HuggyU2

If you want a gold-plated trainer, then just say so. But do you need it to get your wings? Many ways to skin the cat. I don't know much about how the Israelis run their UPT syllabus... but maybe we should take a hard look at some of their methods and ideas.

Why insist on an afterburner? How about simply some performance metrics? I've got 13 hours in the Alpha Jet, and it out performs the T-38... with no burner.

After reading this, I had to go back and make sure this post wasn't in the "WTF" section of BO.net.

https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/aircraft-and-ownership/ads-b https://airfactsjournal.com/2013/01/ads-b-101-what-it-is-and-why-you-should-care/ https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/equipadsb/ins_and_outs/ https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/faq/ http://txtav.com/en/journey/articles/articles/adsb-out-explained

For those commenting on a reduction in quality graduates, and "it will be paid in blood", I offer this... http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/11/24/us-troops-killed-in-plane-crashes-skyrockets-in-2017.html

Correct me if I'm wrong... but the Lightspeed Zulu's are not TSO Certified. The Bose A20's are. Nice, readable post, by the way.

The money spent on bringing in an interim trainer is money that should be spent on accelerating the Next Gen Trainer. It's basically what the C-model, PMP, and MB seat were for the T-38: a way to kick the can down the road instead of addressing the issue head on. Personal opinion only.

It would be a huge step back as an advanced trainer. And the slow spool from idle to mil (9"-12") will kill a lot of students. I suppose you could get Aero to build us a bunch... but I really don't know where you'd get the number of airframes we would need. I like flying it. And I know the Eastern Euros use it extensively. I just don't believe it's even close for what we expect.

As a current L-39 IP, I do not see this as a reasonable option. Too bad the AF wasted all that money on C-model, PMP mod, and Martin-Baker seats. How many hundreds of millions of $$$ was it? That would have been a great down payment on the T-38 replacement, and it would have been fielded by now.

Unconfirmed word is that it was the skipper: CDR “Tess” Stickles.

I'm sure there are things you will stand for on principle... and that others may not understand.

Maybe so. But Beale does.

AZWildcat, For solo flight, will they not allow you to just carry bare-bones paper pubs for backup?

Almost exactly what I was going to post.

And you have a problem with old people coming back, Junior? Show a little respect for your elders. And get off my lawn. Ram!! Get me an Ensure! And give me your lunch money.

Good question. Hmmm... I got mine years ago... sent it to Turkey with an MC-130 friend, who got the usual mods done... and have never worn it one day the entire time I've had it. I'll keep it, though. Maybe I'll get a custom paint job on the back, and start wearing it when I fly WWII taildraggers.

This really sucks to be one of them. https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/man-woman-caught-having-sex-on-flight-to-detroit-after-meeting-on-plane

You are wise beyond your years.

2024... at least. USecAF_VCSAF_HAT_Rescission_Memo_19-Oct-17.pdf

Havasu AirFest is this Saturday. If you're in Vegas and want a change of pace, drive down and join us. Weather should be perfect.

Yes, I'm aware that is the reason. However, I can think of a few ways to get the specific info out without putting the person making the post at risk. It isn't that difficult.

Who is "we"? Is there a need to protect which Ops Group Commander this is? If more posts like this would put a commander's name to the incident, it might be helpful.

Fair enough. Thanks for the reply. The reason I got zero reply, however, is that the decision was made, and will have to trickle down. In this day or immediate internet rumors and leaks, DoD and the AF simply cannot work this type of issue quietly, and have the sub-organizations make the necessary arrangements before it is announced. So instead, they must announce it, and then create the action plan. Nothing "involuntary" will happen on this recall unless something drastic happens... like North Korea going kinetic. As for a voluntary program, it will have no success with retirees unless DoD is willing to allow retirees to keep their retirements during the recall period. That retirement was earned, that deal is done, playbook closed... start a new contract. Almost every retiree pilot I know personally is doing quite well. Some are DoD contractors, entrepreneurs, flying for other gov't agencies, corporate pilots, charter pilots, high-end computer/tech guys, Wall Street financial folks, consultants, etc... Not all are airline pilots. But every single one of them would be taking a SIGNIFICANT pay cut to come back if their retirement pay was removed from the compensation equation. Even WITH the retirement pay staying, it is a financial loss for most, as well as fraught with the other hardships all of you are familiar with. Will the program get retirees back if they can incentivize it financially? I have no idea. But if DoD/AF won't ensure that the financial hit is minimized, a voluntary recall will not attract retirees that have been out more than 12 months.

As a retiree who came back in 2010, I have to ask: "why not?" Do you believe we are too old to do the mission? When I was stationed in England (yes... I wore a SAC patch then), the RAF base near us had two pilot retire the same day: one had 38 years of RAF service, and the other had 37. They flew nearly their entire career. While the retiree program may not work well in the some squadrons or cultures in the USAF, don't let your bias extend everywhere.