FourFans

HH-60: Yes, I was talking from the experience I had at Corpus as a student, but also from what the IPs told me as well. Obviously, I'm not in the Navy so I don't have a good vantage point to speak from. What really looked bad to me was the career progression. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounded like after your first tour as an aviator in the fleet, you are required to do a surface (non-flying) tour, then an instructor tour, then if you're lucky, you get to go back to the fleet to fly operationally. If that's right, it that just does seem like a good development track to get experienced aviators, IMHO. Please fill in all the blanks I left open (sts).

You haven't met many C model drivers have you...

I believe kenblankenship may have some experience with those guys, he was poking around (sts) for housing up here this weekend.

I've been hunting for info, but no success. Any word if they'll be letting slick pilots crosstrain into the program? Just trying to get some lead on the options.

It's not exactly near the base, but Riverwalk Apartments has worked out really well for me. Clincher is the large pet welcome policy. A 55 lb dog didn't really thrill most of the other apartment complexes. Other up sides are you're less than 5 minutes from downtown and you're within stumbling distance of Cajun's Wharf (one of the best watering holes around). You've also got a couple of pools in the complex. Only real downside is the 20-30 minute drive that can easily turn into 45 due to the completely clueless (no exaggeration) drivers in this state. Thankfully, most of the time you're driving against the heavy flow of traffic, and the bad drivers are going the other way. Honestly, if you're flying completely solo, I'd recommend closer to the base. Good Luck PS, apartment's don't come furnished, but the rental stuff is easily afforded. [ 29. July 2005, 22:57: Message edited by: FourFans130 ]

outfreakin'standing!

I'd love to power her car...if she doesn't mind scraping the "gas" off her windshield.

Two questions: How does this new thang stack up against the marines new H-53? Why didn't we just by the new 53 to replace our 53s? Seems like a good match seeing we already know how to use it, whereas we need to develop new tactics for the Osprey.

I know that I wanted to fly ever since I got to ride along with my dad while he was taking PPL lessons. We were just doing patterns one day when an Eagle showed up and blew by us for a few patterns. On top of that, for as long as I can remember my family has been going to air shows (Battle Creek and Muskegon in Michigan mostly). On more than one occasion my parents had to come and find me while I was completely engrossed looking at the military static displays. KC135: Yes, I would give my left nut to fly von Richthofen's Fokker. [ 17. July 2005, 12:14: Message edited by: FourFans130 ]

Ok...kinda weak, but I'll add what little I've got... Just a little something for the Corpus dudes... Guess where I took this... Ok, so I didn't take it...but it's still kinda neat...look closely at the bottom right over the dash...you won't see a picture like this again. While we're posting pictures...anyone know this guy? Because this is the book cover he's on... [ 13. July 2005, 01:24: Message edited by: FourFans130 ]

You're absolutely right! Learn about flying through words. There is no question you can ask that either A: is so important in nature it must be answered anytime in the next year, or B: hasn't already been asked and answered already on the forum. Moral: Read and don't post...use the search function! edit: the comment about questions applies to you high school sophmores and such...no offense, but you've got more important questions to face at this juncture in life. Now I'll shut up and go back to learning too... [ 10. July 2005, 23:16: Message edited by: FourFans130 ]

If your dad is a grad and you're asking whether or not you should go to the zoo, go ROTC. The Academy is one that takes a desire to be there because it is in fact a challenge to stay there. It's kind of like a pilot slot; if you're not sure you want to go, don't do it because there'll be someone who actually wants to be there who won't get a spot if you take it. On the other hand, if you want a real challenge that will really change you, a career in the Air Force, and a great paid for degree, go USAFA.

Why are the streets of Paris lined with trees? Because the Germans like to march in the shade.

So Beaver, how's the PIC time on the M-4? Do you get to stay on flight status when you ride in the back of a C-130/C-17?

Cycling HAS to be in the top 3 for sure. How can it not be with a guy like Lance! "You know, once I was thinking of quitting when I was diagnosed with brain, lung and testicular cancer all at the same time. But with the love and support of my friends and family, I got back on the bike and won the Tour de France five times in a row."

