HuggyU2

I contemplate what would be different, had we spent $2 trillion on Mexico (and other Central American nations) instead of Afghanistan. That money certainly didn't win us the war. I think back to 2004 and deployments from then. That was a long time ago. If we spent $300,000,000 every DAY since 2004, that sum today would be... ... $2 trillion. That may have done something significant to preserve the dying Monroe Doctrine.

Every day that we inch towards 30 Sep 2025 makes it a little harder to turn back. I have no inside information, but I'm hopefull that something will get extended... which would maybe require a few more pilots.

The first flying squadron in North America. Tasked with chasing Pancho Villa around the US-Mexican border. Currently the FTU for the U-2 and T-38A at Beale. Hail Dragons...

Haha, this. The U-2 and SR-71 had an old but great Astro-tracker. We flew it on missions that went way north, where there was always overcast (which precluded doing a ground fix update), and before GPS was really integrated into military flying ops. I believe it was maintained by Northrop. IIRC, it tracked 300 stars and gave us around 700' of accuracy. I had an engineer tell me a few years ago that 700' is terrible, compared to modern standards. Unfortunately, airline certification for an Astro-tracker will take decades and cost millions of lives. Too bad. Works great, lasts long time.

I hear it is tomorrow, 26 Sept, leaving Travis.

Central Coast AirFest in Santa Maria CA is this weekend, 21-22 Sept. It's right by Vandenburg SFB, and the best warbird airshow in the nation. Two of the only 5 De Havilland Mosquitos will be flying in formation... the first time that has happened since 1987. The F7F Tigercat just cancelled but the flying lineup includes: P-38, F8F, SBD Dauntless, TBM Avenger, P-40, lots of Mustangs, B-25, MiG-15, Yak-3, P-63, Sea Fury, the only P-47 Razorback that files... Also, F-18 Demo Team. And the A-10 Demo Team in their 3rd to last airshow before the team is disbanded (thanks a lot, Frank Kendall). https://www.centralcoastairfest.com/

United plans to hire 1,700 in 2025, as per the Instructor/Evaluator meeting last week.

Summary? I don't use that app.

Durbin. Ugh.

Obviously, I don't know all of the facts, but this appears to fall squarely on the shoulders of the Army pilot who was PIC. We give a ton of orientation flights in the U-2 and T-38, and if we were to allow the guest flyers to exceed our capabilities to keep the aircraft safe, that's on us. What was the O-6's billet in the F-35 world?

There sure are a lot of replies to a rumor started by a 2Lt casual student. Of note, the nephew of a guy I know just showed up to his Navy/Marine F-35 RAG... 5.5 years after starting on active duty. We aren't the only ones Accountability: I've always been impressed that the commander and executive director of AFPC weren't both fired by the CSAF for their inability to manage the rated force. For you airline guys, I heard some really crazy shit recently about another merger. I heard it on the crew bus from a flight attendant and...

We use Fresno and Lemoore for our local diverts and go there often for training sorties. With 9,500 and 8,000 at FAT, and 2 x 13,500 at NLC, most of us would choose NLC if we had a runway length / stopping issue. Nevermind the fact NLC is the Navy: they know cables"; have them on all four runways; and inspect them regularly (not that we can take a cable in the T-38A). I'd like to know what the after action report is on the broken cable at FAT. I've landed a T-38 on the Edwards lake bed once. A decent option this time of year normally. But you don't want to show up there without pre-coordination, only to find out the lake bed is unusable due to rain.

Honestly, people should go to jail. Someone made some deals under the table. https://www.twz.com/39945/the-air-force-spent-134m-to-repair-39-hail-damaged-t-1-jet-trainers-its-about-to-retire BTW, what is AFF at Randolph?

Possible extension of U-2 operations, according to noted British journalist Chris Pocock. Things are getting interesting, assuming he is somewhat accurate. https://dragonladytoday.com/2024/08/17/keep-the-u-2-by-downsizing-the-operation/

I remember this. Only 4 days later, the B-52 airshow practice fatal crash occurred, also at Fairchild. It really was epic combat shooting by the SF Airman.

UhHello, That's good to hear. However, I'd put the CATM folks in a different category than the "line" SF troops. The CATM guys enjoy shooting and shoot a lot.

Haha... if you ever went to M9 qual and watched the young SF Airmen shoot with you, you would know this is a pipe dream.

Nope. He's Fox News' very own "stupid son of a bitch" (according to POTUS).

Do any of you know this ex AF Flight Surgeon? https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/lets-honor-the-past-but-bid-farewell-to-the-blue-angels/

Today is 1 August... On this date in 1955, Tony LeVier went for a taxi test on Groom Lake in a new Lockheed aircraft that had yet to be flown. However, the aircraft had different plans, and before he knew it, Tony was airborne in what was the unplanned 1st flight of the U-2. So today, the pressure-breathing, pressure-suited prima donnas celebrate 69 years above 69,000 feet. And tomorrow, over 25% of all living U-2 pilots on the planet will gather for an exceptional Homecoming to celebrate the solo flights of what could be the last class of U-2 trainees. Hail Dragons

The Navy T-38 pilot in the orange shirt is FISHRAG! Good guy!! It was great to see Clayton Bigsby after so many years too!

The T-50 was the obvious choice. But... they couldn't let Lockheed win another big contract.

No, this LT waa going to a fixed wing program. I'll see if I can find him and ask.

1. I don't believe we have the resources. The USAF is financially broke. I mean hard broke. 2. About 3 months ago we sent a casual Lieutenant to a UPT program they are doing in Georgetown Texas. I can't recall specifics, but it sounded very interesting and pretty far outside the box for what I'd expect from the USAF. Very glad to see it and curious how it will pan out.