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General Discussion

Discuss general topics in the Military and Aviation. Please post pilot-selection & "how do I get a pilot slot" questions in their appropriate forums.

  1. Started by Buddy Spike,

    The rudder thread somewhat reminded me of this from another board. I read it on a car message board sparked from another message board.. Anyway, it made about 400 replies (some of which were absolutely clueless), almost all were from those without a background in aviation, but some were from engineers / physics nerds. So here's the question: I believe this was the original thread: https://community.discovery.com/groupee/for.../7451937218/p/1 This is the thread I'm referring to, but I believe you have to register to post: https://www.ls2.com/forums/showthread.php?s...ll&pagenumber=1 They're basically the same discussion though. Discuss.…

    • 77 replies
    • 16.8k views
  2. Started by YC,

    So I was watching the A340 RTO fire video from our video Thread and I started thinking about how I've got this answer memorized: "In the T-37, maximum temperatures will occur in the wheel/brake assembly 5-15 minutes after maximum braking is applied." But I don't know WHY max temps occur 5-15 minutes AFTER. That makes it sound like the brakes continue to heat up after you take away the friction and that doesn't make sense to me. Anyone got the answer? [ 11. December 2006, 05:32: Message edited by: Toro ]

    • 21 replies
    • 5.9k views
  3. Guest kerpali
    Started by Guest kerpali,

    Well I am just starting college and I decided to do my research on becoming an Air Force officer early. After college, I plan to go to law school. After law school, I'll hopefully(God willing) get an OTS slot with a pilot/nav slot upon commissioning. I know it's possible to then do an intraservice transfer to a JAG position after 4 years of AD and before 10 years of AD. I talked to a few AF recruiters about it and they don't know anyone who has done it. Some didn't even know it was possible. :rolleyes: Has anyone here done or plan to do such a thing? Any tips or hints in general? Also, being a pilot requires a 10 year commitment(after UPT) and being in JAG requi…

    • 9 replies
    • 8.7k views
  4. Guest averyfisher
    Started by Guest averyfisher,

    So I've been reading baseops forum for a while, and a number of other websites, about every AF career under the sun. I'm waiting on my PCSM right now, and I'm leaning towards applying to OTS as a Pilot. On to my question: What do pilots do in addition to their flying duties?

    • 19 replies
    • 5.1k views
  5. Started by ExtirpateMyButt,

    As a civilian I saw this video and thought the topics were interesting. What are your thoughts about retention? Mission Readiness? Political leadership? take it away

  6. Guest Aces-High
    Started by Guest Aces-High,

    I'll be starting in the T-1 in a couple of weeks and I've noticed that most everyone has some sort of Nav bag they carry with them. I've been looking at the Jeppesen Navigator bag as an option. I just want to see what you guys have used (or seen used) and what works the best. The bags are pretty expensive and I don't want to end up buying something that sucks. Thanks

    • 15 replies
    • 3.2k views
  7. Started by arl120384,

    Hey guys/gals, I'm trying to get a handle on the terminology with respect to 'boards." I just got a C5 slot at my home base, and I am a civilian applicant. The next pilot boards are in June or July I believe, so pending good news there, I should expect dates for OTS some time after that. I have read a lot, and hear the term OTS boards/applicant. I that term just used for AD guys? If not, are the biannual pilot boards the same thing? Thanks!

  8. https://www.washingto...es-flight-boom/

      • Upvote
    • 6 replies
    • 2.8k views
  9. Guest Dunce
    Started by Guest Dunce,

    An interesting read... talk about a PAR https://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27600521

    • 3 replies
    • 2.6k views
  10. Guest viper24
    Started by Guest viper24,

    I just selected to go to UPT when i graduate from college and i have many questions about UPT. *What is the hardest part of UPT and what is the best advise anyone can give to a green 2Lt going to UPT? *Is there things i can/should be studying while still in college to get me ahead of the game? *How hard is it to get fighter/bomber track select? I have many more questions, just cant think of them right now. Thanks for the help

    • 3 replies
    • 1.4k views
  11. Started by CuryOsity,

    After reading through these threads for a week or so, there seems to be many unfavorable aspects to being a military aviator such as long hours, large amounts of time away from home, random schedules etc... This brings me to two questions: 1) Is being a pilot worst than, the same as, or better than what you expected? 2) Do the pros outweigh the cons? Obviously these are opinion based questions. Just some things I'm curious about, thanks in advanced for the input.

