HuggyU2

Epic night in U-2 Land last night. The fires north of the base tried their best to stop the gathering, but to no avail. The Wing and Ops Group leadership went out of their way to help us make this work out (especially considering what they had on their plate with the short-notice POTUS visit today), and it was quite the event. We had around 50 Alumni make it out. Even Tony B showed up... he solo'd in the U-2 in March 1957, and about 10 years later went on to fly the SR-71. Great guy! When something like last night happens, it reminds me how great things in the AF can be; how great the people that work in the flying squadrons are; and how I'm thankful I ended up in the U-2 Program for my career. Hail Dragons.

Any releasable words on how the other instructor is doing?

291 is at Bentwaters??? It crashed right before I PCS'd to Alconbury, and I'm 99% sure I saw it when I drove through the base 5 years ago.

Oh.. you're the guy on the X-C wearing white Nike's. Got it. Not to worry... I'll buy you another drink.

No need, M2. I have a SAT layover... and a pry bar in my roller bag. Thanks, though! (good pic, BTW)

I'm looking for an original A-37 Dragonfly pilot checklist. Also, an original Dash 1. Drop me a note if you know of one, and what it costs.

Attention former U-2 bubbas: We've got a mini-reunion next Friday, 16 Nov. About 35 Alumni are showing up not to mention the hoards of active duty folks. If you do not know what I'm talking about, drop me a text. If you don't have my number, drop me a pm here on BO.net. Include your email and phone and I'll send you the new U-2 DLA newsletter I wrote. Things are changing, and if you want to be a part of it, let me know. The main reunion is going to be in Summer/Fall 2020.

They have a good reputation. Retired Brig Gen Randy Ball is one of the key instructors there in the T-34. Nice guy.

So untrue.

Shaft showed me around the airplane earlier this year at an airshow he was at. I was impressed at how clean they were. Sure looks like a great gig for someone that loves flying a tough mission and doing something very rewarding.

Wait for it...

Discuss... https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/24572/russias-dry-dock-accident-could-have-far-larger-repercussions-than-a-damaged-carrier

Let’s see... UK aerospace startup... Proposing a concept... Hmmm.... I’m sure Boeing isn’t sweating this.

https://abc30.com/fresno-based-fighter-pilot-killed-in-ukraine-identified/4505215/

To a location where the Environmental Impact Study will not take 6-9 years before construction begins on the base. In any case, I vote for Reese AFB.

There are obviously going to be unflyable jets at any location. I believe it is unreasonable to expect that a Wing can Hurrivac 100% of their jets.

A kill’s a kill.

Bigsby! Glad to see you back.

I'd like to clarify one thing, as a former U-2 interview pilot. When someone says " can't land the jet ", it's an expression for "we don't feel you will do well in this aircraft". We base that on a lot of tangibles. I can't speak for the others but I based my decision on intangibles too. No matter how it is phrased, the interview pilots look at a lot more than "landing the jet". There are some world-class pilots out there that really don't belong in the U-2. It's an odd duck. I can teach anyone to fly the U-2 safely. But I only have so many bananas to give out, as per the syllabus. If you're coming from a pointy nose jet or C-17, you will have a lot of stick-and-rudder stuff to unlearn in 3 rides. I've hired fighter guys that flew like shit, but showed a huge learning curve. By the way, if you come to the interview and hit on our flight surgeon, expect to pack your bags and leave.

No. Also to race Reno, the aircraft cannot be "swept wing". Lots of L-39's and one L-139. I expect an L-159 will eventually get there. A few years back, the Snowbirds finished their 9-ship demo, and instead of landing, they all took off for the pylons and did a lap. It was hilarious, and they had a good time. The jet course is small enough that if a "modern" and much faster jet flies it, it will be a constant 6+ G's around the course. 1B.

If the offer was good, I'd do it. The retired officer voluntary recall thing looked good... until I crunched the numbers. Mrs Huggy would slit my throat while I sleep if I took a pay cut that significant.

Here are some pics from the flying in between the racing. Jim Bryant is a photographer that doesn't crop, doesn't use PhotoShop, and only shoots in one-shot mode. He does very nice work, as you can see.

I’d say it is a long shot. But I am certainly not in the know. I didn’t know this was seriously being considered until I saw the article posted here. When it was considered while I was in the U-2, I was very much against it. However I’m sure there are a lot of good reasons... and realities...that are driving this. That said, I hope that they are considering contract U-2 pilots if they want a pool of highly qualified pilots that are motivated to do the job.

Not sure what you mean. He was a C-130 Reservist and remained a Reservist. However, it was a very unusual and isolated case. Many proposals have been generated about part time U-2 Pilots. Foolishly, none have taken hold. Maybe things are changing.