General Discussion

I met Bob Pardo today. There wasn't much time to chat, but talk about a brush with a legend. Just wanted to share.

Evening All, Just wanted to invite any rotorheads here to partake in our complimentary subscriptions to our new digital publication for the military helo world. We are up to Issue 3 of Cleared HOT and thought we would extend some complimentary subs to members here. If you would like to enjoy the magazine, a totally digital publication, then please drop me a PM here with name and email address and will send you the invite to our new VIP section where you can download Cleared HOT as well as HeliOps, our civil helo mag and also many of our others. Cheers Everyone, Rick Admin Manager Cleared HOT

I think I'm Jinxed. I was down in SC a couple of weeks ago for the Blue Angel crash. Now I'm home in Montana and was up at the airport this afternoon meeting my Brother and watching the Snow Birds taking off for practice for this weekend's airshow. I was driving down the hill into town and saw smoke. The first thing I thought was I hope they didn't crash. Unfortunately I was right the #2 jet went in at Malmstrom AFB. I'll give more details as I get them. Man, I hate to see anybody lose their life in an airplane. From what I'm hearing on the local news the pilot didn't make it out.

Haven't seen this link posted here yet, may have missed it. Got this link from my old man, an eagle driver turned Boeing rep. www.fighterpilotfilm.com Slainte

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20209770

https://www.abc15.com/news/region-phoenix-metro/west-phoenix/official-f-16-from-luke-air-force-base-crashed-thursday-near-bagdad-ariz Fingers crossed.

NY Man Busted Pretending to be Soldier for First Class Upgrade Diaz -- who sources said never served in the military -- also had a black POW patch on his sleeve, which an actual soldier would never wear in that spot, the sources said. His dog tags were comically engraved with the words, "USA Marines Corp."

Anyone have any insider info on this event, I know it has been pushed back to September. Generally wondering if it will be worth the trip to DC, possible best viewing locations,etc.. It sounds like a once in a lifetime type event, Oshkosh on steroids https://ww2flyover.org

Ok here's the short story - we've been together for quite some time (couple of years) and have put off the marriage thing until we were both through with training. Problem is, I got T-1s then C-17s thinking her chances would be pretty good to go T-1s. The way the drop worked, she ended up with T-44s. If we're married when she graduates, is it possible they will trade for or drop her a -17 out of Corpus or is this most likely going to be something she can't change until years down the road hoping to cross-train? What can we do?

Breaking News: Shooting in Wichita Falls Don't know how valid this is, but my friend said some of the people gunned down were service members. If you have any friends or relatives over there, might as well be safe and check on them...

Do any of you T-38 pilots have any recent experience landing at civilian fields in SoCal, as far as getting an airstart? How about Palm Springs? I know SBD, Chino, Van Nuys, and Long Beach are good to go.

does anyone know the background story to the 9 AF SII that was just released regarding checklist discipline/not deviating from checklists? I'm assuming there is more to the story...

The post about the B-1 mishap made me think about this paper I recently wrote. Maybe there's some things in here that other pilots will find valuable. Feel free to steal and plagarize as desired. Some Things I’ve Learned Till Now I’ve been fortunate to be able to fly the A-10 for a long time. I started out on active duty, then spent time in the Air National Guard, and now fly full-time for the Air Force Reserves. I’m not yet ancient, but I am old enough to have witnessed some major changes in the way we view the world and the way we fly airplanes in the fighter/attack community. Around long enough to see some devastating mishaps, I’ve lost squadron mates, c…

So I was filling out my ADP today and low and behold there is a new (at least to me) AFSC for 11's.. DAFSC/Duty Type11SM--Spec Ops Plt/Air Commando (FID, LVA, Data Masked) This is in /addition/ to the 11XX - Spec Ops Plt / NSA (non standard aircraft) pilot So does anyone have any idea what this is all about?

https://www.cnn.com/2015/06/30/asia/indonesia-military-plane-crash/ About as bad as it gets. Couldn't help but notice the article says there were 110 passengers and 12 crew on board. Seems high for a 130? Or not?

I just watched a MAD video of Swiss mirage pilots hotshotting around the alps, and it awesome. Silly question, but are USAF pilots ever allowed to go joyriding from time to time (solo, or with a flight?) Or, does every single flight have a clear, tactical purpose? Not to sound like a 13 year old... but I was just wondering. Thanks

Anyone else drop dead on a checkride due to sequestration?

Searched to the old thread about the crash, but got an error when I selected it, a result of the recent forum maintenance? Report: Ice buildup caused Heathrow crash landing LONDON – A British accident report has confirmed that a buildup of ice in the fuel lines of a Boeing 777 jet caused its crash landing at London's Heathrow Airport two years ago. U.S. and European regulators moved to impose modifications to the engines of some jets after the British Airways plane fell 330 meters (1,080 feet) short of the airport's runway on Jan. 17, 2008. More than a dozen people were injured. Investigators had suspected that water usually present in aircraft fuel froze up, …

For those who know a 172, is it possible on a cold day to take four adult males (including pilot) on this plane? Or is that overweight? I am trying to figure out! Thanks!! Kinz [ 10. December 2004, 18:48: Message edited by: ToBeKC135Pilot ]

Dudes, anyone have any experience or advice on applying for hardship separation? I know it starts in vMPF just like any other separation app, but outside of that the afi doesn't really give info on who it gets routed to after your Wg/CC, approval time, who you need to payoff etc... Any insight or advice would be appreciated. I can provide more info on my specific situation if required. Thanks in advance. Duck

Looks like we've got some boys missing after an attack... https://us.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/06/17/s...sing/index.html

Not a very exciting thread I'm sure! What do folks get their family members when they retire? Everyone does flowers at the ceremony and I'm guessing it is like a funeral at the house with many sets of flowers for all the woman-folk... I know it is not typically a time to celebrate them, but I'd like to make this as much of a day for at least my immediate family as I feel they have put up with a lot of sacrifices along the way. Thoughts? Obviously jewelry, but is there something that is a bit unique? Anything besides jewelry? Kids are nearing or in teenage years. Thanks!

Do you have to be married to your significant other in order for them to recognized by the Air Force, and also so that they can live with you on base if you so decide? I did a search, but couldn't find much on this. Thanks!

It looks like we may be heading to Offutt after UPT. Anyone want to fill me in on life as an RC-135 family? Thanks

Dudes, I'm about to buy my first house and I was curious what y'all do to prepare your house for both long deployments and 3-6 week trips and TDYs? I'm expecting about 250+ days gone in the next year... I'm single and was just wondering if y'all have a checklist of things to do/shut off/hire people for, since no one will be there to take care of the day to day stuff? Googled a bunch of stuff but it was just random things here and there. I'm looking for more of an all/mostly encompassing checklist. Thanks, Banquet