While getting prepped for my solo cross country during PPL training, my crusty old instructor (learned how to fly in 1950) and I are in our 172 over Pueblo CO at about 11 at night. While flying back toward Coloardo Springs, we encounter heavy clouds all the way down and a snow storm. So here's me with less than 20 hours just trying to stay right side up in the weather and we finally landed after 45 minutes of vectors and an approach that broke out about 400 AGL. When we got back to parking, we chipped the ice off the wing and prop and measured about an inch of ice. It's a good thing I didn't know then what I know now.

So what are the chances of moving to AFSOC (AC-130s for argument's sake) after a tour in slicks? Is it pulling teeth to get AMC to let go of you...or for that matter getting AFSOC to take you? [ 06. June 2005, 17:24: Message edited by: FourFans130 ]

So this all leaves me wondering. Will our AF ground operators (Spec Ops,Security Forces, etc...the ones who have an operational need for real camouflage) will they be wearing OUR new uniforms in the desert or the Army's desert specific camo? On that line, will the AF have a desert version of this uniform? It sounds to me like there won't. PS: since everyone else is getting new uniforms...when does the new flightsuit come out? KIDDING! [ 02. June 2005, 11:57: Message edited by: FourFans130 ]

To tag on to what 3 mile said: those of us just out of UPT...realize that you know nothing..."shut up and listen" is the best advice I've ever been given. "never pass up the opportunity to keep your mouth shut." (apply this quote in NON-FLYING situations only) On the BDUs: The pics look like they got ride of the blue idea. Not too shabby and I say let's go for it, because it'll be another 10-20 years before we have the opportunity to get new BDUs (new material, less mx, less hassle) More importantly, I'd like our Spec Ops boys to have the best equipment available! [ 01. June 2005, 23:41: Message edited by: FourFans130 ]

Go for the ROTH first. Then TSP. And I DO have experience with First Command...and stay as far away as you can get!

LOL!!! Whiting getting T-6s HA!!! Like the navy would know when it's going to happen before it happens!! That's a good one!! ... oh, you were serious...sorry...guess i'm just glad to be done with navy training. From what I hear, a few T-6s have already shown up...but the Navy doesn't know what to do with them. (that's entirely through the rumermill though, so tell all your friends that's what's actually happening) As for the tweet, AirGuardian, I share your sentiments. Sad to see the legend go. [ 14. March 2005, 08:50: Message edited by: FourFans130 ]

I've got a friend at Sheppard right now saying that they won't start their phase in until 07. Apollo is right with the other bases. (although last time I was there, laughlin had a couple 37's sadly waiting to go to the boneyard) If I had to guess, I'd give it 2 years, maybe a little longer for Sheppard.

So this may sound like a stupid question, but which airframes actually ARE on the AEF cycle? It sounds like there are a good number of "low density, high demand" airframes that live outside the cycle.

Clearedhot is still the expert here. (I heard 53s and AC-130s fly REALLY close to each other sometimes.) From what I've heard, most of the MC-130 guys come from slicks, but the AC-130 guys come from all over the place. As I understand it's a special assignment and it doesn't matter what you flew before.

I just finished up at Corpus. Backseat is right on, go to a T-44 and then pray for a good drop. We had what was considered an ungodly drop for the 9 Air Force guys in my class: 2 England MCs, 1 Ramstein, 1 Yokota (myself), 1 Little Rock, 2 Pope, 2 Dyess. From what I've seen recently, 2 AFSOC slots is pretty much the max for a drop our size. Having an AC be one of them, given the ratio of MC to AC, is even less likely. Moral of the story: be number 1 in your class at Corpus. And the key to that is to hit the ground running. Your scoring here kinda works like a GPA in highschool: the farther you get in the program, the more difficult it is to change your average. So start off strong. Question for Clearedhot: Now that I'm to be a slick guy, what road would I have to take if I want to get into an AC? I've heard that I should turn down slick IP school when/if that ever comes up, but that's about it. Any advice? Cheers, J [ 11. March 2005, 22:16: Message edited by: FourFans130 ]