HuggyU2

Seems to me that those are significant skill sets that the AF needs. Do you think that 20 years ago we were even close to the level we are at now in these areas? If you ask the Task Force guys on the ground their opinion, I'd say you'd have some big supporters. While I wish we had $1 trillion more to allow everyone to fly 5 times a week and be King Kong in their weapons system, that's not the reality. We're in a COIN war now... fight and train appropriately.

So, when are you going to breakdown and build the jet-powered Sonex?

If you ever have the choice, take the taildragger.

The Beale link for the U-2 Application has been unreliable the past year (thanks to Comm Sqdn). Bottom line, you'll need 500 hours fixed wing rated military time, in addition to your total rated time of 1300 hours (not sure, but that's real close). Call DSN 368-4447, and talk to Recruiting.

I'm not a gambler, but I'd put money down it will fly until at least 2019.

Personally,... if I had no one close to leave it to,... I think I could find a number of different things to do with the money that would have a more significant impact. He certainly loved his friends,... but it reminds me of the lady that left her fortune to her cats. In any case, God bless him for serving, and willing to go into harm's way.

Apparently, the "cat lady" loves cats almost as much as she likes magic mushrooms.

I think so... I just can't recall what his feelings on this issue are.

I knew it would only be a matter of a few hours before Hacker ball-walked into this conversation. "Disgrace of the Armed Forces"? Really? I find it disgraceful the author didn't capitalize "Armed Forces".

When I buy one, it will have 912's on it, not 582's.

Unfortunately,... had this happened in this country,... he would have faced some sort of lawsuit and/or felony charges.

Unlike in the US Military,... when you receive a medal in the British military, it means something of significance.

Yep, that's him. Dan. Though, I do not know if he is actively selling it anymore, at the time (8 months ago), he was looking for a partner if he couldn't sell it.

I worked at IBM as a co-op during college, and was given a very, very lucrative job offer when I graduated. I passed on it to roll the bones on becoming an officer and a pilot,... and maybe be a part of something bigger,... at least that was what my 22 year old mind was telling me. I was and still am proud to wear the uniform of the USAF. On the day I was commissioned, I was pretty pleased to be wearing it,... even those it was the Blues... a uniform that many of you despise. And as for the saluting, if you feel it is beneath you to salute, then I really don't know what do say. I just don't get it. Do you not make eye contact? Do you not say "yo, what's up?" Or is this some sort of way you compensate for your small penis? Oh, and the next time any of you Captains walks by a Lieutenant Commander at the Pentagon, make sure you explain to him how "in my squadron, we have a 'one up, one down rule.'" Yet another reason the other Services often laugh at our attitude. I'm certainly not very "traditional" in a military sense, no matter how you look at it. But for crying out loud, you wanted to be here,... try to enjoy the customs and courtesies. It's not a burden.

Why is that?

Yes, they do come up for sale. I went flying a few months ago on a Saturday. Spent the 1st hour in the aft seat, raging through the American River Canyon. Stopped for breakfast. Then spent the next 2.5 hours in the front seat, running the country side from 20'-200' AGL. There is nothing quite like it. Actually, the guy was looking to sell it, but I just don't want to swing it right now. I've seen some really nice ones for around $65-70K, but that's a pretty good price, if it has 912's and additional options. Most owners are asking more.

Apparently, you've never flown an Aircam. It is the closest you will come to flying on a "magic carpet". And you never worry about losing an engine,... even in a deep canyon. False economy, maybe. False insurance,... no way.

They're medals folks,... medals. Other than promotion points for enlisted, do they really matter? Their value is known only to the wearer, and can only be guessed by anyone else.

What is it about Basic Training that results in so many of the AF enlisted going out of their way to avoid saluting? I was walking down the sidewalk of the Navy Lodge a while back, in uniform, with 2 other officers,... and a soldier (probably in his mid-40's) in Army PT gear was walking toward us. He stepped off the sidewalk to make way, came to attention, and greeted us. Not over the top, just professional and polite. Not requirement to do so,... but you'd never see someone doing that in the AF ranks.

Become an AOPA member: lots of resources for buyers.

Maybe... depends what you want. I've got a friend who works as an ARTCC controller, making right at $200K/year.

A "classified" reg to deal with time off from deployment?

Keg or a headshave in some places.

Anyone know the source document for ACC?

Actually, Spoo and Kuma,... you two are both nuts. Supposedly the new U-2 CC at Al Dhafra convinced the Wing CC there to implement double reflective belts on his first day there... and all of the interservice transfer guys in the unit supported this, based on their previous Dept of the Navy experience. Things are just getting weirder everywhere...