General Discussion

Story here. From the article:

Here is a bit of information for those of you who plan on making the USAF a career. A quick bit of background to place this post in context for all. At several times during a officers career you will compete to attend Professional Military Education (PME) in residence. Some of you have heard of Squadron Officer School, which is for captains, but this post is really focused on what the USAF calls Intermediate Developmental Education (IDE), usually Air Command and Staff College (ACSC), or similar programs. And Senior Developmental Education (SDE), usually Air War College (AWC), or similar programs. You will compete for IDE and SDE at your Major and LtCol promot…

Ok, I know that most of you are fixed wing pilots, but I am really looking at flying Helicopters for the Military. The question I have is as follows: What are the career ops outside of the military? Where can you find these jobs? Respectfully, PWL

This was already posted in the "What's Wrong with the AF?" thread (as a good thing), but it deserves its own thread for now. Release of the change to 39-2903 has re-authorized colored Friday shirts, name tags, and morale patches. Note that this applies to everybody, not just flyers. Can I get a harumph?

Saw this posted on a different forum, felt it was worth sharing here... Cheers! M2

Co-pilots coming to legacy herks are being re-routed to RPA/AFSOC and C-130H will become integrated with total force, any more info?

https://m.aviationweek.com/defense/usaf-grounds-t-6-trainers-after-hypoxia-events The U.S. Air Force has grounded the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II training aircraft at Vance AFB, Oklahoma, after five pilots reported physiological episodes with hypoxia-like symptoms while flying. The Air Force’s 71st Flying Training Wing enacted an “operational pause” of T-6 flying operations on Nov. 15 after four T-6 instructor pilots and one student pilot assigned to Vance reported physiological incidents since Nov. 1, spokeswoman Terri Schaefer told Aviation Week Nov. 29. In each case, the aircraft’s backup oxygen system operated as designed and the pilots followed the correc…

I've been seeing a lot of articles the last few days with some shocking statistics. Looks like we may have to sub-contract the defense of our nation to foreign countries. https://www.army.mil/article/260969/secretary_of_the_army_christine_wormuths_remarks_to_the_2022_ausa_opening_ceremony_october_10_2022as_prepared https://warontherocks.com/2023/03/addressing-the-u-s-military-recruiting-crisis/ https://thehill.com/opinion/congress-blog/4087630-recruiting-the-all-volunteer-force-requires-a-whole-of-nation-approach/ The one that really caught my attention was a Wall Street Journal article (behind a paywall) that suggests that Veterans are contributing to…

Anybody out there know what the current story on the Osprey is?I know they are back in testing, saw one flying around Edwards two days ago, but what is their proposed IOC date? If you have got any info I would appreciate it.

The FAA is looking at a major revamp of Part 61 of the FARs. They listed those changes via an NPRM, and the public comment period ended on 8 May. Of interest to us here is that they want to change the process for military instructor pilots to get their CFI certificate. In summary, it will simplify the process to basically a mil competency test, and a few other minor hoops to jump through. The FAA guy running this hopes to have it published by the end of the year. I spoke to the folks at NAFI, and they said their was a lot of support for this in the comment period, and that they expect it will go through. It's not a done deal, but looks very promising. I've st…

Just read on another forum from someone who witnessed a C-17 crash at Elmendorf? Anyone hear anything? Edit: https://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/0...elmendorf.html Quote: Authorities say they are investigating reports of a plane crash on Elmendorf Air Force Base this evening. Some reports indicated the aircraft involved was a C-17 cargo plane. A black plume of smoke is visible rising from the base. Firefighters at the downtown Station 1 say they saw a ball of flames at about 6:45 p.m. and a plume of black smoke rise from base. They were called for an agency assist to a report of a plane crash but then were cancelled moments later as they got out on the st…

Unconfirmed reports of a tanker down after take-off in Kyrgyzstan: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22397266 If correct, a really bad couple of weeks for US aviation.

I see this topic come up as "thread creep" in other threads, and figured I'd start a thread. A nice photo of an RV was recently posted. I figure there is a good brain-trust around here with the RV-line of aircraft, and others. I met a Captain building an RV-14. Sounds like the ultimate RV to me. Really interested in learning more. Do any of you have experience with one yet? https://www.vansaircraft.com/public/rv14.htm

How long are deployments currently.Also where are bases located. Thanks Scoobs

No other info Don't want to post a lot because the news is spouting bullshit. Sounds like flight from Seoul, declared emergency, crashed on landing. Fire department still fighting fire. See, now they are saying they did not declare emergency.

Anybody heard of this aircraft and it's potential for replacing the T-38? AvTechGroup Advanced Jet Trainer I'm sure the company is just living a pipe dream, but I couldn't resist. [ 29. October 2004, 09:47: Message edited by: flynhigh ]

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27785769

My thinking with this: Why not have a thread that details what's allowed under AFIs or DoD regs so we don't get hosed when working with finance or SVS, and all those folks. Gouge, if you will. Background... Billeting at Kadena and Ellsworth (sturgis, baby!) have both refused to give me a non-A number while I'm there even though they don't have rooms available for my entire stay (billeting available 10 nights out of 12). Their reasoning is to stay on-base when there's room. Fair enough. But they're wrong. Andersen lodging saying they want you to stay on base for "most" of your trip there? According to AFI 34-246, page 20, 2.2.1.1.3, "The member is authorized com…

Heard about this though the grapevine. Only reported injury was pride. Damage class B

What does "noses cold" mean? I heard it on that Brit's 'Heath website listening to some dudes AR'ing. Thanks

I am an "other" service guy who is going some place where I need brown desert boots. I have been told that there are some specific brown desert boots approved for aviation duties and these are not the normal grunt boots. My unit must MIPR purchase these and my flight suits from the AF supply system. Can anyone give me some boot names or NSN's or some info I can provide to my S4 type? Do they come in hot weather and cold weather types? Thanks.

Does anyone know if it is possible to get into Test Pilot School without an Engineering degree/background? Also, do you need to be a fighter jock to become one? Just Curious, Thanks!

Who has the skinny on the F-16 RTU students who never flew in Phase III at SUPT and just did sims? I hear there are 2 at Kelly, certainly we have a UPT or Kelly instructor on here to verify. There is more to the rumor but it’s hard to believe. It certainly would increase production quickly.

https://www.dodbuzz.com/2015/01/16/general-praising-the-a-10-to-lawmakers-is-treason/ General: Praising the A-10 to Lawmakers is ‘Treason’ By Brendan McGarry Friday, January 16th, 2015 2:13 pm Posted in Air, Policy A top U.S. Air Force general warned officers that praising the A-10 attack plane to lawmakers amounts to “treason,” according to a news report. Maj. Gen. James Post, vice commander of Air Combat Command, was quoted as saying, “If anyone accuses me of saying this, I will deny it … anyone who is passing information to Congress about A-10 capabilities is committing treason,” in a report published Thursday on The Arizona Daily Independent. In a response to…