General Discussion

Hello, I'm interested in becoming a PJ and I'm curious about how they are regarded within the USAF. I've read quite a bit of interesting things in the forums about SP's, but can you guys tell me about your experiences working with PJ's and what you think of them. I know that they're pretty much considered aircrew in the Rescue Squadrons. I know this isn't really about flying but I'm curious to hear some opinions from aircrew and non aircrew members. I've been on the special tactics forums but I would kind of like to hear some outsider perspectives on their community. Thanks

So I was on a xc the other day, and the direct route of my flight put me through an MOA. While enroute, I was notified by center that the MOA was active with two aircraft(turned out to be 2 B-1's). So I said copy that, we'll keep an eye out. For me to avoid this MOA it would have been about a 20-25 minute detour to the west or a 15 minute detour around a restricted area to the east, so I figure what the hell, these planes are the sh!t and I'm sure the pilots are profficient enough not to care about a littel POS 172 passing through(perfectly legal) So I decide to keep flying through with eyes open. We see the two B-1's from quite a distance and had them in sight for a…

Anyone heard more than what was printed in AF times or online about TAMI 21? Im a B-52 copilot elgible to fill one of the 200 some slots. From what Ive heard it is going to be mostly UAVs with very few actual AFSOC flying jobs. What kind of deployment or ops tempo is going on in the MC-130 or the U28? Trying to decide if it is worth volunteering or not for a flying job, or if you know about UAV positives/negatives that would be good too. Thanks. Maxwell

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…

I've been searching online for a week now on some of the new aviator glasses I saw a pilot down at tyndall wearing. THey were more sleek than the normal round lense aviators. Anyone know what I'm talking about and how to get some?

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

I was recently updating an article I wrote on pointy nose weaponeering a few years back. I interviewed the RAF equivalent of a FWIC IWSO for the article, and he talked in some depth about teaching his studs to manually calculate fusing, impact angles, penetration depths, impact speed etc. Of course, theere are also computers that can do all this stuff, but I suppose that the RAF wants to make sure that its FWIC studs don't forget how to do it the old fashioned way. Anyway, it got me to thinking about some stuff I was told about the mission planning software used by USAF strike pilots and WSOs. I was told that you could input, say, a command bunker into the computer,…

Okay...I know I am not the only one to gripe about this, but here it goes I am sick and tired of you FAIP tools and active duty IPs treating UPT students as inferiors throughout training! Not only am I an officer, but I have earned my right to be here just as you did...what gives? And its not only the IPs that do it, but also many of the enlisted people around the base. I have had countless two stripers completely blow off saluting me just because they don't see wings on my chest. Another example...the MPF "customer service" representatives have been overheard saying "why are you calling him sir? isnt he just a student?" Dont treat us as inferior, treat us as y…

In several threads I've noticed pilots mentioning a "fear of flying" and "controlling the fear". Could you guys elaborate on what you mean by that? Is it fear of the ability to control the jet at it's limits, fear of the enemy, both? Just curious, thanks.

I don't know if this question has been asked, but after looking at Riddler's pics, I realized how small the DA-20 actually is. I head to Pueblo at the end of July and my question is: any tall guys have problems fitting in the airplane? I'm 6' 4" and 205 pounds and was wondering if I will be able to fit in the cockpit! Anyone have info on this? WxMan

Good Afternoon, I'm currently at Pensacola in Nav/WSO training. I just finished API (both pilots and navs go through this together), and I have at least 3 weeks off before I start Primary Nav training. I was originally selected for OTS as a pilot but was DQed for PRK pre-op being out of limits so I was redesignated as a Nav. The AF just changed the reg so my PRK pre-op is now well within limits. I've thought on this for nearly a week now and I can't decide whether to pursue getting my original assignment of pilot back or not. I'm THRILLED at the chance to be a WSO. On the other hand, I've always wanted to be a pilot. I'm age-critical (prior-enlisted) so I don't …

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.

I came across this site and it made for an interesting read. The video's were even better if you ever wondered what a strike over SEA was like... Those thud drivers were something else! Hope you all enjoy! https://www.burrusspta.org/105movies.html

I'm flying the T-38C and looking to save myself a copy of my HUD tape, but since it records the video analog, it seems impossible to find a medium to play the video on, and transfer it to my computer. Any suggestions? And buying one of those $500 tape players is out of the equation. Thanks in advance.

A friend asked me a good question today that I didn't know the answer to. If you PCS to another part of the country and your cell phone doesn't have service there, do cell phone companies let you out of your contract? I figured this has had to happen to someone before. I would think they wouldn't, but I thought I would ask.

I am starting UPT at Columbus this October. My first choice will be C-21s. I have heard rumors that they are all going to gaurd or reserves. Any truth to that. If so when is that supposed to happen? Does Yokota still have C-21s?

Just a quick question: Without going into classified information, at any given equivalent air-to-air configuration, would I be right to assume that an F-15C can outturn an F-16D at a given low speed and altitude? According to the USAF Fact Sheets (lol), The Eagle allegedly has a higher thrust-to-weight ratio 1.12/1.30 compared to the Block 30 Viper's .0898/1.012 (depending on powerplant) and lower wingloading (only 83%) than the Viper (Block 30, at least). I assume these figures are for an equivalent configuration, and I'm assuming they're not skewed. So if someone with some aeronautical knowledge could tell me if higher t/w and lower wingloading necessarily tra…

Word here at Laughlin is that as of this morning all team sorties in the T-1 have been cancelled here on out. Love them budget cuts!

I wish I was making this up. From the Newport News, VA Daily Press newspaper, the following in the Letters to the Editor. Man, people don't know how good they've got it. This partly infuriates me, but putting it in perspective more makes me laugh. --------------------------------- Disrespect for victims At noon on April 20, when people all across the state were gathered for a time of remembrance and memorial for the victims of the Virginia Tech shootings, aircraft from Langley Air Force Base were flying extremely noisy exercises. The loud noise significantly disrupted the solemn ceremony that NASA Langley Research Center was trying to conduct. The person or …

Does anyone have advice on housing at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma? I am headed there for casual at the end of July and my wife and I dont know if we should live off base or on base. Anyone have advice for what apartments to look at or what to definately not to look at? Thanks!

So I'm sure theres some poem or song I'm missing, but what is the significance of "him him"? I'm a young grasshopper in need of enlightenment.

Here's my 2nd attempt at the poll. I've always been curious just how common checkride busts are with dudes that have been flying for awhile. Thanks for voting! Cowboy

Fox News reporting one of the jets hit a house which is now on fire. CNN reporting that it did NOT hit a house and that the pilot may be a live...lets hope for the best.

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I love my job. I am only a C-130 loadmaster but I love my job. Every once in a while I see some really cool stuff. Here are some pics I took during todays Ft Smith conversion festivities over Arkansas.