFB) back to Scott AFB. I had heard something about FY'19 but can't really confirm it beyond rumor status. Thanks in advance!

Reportedly a ground launched R-27. Gets real interesting at 1:34.

C-5 landed without nose gear extended at LERT. No other details other than it appears to be an aircraft malfunction

Looks like news is reporting pilot and wso ejected, but didn’t make it. Damn. https://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/03/14/navy-fa-18-jet-crashes-off-key-west-official-tells-fox-news.html

Just looking to see if any one else has gotten contractors from Decypher to tackle additional duties? The background story is: my squadron's rumor mill said that there was a contract written and the Ops Group would get some contractors to take care of the unkillable additional duties. Theory being this would free up bodies for the flying schedule. Word was that if they actually showed up they would be parceled out among the OG and we might get 1, with no timeline given. Well, 1 March rolls around and we get phone call at 0800 telling us all 3 rumored contractors are showing up today for our squadron, get ready. These guys show up after lunch without anything. …

Hangar 24 AirFest is going to be a two-day event for 2018 (19-20 May). It's in Redlands, CA... Airport is KREI... runway is 4504' x 75'. https://www.airnav.com/airport/KREI Can a T-6 get a waiver to land there? They would really like one since military support is big deal with Hangar 24. This is will be a cool event. PM me if interested.

As part of my graduate capstone project, I have decided to analyze part of the USAF's broken personnel management system. Specifically, I am exploring the potential long-term effects of TAMI-21 (being a victim of this dirty whore myself) on pilot retention. Below, are links to surveymonkey.com for either RPA TAMI dudes or AFSOC TAMI dudes. The survey is one page and should take less than 2 minutes. Most of the TAMI guys that I know are in AFSOC and have already completed the survey. I am really seeking more surveys from the RPA community. Any help that you guys can provide in either completing the survey, or forwarding it to TAMI victims will be much appreciated. Afte…

@HuggyU2 gear up for a blue suit job. The USAF will provide Government Owned Contractor Operated (GOCO) T-6As and T-38Cs. No toners. This is just a RFI and not an RFP but it's just a matter of time. https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=4f69cd28bca0a8c07e21486897f2f83e&tab=core&_cview=1 Of note it looks like they want a desirable location. So the AF knows that they need a good location to attract retired/separated mil IPs

40 out 110 AFSOC O-6's hit the eject button, including a few HPOs (at least one a multi-year BPZ sitting Wing/CC). Some might see this as a good thing, but that is still a lot of experience walking out the door all at once.

Anybody got any bright ideas of stuff to do at Kef while you're waiting for a part? We've been here for days with one bad "rescue part" already.. Trip was supposed to be a quick out-n-back the same day.. yeah.. that didn't happen exactly as planned. I think we've checked in and out of billeting 2-3 times now.. the maids are getting to know us by name, and we've bowled so many times that our thumbs are gonna be sore for a week. I've read the OCONUS gouge thrown together by Mr. BaseOps, himself.. looks like a new rescue is in the works again, so we probably won't head out on the town.. Headin' this way? Give us a yell when you get here. Cheers! Linda

Interesting things going on at MHAB...

Ran through my old stomping grounds the other day: Kelly Field in San Antonio (KSKF). Word on the street from the AD folks running the airfield is 2 AD F16 squadrons (AETC Tails) are inbound that will fall under the guard WG to bolster F16 B-course production. Apparently Holloman isn’t working out as planned. And it’s happening...my old unit is literally fighting their “eviction” from their current building to make way for the new tennants. Anyone else hearing this?

https://www.yahoo.com/news/officials-probe-first-possible-drone-130500520.html

Doh! https://www.yahoo.com/news/m/cc408092-a77c-35c8-8bab-6070a14962aa/ss_f-16-lands-safely-at-phoenix.html

While everyone has their panties in a wad arguing about Trump and Russia, the Syrians just shot down an Israeli Viper...Massive response launched. The plane made it back to Israeli territory before it crashed, the pilots was recovered and taken to the hospital, one in serious condition. Another Iranian Drone launched from Syrian entered Israel...this could get ugly.

Story here. From the article:

Hi all, I'm really hoping you guys can set me straight here. I was picked up for an AD pilot slot last year and am waiting to go to OTS later this year. I currently have a great finance job at Lockheed and they are literally begging me to stay. While I don't hate what I do, I've spent the last 4 years of my life wondering... is this really it?? Am I just going to make my way up the finance ladder, then retire and slowly rot away? That caused me to apply for a pilot slot, as it's something that I've always wanted to do and offers a meaning to life that I don't think I'd find in many other places. Now, a year after being accepted and waiting in the OTS pipeline... It …

Has anyone finished the new SOS i-c? Everyone in my unit finished the old easy version years ago or hasn't even looked into starting it. How quickly can you finish it if you put a lot of focus on it?

The BBC is reporting a Su-25 was shot down in Syria. They're saying the pilot got out but was killed by rebels on the ground. BBC: Su-25 Down in Syria

Just wondering if any AF guys on the board went through primary at Whiting w/ the Navy. One of my buds back from ROTC just got his orders today that he's going to start pilot training there. He was curious as to how easily you adapt to the AF way during phase 3, and how the track select works and what planes usually come out of a Whiting drop (specifically how many T-1s and -38s). Thanks for your help.

want to get in shape during your next deployment? this app lets you find popular routes at nearly every deployed us military location as well as other places. dont forget your fitbit/apple watch! https://labs.strava.com/heatmap/#13.92/51.31611/25.12240/hot/all https://labs.strava.com/heatmap/#14.97/36.99188/35.04879/hot/all https://labs.strava.com/heatmap/#15.63/38.92630/36.26115/hot/all https://labs.strava.com/heatmap/#14.41/-103.33138/34.39362/hot/all

Hi all, I am a recently separated ANG member who is doing some volunteer work with my church. Does anyone have a point of contact that I could contact for mailing several hundred pounds of donated items overseas? Thank you. BC memsecur@yahoo.com

I am currently in UPT and would like to start a Roth IRA. Those who have a Roth IRA, who did you go through? Good/Bad companies? USAA? I have no real experience working with investments/retirements and am looking for any information that I can get.

Saw a Gulfstream V today on the ramp at CWF on my student solo from Corpus. Wow! What a plane. Meticulously (go ahead spell check Nazi's!) maintained, plush interior and avionics like I've only seen in movies (I thought Tweets to C-12 was a big jump!). One of the pilots was nice enough to give us a tour and a brief rundown on the capabilities (Ceiling FL 510, etc..) Amazing. Just wondering if any of the active flyers have gotten the DV airlift assignment and what they thought of it? Seems like working with 4 stars could have some great perks and some pretty big drawbacks too.