General Discussion

Where can I find guidance on operating in a MOA while in IMC? Let's say I enter the top of a MOA at FL230 and there's a solid deck from FL180-190 that I want to descend through in order to operate below. I am on an IFR flight plan, but I'm not talking to or actively being controlled by ATC (I'm on a discrete frequency and monitoring Guard). I've been told different things from different folks - one is that you need to remain VMC while in the MOA, abiding by Class E airspace VFR cloud clearances. The other is that you can enter IMC because you're on an IFR flight plan. I know which one I think is right, but I'm looking for something in writing to back up the correct…

I’ve heard it’s possible but rare to switch to an airframe in another command. For example, switching from Air Mobility Command to Air Combat Command. I’m interested in flying fighters at some point in my aviation career: any fighter or being an instructor in the T-38 or T-7 when that comes out. But, I tracked T-1s. I’m happy and excited to fly heavies but it’s always been my dream to fly fighters for a little bit of my career at least. Would it increase my chances of switching over to a fighter if I dropped a special operations aircraft or an aircraft in Air Combat Command like the EC-130 which is switching to the E-37 soon, MC-130, HC-130, RC-135, etc? I’d also be in…

I was just wondering about what percentage of combat pilots see combat through the course of their career. It seems like we have such a large military that many never do, is this true?

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/11/05/hagel-says-cuts-to-pay-and-benefits-are-needed.html Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel warned Tuesday that troops and their families will be asked to sacrifice on pay and benefits to preserve readiness in an era of tighter budgets. Hagel listed politically-charged changes to compensation and personnel policy as one of his top six priorities in reforming the military following the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as the department gears up to meet new challenges. "This may be the most difficult" to achieve among his six priorities, Hagel said of proposals to trim pay increases, overhaul TRICARE and review retirement benefit…

It appeared in the inbox today - but links to a .org address...but it's not like they ask you about the Raptor OBOGS. It uses an individual PIN, so forwarding isn't going to work.

I just finished Scott O'Grady's book Return With Honor, and wanted gain some perspective. I've heard two conflicting stories. One, makes it sound like he made some mistakes and sort of screwed the pooch. The other makes it sound as though the missile was a complete surprise to both O'Grady and his flgiht lead, and fate wasn't on his side that day. Any thoughts, especially from the more senior folks out there who were active when all this occurred?? [ 25. April 2004, 14:54: Message edited by: MEH9030 ]

Over the past couple of days, A3 has hosted a webinar called the "Fighter Enterprise Redesign." I've been unable to attend. Can anyone provide a summary of what information was passed out? Thanks, V-man

Breaking reports - flipped upside down. Initial report say most people survived. 35-45 Knts winds at landing.

No words for this one. https://www.fighterchicks.com/ Safe for work.

Houthis target US fighter jet, drone with SAM missiles for first time Artcile just says "SAMS", no mention of MANPAD or something more nefarious....but they engaged an F-16 and a Reaper.

I'm packing up this weekend. Anybody got any good ideas on stuff to make a long deployment more enjoyable? No need to post the obvious: I already have booze, porn, and an inflatable girlfriend.

Not being an A$$, but what is with the fighter guys looking like child molesters when they get deployed? Just curious with the background of growing a mustache and looking like you want to touch little kids. I am joking about most of this but curious on the history and it would be a little strange to actually ask someone why they look like that. [ 22. May 2006, 04:04: Message edited by: RedDog ]

How hard is it for a pilot/rated officer (with 96 gate months met and 2 masters degrees) to get an assignment to the Academy? is it easier as an academic instuctor? or flight instructor? is it possible to do both? Will volunteering for some bad assignment, allow me to get there afterwards? Thanks in advance.

I am an old National Guard Logistics Officer getting ready to take my first deployment since Desert Storm (and the last one before I retire). I have a choice of going to Arifjan, Thumrait, or Ali Al Salem. I'd appreciate any feedback anyone can give me on the pros and cons of each of these locations. Particularly looking for things like: The OPSTEMPO at each location (I'd like to keep busy) What the facilities are like (quarters, workcenters, MWR, etc..) Communication capabilities (internet, phone access, wi-fi, etc...) Queep level

Quietly inserted into 10 USC 1370 (regular) and 1370a (reserve): TIG requirement for Maj is now 3 years for it to be held. It was 6 months, previously.

https://nation.time.com/2013/04/02/costly-flight-hours/ Very interestink.

