HuggyU2

I don't believe in superstitions, or "lucky" underwear. Lots of flying the week prior (and always), and a good night sleep. You don't need "luck" in that case.

The U-2 Program lost a significant number of drivers due to VSP. They have since been offered a chance to return: the USAF needs ISR/U-2 pilots suddenly. If any of these pilots take the recall, they'll come right back to Mother Beale, requal, and be back on the line. Not a bad life. Yes, they got $100K to get out. That was in the past. AFPC messed up (go figure). It's done. Whether they come back or not, the USAF is out $100K. Now we need them. Irrespective of why they left, I'd like to get them back. They are good pilots and personal friends. In some respects, it's a shame to see them take their finely honed skills to SWA... skills that the USAF paid big dollars to develop. But they are in the driver's seat. Most will tell the USAF to pound sand. One or two might come back. We'll see. As a pilot who got out, and came back in after 2 years in the airlines, I see where they are coming from, and completely understand. But I still want them back.

Looks more like two Global Hawks to me. As usual, the artist can't figure out what a U-2 planform looks like. Idiots.

60 Driver, Great 1st post. Good to have you here.

Give us a call about a year out from a potential PCS. Have the application to us about 9 months prior. If picked, you interview 4-6 months prior to a potential PCS. And, yes, you're right: it appears that the ops tempo is actually pretty good in the U-2, when compared to most other MWS'.

Your perspective is appreciated, however I work directly with AFPC on U-2 assignments. AFSOC, while a small community, understands the give-and-take nature of the business, and does allow AFSOC drivers to apply. Not many do, as it seems morale in AFSOC is pretty high. Go figure: they have a great mission, a tight community, cool airplanes, etc... That said, some pilots will want a change of pace after 5 years. Fighter time: just to reiterate, you do NOT need fighter time. Only about 5% of the current pilots came from USAF fighters, with another 13% coming from USN/USMC single-pilot platforms (F-14, F-18, S-3, Harrier). This is not a fighter assignment. It's a single-seat ISR assignment. http://www.beale.af.mil/shared/media/docum...-080313-064.doc

If you come to the U-2, expect to stay there. In reality, if you go through the interview process and like it, you'll probably want to stay a long time.

Rule out the life support equipment: no short cuts taken there. Old airplanes? Most were built in the 80's, and nothing has changed to affect "medical issues". So why has there been an increase in pilots having major DCS issues? Good question,... no answer. Maybe the higher amount of flying we're doing: we've had guys getting 160+ hours in a 60 day TDY. That's a lot of time sitting at 29,000' cabin pressure. That said, I've been doing this a long time, and the only thing I've ever had (or at least noticed) was a bubble in my knee. Here's an extreme example. An amazing story of teamwork that a printed article just can't do justice. You've got to hear Kevin tell the story. And look at the picture, too. http://www.chicoer.com/advertise/ci_4609423 What you've been hearing is wrong. There hasn't been a rapid decompression in years-and-years. And as for pulling pilots off of flight status, wrong again: it is NOT a normal event.

I was at ICAS in Vegas 3 weeks ago, and sat next to a Captain who was a full time glider IP. She had a tour in the C-17 before the glider gig, and I thinks that's all she's done. Also, I know a guy who's been around the USAFA and AETC flying world a bit. He finished up command of the flying unit in Pueblo, and just got selected for O-6 a few months ago.

While the Harrier's accident rate is high, the fatality rate has not been bad in years. I can't back this up with any stats at my fingertips,... just anecdotal from my Harrier friends.

MC-12

When you're about to exit the building during reveillee or retreat, and you have folks standing inside waiting who have obviously dodged it, consider walking outside and observing the event. They'll watch you through the glass and either 1. think "that's the better option". 2. think "that was dumb". Don't worry about the folks from option 2: they're not salvagable. Just let them go away with time.

I recall it being an emphasis item to give rides. I don't recall anyone getting called out for not doing it, but my view was a bit myopic.

2! That's a false "urban legend". Yes, the owner asked someone to remove their hat. Said person refused, and was asked to leave. His feelings got hurt, and he bitched to the base. The Wing CC got involved, and Chicaros got the bad rep about this.

Any of you remember PSAB around '03? There was about a 3-day period where the omelet line got so long, that they decided to shut it down. Yep: it was so popular that it should be STOPPED! Now, the billeting compound was a good drive from the main base, e.g. the flightline. Most folks rode a shuttle bus. However, higher ranking officers had cars, and as they departed the compound, they would swing by the bus stop and offer to fill any empty seats in their car with riders. Well, a couple of days after the omelet ban, the 2-star picks up a couple of enlisted guys. During the ensuing ride to the flightline, he asks "so gents,... how are things going?" Turns out the only gripe they had was the omelet ban. And they apparently bitched about it well enough that the following day, the Wing/CC was told to get the omelet line up and running again. Victory. As for these stories of E-7's and up running to some CC after getting in an argument, and the CC coming down on their officers, I've got to ask: are all the commanders that y'all work for that spineless? Honestly, I've seen a few that would do this, but they are in the extreme minority. Being a passed over guy is a nice thing: I say what I think is true and correct. Maybe that's why I'm a passed over guy.

Yep... TDY to HMN... or NZY?? Tough choice.

Although I'd favor the Guard slot, which Guard unit is it? What is their outlook for the next 5 years? BRAC? Predators? Change from Vipers to A-10C's?

"Combat Service Squadron" changed the name from "Muff's Place". They can't leave anything alone.

I can't speak for many other places, but in ACC, we wear the green flightsuits year-round when in the CONUS. I believe the Wing Commander has the authority to change this, at least for the short term.

"Mail"?

The mechanics of the implementation haven't been decided yet. For example, if you are ex-military, and your last Form 8 checkride was 4 years ago, is that the date they put on your certificate? If so, you'll get issued a certificate that is already outdated. And if that were the case, you'd need to accoplish the checkride,... although it wouldn't be an "initial CFI", so you could use a Designated Examiner for the redo. Also, they haven't figured out how to implement the provision that allows your military flight physical to be used in lieu of the Class II/III form. More to follow...

Typical gov't bureaucracy: they have to wait until the very last day,... and then not really finish the job. Looks like it's going to go tbrough,... but don't plan on getting your certificate issued before mid-January. http://www.sheppardair.com/milip2.htm

What new airframes would you suggest they switch to?

I've heard F-22 test pilots tell me they are disappointed at a number of the design features of the F-35. I am curious how many of the problems are directly attributed to the fact that there are compromises that must be made so that it will accomodate all the Services.

Anywhere with another U-2 pilot in the bar.