General Discussion

Hey all, I searched around for this question but couldn't find a good answer. I just had my first checkride outside of AETC in the MAF, and I feel like I knocked it out of the park. I got "commendables" on a few items from my EP. I've never heard of this. Is it just a "good for you no one cares" kind of thing or will it help highlight me in a positive manner, look good on boards, etc. Are they very common or is it a rarity?

Full size pick-up question: My truck exceeds 20 measurement tonnes. Do I get stuck with the difference in cost to get up to my shipment size, or do I pay the entire shipment fee? Port and TMO are both out to lunch on this. Literally, I can't get anyone after 11 am in most places.

https://www.kens5.com/mb/news/local/plane-crash-reported-in-mckinney/381002833 Lt Col (Ret) Gregory "Spanky" Barber, a U-2 pilot, and C4C Tim Barber died when their aircraft was struck by another allegedly doing aerobatics immediately after takeoff.

This is a question I've always had: I know a guy who is a retired Air Force pilot. He has his old helmet (complete with oxygen mask) on display in his office. Does the Air Force typically allow you to keep your helmet or at least let you buy it or is this not done anymore?

Ive done this before but this time I'd like to add a limit on classes. Please post the oldest guy you can remember attending UPT in the last 4 years. Search function has not been helpful with this inquiry. Thanks for the info. Cheers

A nickel on the grass... F-15C Eagles from the 144th Fighter Wing, California Air National Guard from Fresno are participating in Clear Sky 2018. Additionally, a C-130J Super Hercules from the 146th Airlift Wing, Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Calif., has arrived at Vinnytsia AB, Ukraine, to participate in the exercise.

I did a Google search this morning and this came up. A guy posting on a Warcraft board telling people to ask him any questions they want to know because he is "a F-22 Raptor pilot." I didn't read the whole thing (I'm at work right now), but in one part it says he's at Elmendorf. Here's the link: WoW Page - link updated Go sick 'em boys.

I keep hearing the ANG/AFRC is under a hiring freeze but I just don't see it here or other locations, anyone can attest?

Airmen Learn Army Skills Re the new "Air Force" centric term, I vote for the C-130 term of "Howdy". That term has always brought fear and trepidation to all who hear it in the cockpit.

I PCS'd from UPT about a month ago for TDY enroute at Altus, but my departure date was a week before my class start date. Since it was a PCS departure, no more housing at the old PDS...it only took two days to arrive at Altus, so I was here for about five days with no class, but still spending money on the hotel. Went to finance to do an accrual voucher so I could be reimbursed for the hotel, and was told that I would not be reimbursed for any days prior to the day before my class start date....which means I'm paying out of pocket for an unwanted 5 day vacation in lovely Altus, OK. Does anyone know if it is possible to get an amendment on the TDY orders that puts me…

so headed to the sandbox for the first time. Looking to make it my version of fatcamp..loose a little weight..work out etc. Anyone have any good tips for losing some weight over in the des. while flying? How do I eat healthy at the DFAC? Do they cook plain chicken breasts etc? I know a lot of guys end up losing a good amount of weight. Any tips/ eating plans appreciated!

I used the search function and came up empty handed The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is probably the most popular personality test in use, and I've heard that they used to give it to pilots in the navy. I wouldn't be surprised if many of the guys on here have heard of it. The test indicates how you use your mind based on 4 scales: Favorite world: Do you prefer to focus on the outer world or on your own inner world? This is called Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I). Information: Do you prefer to focus on the basic information you take in or do you prefer to interpret and add meaning? This is called Sensing (S) or Intuition (N). …

I've used the search function, but my questions are more specific. I am curious about the backgrounds / flying hours for dudes who track select to the T-38. Specifically, do most T-38 guys have high hours (300+ or 1000+) and advanced ratings (instrument / commercial / aerobatic) before beginning UPT? I'm reading these old posts which state track select is based on 40% checkrides, 30% daily rides, 20% commander ranking, 10% test scores. So, I’m thinking if someone aces the academics and has a great commander ranking it's not enough, 70% is pure situational awareness and ability to handle the Tweet / Texan. When I read just “bust you’re a**” and make sure your #1 in…

Big picture, what are the physical differences between these two? I understand that the HC-130P and MC-130P both do helicopter refueling, but are the only major differences between the actual aircraft the MC's AR (receiver) capability? Other questions: -Any big differences in countermeasures? -Does the MC-P do CSAR at all? -What about infil/exfil? -Can any HC guys give me an idea of what to expect in the ops world (I'm headed to the 79th)? -Finally, what are the big differences in the syllabi for each aircraft Kirtland? I know, lots of questions so thanks for any help - I was search function complete prior to posting.

What is your perception of the fighter lifestyle versus the heavy lifestyle? I.e. time spent TDY, length of the workday, attitude of guys in the squadron, etc. I ask because I know there are a lack of fighter guys in tweets and texans, and maybe there are some misconceptions about fighters out there.

All, I have a somewhat unique question for the board. One of my guys is transitioning from the HH-60 to a T-6 instructor gig. The problem begins with the our schoolhouse. We graduate the school house as an 11-H3E, which is an aircraft commander. When we get to our units, the standard has been an administrative downgrade to a mission co-pilot/first pilot. The problem is that there is really no definition of a first pilot in our 11-2HH60 v1/2/3. The way it is used is that a guy fresh from the school house can act as aircraft commander for non-combat sorties, i.e. he can take it cross-country. This is the first of many problems. The second problem is in a tabl…

I was fortunate enough to go on a base visit to Tyndall not too long ago and couldn't help but notice some of the QRF-4's on the flightline and some painted in a camo similar to SEA style. I asked one of the pilots if they were drones as well, but turns out they are used for pilots to maintain currency according to him. I guess my question would be under what circumstances would you get to use the phantoms for proficiency? Is it a thing for the Eagle/Raptor guys? ... Or a weapons testbed for different missiles/weapons? Phantom Phantom Take Off Phantom landing roll

Anyone have any quick math equations they use in the cockpit like the ones below? 1) Degrees off nose + 20 = crosswing percentage Example: 40kt wind 30deg off nose = 20kt crosswind component 2) Ground Speed / 2, add a zero = 3 degree descent rate Example: 120kt / 2 = 600 fpm vsi 3) 50% of wind gust = Addition to final approach speed Example: Winds gusting 20 = add 10kts to final speed 4) Add 2 subtract 2 rule for reciprocal headings and runways Example: 327 recip = 147. If add 2 to first number, subtract 2 to second number. 1st number is always opposite 2nd number. Third number is unchanged.

https://m.kcra.com/news/plane-crashes-at-travis-afb-air-show-in-fairfield/25806746 Apparently this was the performer: https://www.eddieandreiniairshows.com

I was just curious for the guys who have an engineering degree/ or pursuing and engineering degree. Specifically aerospace/aeronautical I'm interested in the above: What exactly are they? What classes are involved? Experiences you had? What you thought? I'm wanting to give myself options once I graduate to possibly going into test flying. And after that possibly becoming an astronaut. But i don't want to set a trap for myself and get bad grades because before trying to become a test pilot/astronaut I have to get accepted for UPT. And I'm not even sure whether I would like the course or not, I think it looks real interesting. Any suggestions that you could…

I've had one now for about 3 years, and see them all over the military. If you have one or are planning on buying one, please submit the name and brief history of the hero. Here's the history and background of Cpl John C. Keiper - who's name is engraved on my silver bracelet. ************************************************* Name: Keiper, John Charles Rank: Corporal/E-4 Branch: United States Marine Corps Unit: HAMS 16, MAG 16 Date of Birth: 18 September 1945 Home of Record: Renovo, Pennsylvania Date of Loss: 15 November 1966 Country of Loss: South Vietnam Loss Coordinates: 162535N 1074619E (ZD150045) Status: Missing In A…

@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

All, Squadron CC is making the push...wants us using e-pubs in flight (since Buffs carry a library of T.O's). So, regardless of your opinions on the principle of the thing (everyone has one), Has anyone used these with any success/failure? Anyone know of any readers in particular that work well? Thanks for the inputs. -JSM

I recently heard that the rules on wearing partial PT uniforms had changed... ie people could now workout while wearing just the shorts and a civilian t-shirt or vice versa, so long as they were not at an official formation. I was in the gym recently with a buddy when he mentioned to one of the enlisted troops we work with that folks might get upset about partial uniform. I spoke to him afterwards and told him I'd heard that the rules had changed but I'd look into it... Anyone got the low-down? Did the regs change? - PS. I thought I asked in another post but I couldn't find the post or topic. Feel free to add your other PT uniform gripes/complaints here. Oh yeah,…

Hydro mentioned something that I haven't seen since the first page of posts. What exactly are the PHOENIX programs. I've heard very little about them and was wondering what they are all about. I'm still pretty new to the Herk, but the more I know about career progression and the T-ODP the better. Also, any of you exchange types, how early did you start asking for that? What assignments did you have previously? Thanks [ 30. May 2006, 03:10: Message edited by: hockeymv ]