I saw this elsewhere. Is this legit? For service as set forth in the following: CITATION: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major X, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a KC-135R Instructor Pilot, 913th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, 384th Expeditionary Operations Group, 384th Air Expeditionary Wing, deployed to a classified location in the United States Central Command's area of responsibility on 13 January 2003 in direct support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. On that date, …

I'm graduating NAV school in May, aircraft drop is tomorrow. I have two choices: 1)JSTARS to Robins 2)Slick to Peterson. I'm from SC so I'd like to be close to home, but I *think* I'd like the C-130 mission slightly more. JSTARS rarely drop at NAV school, so I really have never considered them. Are there career opportunities in the JSTARS world? If you're on a JSTARS, do you like the mission? Lastly, I'm married with one child. My wife's choice is the JSTARS since she would be close to home when I deploy. Advice? Help!

"What outsourced company would be so stupid as to not bolt down seats?" Oh, gee, I dunno. Contract depot maintenance has such a sterling record.... Things don't seem to be looking too good for American. They're on the downswing while their major competitors, especially Delta seem to have righted the ship. If I were a betting man I wouldn't be putting money on American right now.

I know some of this information is scattered around on different threads, but I was hoping to make a more comprehensive and easier to access list. If there is already a post that accomplishes this, I apologize in advance for not finding it. What is the most rewarding or fun type of mission that you fly? I know this is likely limited by air frame, but as a wannabe pilot I'd like to know more about what cool mission are out there. Whether it's close air support, aeromedical evac, or left turns for 12 hours over the sandbox I'd love to know more! If you could give an explanation with your response that would be great too. Thank you for any input!

Get your training manager to call the Guard Bureau and see if there are any other requests for Laughlin by students selected for Vance or Sheppard(doubtful), its worth a shot. One for one swaps are easier or getting early FY dates are easier to manipulate if your willing to wait a month or two if another student is willing to take Laughlin as a price to go earlier. My friend was working the slots when I worked up in D.C., so I've seen it done. One case of Heineken and I was off to CB instead of Laughlin...but that's a different case literally. Good luck!

Random question/probably not uncommon situation I just got picked up for OTS to be a pilot (hooray!) and my soon-to-be-wife is leaving for OTS to be a pilot in a couple of months as well. We’re both Prior-Es. We’re very optimistic we can both get the same base for UPT, so that’s not the issue, and even if it were, not the end of the world. More importantly, in all of yours guys’ experience, how does Join Spouse work for two pilots starting out? She’ll be ahead of me in the pipeline about 6 months. We’re *hoping* she gets an aircraft and then I can just get that same one at drop night 6 months later, but I’ve been in the Air Force far too long to get excited abo…

I am currently in AFROTC commissioning in May and heading to UPT at some point after that. (Hoping for quick EADs) I have been trying to get into the right mindset for UPT. I, like many guys going to UPT have been wanting to fly fighters for the AF for as long as I can remember. So my question is this: What is the best way to approach the competitive aspect of UPT? I am going there determined to achieve my goals, and will give 110% to get there but I don't want to be that guy who steps on the other studs to get what I want. I have heard that it is an intense competition and it's dog eat dog, but also that you need to help each other out and pass on all the valuable i…

A guy in my class here at Little Rock told me one of his buddies got a call from Pope asking him if he wanted to go to Cheyenne instead of going to Pope once he got done at Little Rock. Also, I heard a rumor they were dropping Slicks to Cheyenne at Randolph now. Can anyone substantiate this?

Has anyone ever successfully fought a commander directed Q3? If so, what is the winning strategy? I realize that there are times when a commander directed Q3 is warranted, but I have also heard way too many stories of BS ones too - mainly from risk averse commanders attempting to save face in front of their boss. Other than an MFR to the next highest commander in the chain, what should one do to contest it? -9- Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk