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I ended up buying it, flew it home from Iowa the other week. Insurance $980/year, hangar $230/month, and however much MX ends up costing. Far from the best performer on the airfield but still faster than a J3 Cub, had to keep flaps down for this one to keep up with me.

So I have never met matmacwc in person. But hearing that we lost him made me cry. He was extremely kind and helpful, always answered my questions, reassured me to try again when I was ready to quit. I just got picked up as pilot on the Active duty UPT board, but I can’t stop reflecting on how great a person he was to take the time to talk to me when there was nothing in it for him. Since I can’t message him and say thank you, I am saying it out here - loud and public. If there is a soul and god, may yours rest in heaven! RIP sir!

Suit and Tie is fine.

ACSC taught me that a growler is a strike asset with bombs. Those bastards have been holding their cards close this whole time! Thanks for the learning AU!

IMO your assessment of the condition of this micro-fleet is hyperbolic. The only tangent where I somewhat part company with @HuggyU2 is the seat argument. Retrofitting a measly orphaned detachment of tutors with basic martin bakers, a seat already afforded to and serviced by the Canadians on their entire CT-156 fleet (our T-6 II) is not an economic indignity. They chose to cheap out. That said, I'm not suggesting they need Hornets, at all. I am curious as to what you think should be in order here. All that said, the pilot punched out too late for the old seats, the video is clear as day on that. There was plenty of time to punch out in the envelope of the old seat; that was a decision-making error, that wasn't on the airplane. Unfortunately it cost the pax her life, and maybe the pilot's medical ability to strap into another airplane again, maybe even walk. So I split the baby on this one. Are the snowbirds toast? They don't have to be. It's a matter of financial appetite as to whether or not they keep their show team. If they're that tight that they can't either put two dozen MB seats on those spam cans, or alternatively spare half a detachment of CT-155s to keep the show going, then I guess they don't need the recruitment shtick all that badly. Time will tell.

Pyro was my student (Cadet, ERAU ROTC Prescott) and I returned for his commissioning 23 years ago. He stood out as one of the brightest, kindest and most engaging people I'd ever known. Over the years, we stayed in touch and visited often; the last time being at his final role call at his AZ ANG unit last year. Remarkable but not surprising, the outpouring of admiration, respect and affection displayed by the standing room only crowd, many who'd traveled great distances, and included 2 General officers. An inspirational, larger-than-life type, he became a mentor to my son, taking him up in the -16 sim, giving him a tour of the flight line and ultimately guidance and advice throughout ROTC and UPT. We were able to attend the beautiful ceremony for Matt, and as expected, countless friends and fellow admirers came from all corners to pay their respects. Matt may have been a student at one point, but I probably learned more from him. Nickel on the grass

The heads of the major pilot unions are speaking at a conference today. If there is any interest in hearing what they are saying to people outside the industry I can pass along some notes.

The pilot shortage in the AF and Navy won't exist much longer if there are no options on the backend for pilots nearing the end of their ADSC other than staying in. I suspect it is going to get much harder but I wouldn't worry about it. Focus on what you can control, get your scores up, get more hours in, more work experience, stay physically fit, etc. Not worth stressing on factors you can't control.

Update: FPP published a review of the crash footage with Robert Mitchell (former Snowbird pilot/commander interviewed in the above link): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl7qOY2-o_Y

@sartoreabram @CavGuy @Lisenbyjacob the Columbus 135 unit application window has been extended and updated on Bogidope. Thanks for the responses.

Related and informative to the subject of the Snowbirds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFba_vsL6Os Breakdown of the interview: TABLE OF CONTENTS: 0:04:43 - Guest introduction 0:08:31 - About Snowbirds 0:10:29 - About their aeroplanes 0:20:36 - Logistics 0:26:42 - Social skills 0:29:55 - Self-criticism and team work 0:33:46 - Typical demonstration program 0:35:45 - Escape Manuveres 0:39:15 - Crucial qualities of a military pilot 0:41:34 - Joining Snowbirds, progressing, staying focused 0:47:53 - Role of the lead 0:52:02 - The accident 0:56:09 - Replacement and responsibility 0:59:25 - Other performances aside from airshows 1:01:23 - Debriefs and self-improvement Listeners' Questions 1:03:12 - Particular trimming for flying in formations 1:05:06 - Possible replacements for CT-114 Tutor 1:07:06 - Official approvals of the aerobatics program 1:08:26 - Costs involved 1:09:25 - What it's like to fly the Tutor compared to more modern aircraft 1:10:32 - How long does it take a new member to learn flying demo 1:12:28 - Which other aerobatics team would he like to fly with 1:14:06 - Source of spare parts Wrap Up 1:15:57 - Future plans (aviation in film) 1:20:21 - The facts are not out but the CT-114 is NOT inherently unsafe, antiquated or inappropriate for it's role as a demonstration aircraft.

One of the best shows to watch while drinking at the squadron bar is a CSO and a NAV arguing about who was the most important/toughest/coolest job between the two. And how the other guy couldn’t handle it... Sent from my iPhone using Baseops Network mobile app

Unfortunately for many that just won't ever be a realistic option. That said, if you can make it happen, it makes this job such an awesome gig. I live an hour from the employee lot, 8 minutes from the Guard and 30-45 minutes from all of my family...better lucky than good! It's why I would much rather go to our lowest paying category to stay in my current base than commute to stay on higher paying categories. What 2020 said above is spot on. I'd much rather be furloughed than be forced to commute to be a plug on a NB in NYC. I don't expect it will, but if it came to that, I'd probably take a voluntary furlough. Between part-time pay, my rentals and other side income opportunities, I'd rather not commute to sit in a crashpad in NYC for a year. It's events like this that illustrate the words I pass to all my buddies who think they'll ever go to airlines. If you're considering the airlines, do it ASAP, don't screw around for years making a decision. A few friends scoffed and said "the airlines are not for them," and even gave me a rash of shit about going to the airlines. Fast forward 3 years and suddenly they decided the airlines, in fact, ARE for them...and they're suddenly not giving me shit lol. So now they're 3,000 number junior to me and looking at either commuting to NYC or possibly being furloughed. I'm expecting to just be bumped back to a narrow body in my current base. Of course some delayed to get closer to an AGR pension, which I get to an extent. But this situation will be a boon for those who were just outside 5 years to go to an AGR pension.

PreContact, I'd like to see a post in YOUR words, not an eight-year old article posted without comment. Can you summarize? I am very aware of the RCAF and the Department of National Defence's discussions about the future of the team for the past decade How does THIS mishap relate to YOUR position that they should be grounded? Nickel on the grass for Jenn.

Wanna fly a formation landing still but big blue cut you off?

Perpetual war is not the bug, it's the feature. The mission is pork barrel baby, we're just the patsies. There's a few people in life I'd take a bullet for, none of them currently populate our 3 branches of federal government.

You'll want that done. Most units like to hire folks whose records can at least promote to major. Without PDE, you'll be virtually unable to promote. Caveat: I'm active duty. I know folks on the reserve/guard side and this is what I've heard from them.