General Discussion

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 ]

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…

Army aviators, ready to leave the military, are told they owe 3 more years instead

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.

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

Here are a couple low fly complaint messages that were forwarded to me from the wing PAO. I called the guy back after I finally stopped laughing. He's a good guy that really does have some legit PTSD issues. There's a third one where you can hear the jets flying by while he's on the phone. I'll try to find that one. FWIW, we actually do try to avoid this guy's house. Low Fly Complaint Second Call

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

How is it that people find jobs like "gymnastics coach" at the AFA? Or Jump team pilot at the AFA? Or IP for iraqi student pilots? Is there a book published that I am not aware of? And I don't suppose that there is any sort of "waiver" that allows a nav to teach AFA cadets to fly a DA20? Or even Iraqis? At this point I'll take anything..

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 ]

https://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/us-military-helicopter-crashes-inside-base-on-japan-s-okinawa-1.233850#.Uf9_r2ajVjw.facebook Really hoping they find the last guy ok. Not a good way to start the week.

https://www.fox5vegas.com/news/17042660/detail.html hope they got out alright

Just came across this on af.mil. Leaders consider returning maintainers to flying squadrons

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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, …

Just curious if anyone knew what it took to become a Thunderbird. Thanks for the info.

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!

I am currently a senior cadet in AFROTC, however my girlfriend is a sophomore cadet. I have been warned time and time again by ROTC folks that as soon as I commission, I have to break it off. Personally, I think that is standard ROTC over protective parenting. My question is: Has anyone seen married officers that weren't the same rank? It is only a 2 year difference, but I don't have much knowledge of the real Air Force, so I don't know how that works. Also, if we are both going to be pilots, will the Air Force allow us to be stationed together? I have tons of questions along these lines, but if anyone has some guidance or personal experience on the issue, I woul…

Two sides to every story, but...

Just got reclassified cyber (failed the new computer color test at my FC1). Anyone have a current read on the cyber pipeline? The only info I've received from my AFROTC cadre is that it is at Keesler, and info I've scrounged via google is inconsistent. How long is the training? Phases? Content? Is there anything I should be preparing for in the meantime? How long are LTs waiting between commissioning and EAD? What PCS options are there at the end of the pipeline? Any other SA is appreciated

I just bought a house in lovely (puke) Del Rio. I'm gonna rent out two of the rooms to some buds of mine who will be going through UPT at more or less the same time. I'm just looking for advice from any people that have done similar things before- Did you have them sign a lease, or just trust them to make payments/ stick to their word? Do I need to involve the base housing people or legal? What happens if I have them sign a formal lease and then one decides to go helos and needs to get out of it? Obviously no problemo from my point of view, but am I opening up a world of hurt from a legal perspective? Any and all advice is appreciated.

Can anyone share the procedure used to attain a type rating. Can an MPD C-130 co-pilot get one? My last qual check ride was a year ago, and I'm my next check ride is due in MAR 2010. Do I still qualify for a type rating with the FAA?

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 just track selected, Laughlin 08-07, and was chosen to fly UH-1 at Fort Rucker and was wondering if anyone knows the chances in going to CV-22's upon completion? Also, any good advice for what to expect at Rucker would be appreciated too! Thanks!

https://www.kxly.com/news/21386664/detail.html FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE -- A Spokane man has been arrested in connection with a sheriff’s office investigation into the rape of a woman inside an interrogation room at Fairchild Air Force Base’s SERE School. Michael Fassbender, 32, has been arrested and charged with raping a woman early Tuesday morning inside an interrogation room at the Survival Training Center at Fairchild. Fassbender made his first court appearance Wednesday where he was charged with 1st Degree Rape. His bond has been set at $20,000, the judge calling his alleged crime exceptionally violent. Court documents allege Fassbender squeezed the vi…

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