      • Upvote
    • 135 replies
    • 44.4k views
  12. Started by ArtofWar,

    Hey all, hopefully this is the right section to be asking these questions. My thread didn't really seem to fit any so I figured this would be the best place. So I am very interested in joining the Air Force. I am going to be a sophomore (at college) this coming fall, so I am late to the party (I'll be joining ROTC). I am a Civ. Engineer with a 3.5 GPA. I would love to become a pilot. But there are a couple things that are scaring me. I am a single guy and I want a family in the future. I assume I will have time to find a girl at some point early in my career...but will I be able to start a family and have them in an ideal situation? Let's say by the age of 35,…

      • Upvote
    • 107 replies
    • 39.6k views
  13. Started by Whitman,

    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.

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    • 22 replies
    • 7.5k views
  14. Guest xclozano
    Started by Guest xclozano,

    What kind of pilots usually get to have their name printed on the side of the aircraft they fly ? I've noticed this on mostly fighter jets, and helicopter gunships, but do airlift pilots (c-17,etc) get to do that as well ? I've also seen names on trainer aircraft,like the T-6 Texan II--is it the name of the pilot that is being trained with that particular aircraft, or the name of the instructor ?

      • Like
    • 15 replies
    • 10.1k views
  15. Pilot of Goodyear Blimp Saves Passengers Before Dying in Fiery Crash

    • 2 replies
    • 2.5k views
  16. Started by clouseau,

    Interesting WSJ on the downside to automation . https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304439804579204202526288042

      • Upvote
    • 47 replies
    • 13.1k views
  17. Just how bad is it?

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    • 726 replies
    • 280.3k views
  18. With this major shortage of pilots that the AF is currently dealing with, is there any hope of a FWQ course or equivalent ever returning? How about a transfer from Army C-12's? I know this topic has been covered before but info changes over time.

      • Upvote
    • 13 replies
    • 6.5k views
  19. Guest Dirt Beater
    Started by Guest Dirt Beater,

    What kinds of things do you real pilot-types look for in a watch as far as functionality? Stop-watch feature? Backlight/indiglo, etc? I read about all those Breitlings and Citizens, and please correct me if I'm wrong, but those seem like little more than something fancy on your wrist.

  20. Guest Critical Mass
    Started by Guest Critical Mass,

    How often do you run into a pilot on active duty that could be a top notch officer, but doesn't fit the role of pilot well due to attitude or personality issues? Currently I know of a cadet who will be going to ENJJPT once she commissions. She is certainly a top notch cadet when it comes to everything that factors into pilot selection, but I have a VERY hard time envisioning her dropping ordinance on another human being, regardless of how vile an enemy. In addition, I wouldn't have much confidence in her reaction to a life or death situation in the cockpit since she seems to want to fly because in her mind it will be all fun and games, not realizing it could be fatal…

    • 10 replies
    • 2.9k views
  21. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-08-14/british-pilot-artificial-arm-comes-off-during-landing-flybe/5671748 I read this and had to share. My favorite lines are "The airline confirms that at no time was the safety of its passengers or crew compromised in any way, nor was the aircraft damaged." & "...he did this, but with power still applied and possibly a gust affecting the aircraft, a normal touchdown was followed by a bounce, from which the aircraft landed heavily," the report said. When you say no one was ever in danger you mean other than the part where no one was flying on short final right? Then they blame a wind shear for the rough landing? Really?

      • Upvote
    • 7 replies
    • 3.6k views
  22. Started by CHS17,

    I'm wondering if anyone out there has any good ideas on where to find gifts online w/ Air Force pilot wings on them. ie. mugs, shot glasses, etc. Thanks for the help. Dan

    • 53 replies
    • 33.9k views
  23. Started by Duck,

    I have heard that a lot of Air Force pilot communities have a lot of social drinking occasions. In light of this, what happens when an officer or anyone for that matter doesn't drink for religious or other personal reasons? Thanks!

      • Like
    • 21 replies
    • 7.5k views
  24. For all of the airdroppers out there, here's a USA Today article about precision airdrops, https://www.usatoday....rops/52902982/1. I was in the Tactics shop in Bagram back in 2006 when this was introduced into Afghanistan. Good to see it is still successful and getting the guys the stuff they need to kick ass and survive!

  25. Started by barney,

    Does anyone know where I could get a hold of the specifications for a 1973 Piper Cherokee 140. Things like ramp wt., useable fuel, v-speeds. I've tried sportys and google but no luck. Thanks for your help

    • 3 replies
    • 1.5k views

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