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SocialD

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Posts posted by SocialD

  1. 10 minutes ago, Sua Sponte said:

    Here’s some good advice, keep your rating to yourself. There some veterans, usually former grunts from the Army and Marines, who assume one has to be a quadriplegic to have a high VA rating. This really goes for 100 P&T. 

     

    I can't disagree with keeping it to yourself unless specifically discussing it within trusted agents.  However, it's not our problem that their assumptions are wrong.  It's not about what someone thinks is fair, it's what the law/gov says is fair.  

  2. 35 minutes ago, Danger41 said:

    The other thing that sounded interesting to me was Brickyard saying they couldn't operate below 4000 RVR (minima on the plate) but they say if you have a HUD or Flight Director you can get down to 2400. I find it hard to believe there isn't a FD on any airliner operating domestically now. Bad thought?

     

    Could have been him mins Captain.  A buddy had to be rerouted out of a leg yesterday because he's a brand new Captain in his plane and the wx was below his mins as a newb on the fleet.  

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  3. There is no explaining any of it other than PFM.  An admin master sergeant just retired from my base after a career of clerk work, where he only deployed once, to a desk at the deid.  Dude has 100% disability.  Meanwhile, an old fighter pilot who has deployed countless times and can't look behind him without turning his entire body around is sitting at 40%.  He who complains/documents the most, seems to end up with a high rating.  

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  4. I was a punk when they rolled out the coat hanger abortion that was the first release of JMPS.  We didn't have any civilian help so it was left to the punks to get it up and running, fix any bugs and make it work.  I spent lots of time on the phone with Penguin (can't remember his last name...Roberts maybe) out at Hill, who was a former fighter guy and the guru on JMPS.  If I remember correctly, he said JMPS told wasn't certified because the engineers showed that sometimes ut produced an error of 1 knot on the abort speed.  This is how dumb they are with this shit.  I'd love to put everyone in the sim and force them to make an abort decision with exactly 1 knot difference.  Or even better, have everyone try to gonk told manually and have everyone get the correct numbers and an abort speed within a knot lol.  

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  5. 4 hours ago, nunya said:

    Satellite wifi on the way. No shit.

     

     

    Like DSG's getting full flight pay, I'll believe it when I see it.

     

     

    1 hour ago, StoleIt said:

    Random question for the SWA folks: do you guys have a HUD or autoland?

     

     

    ILS 4 has to be hand flown from FAF inbound.  

  6. I remember my first trip to ORD at my regional.  We got on the A taxiway and the alley was blocked, so the Captain just kept making right turns between A and B without a clearance.  He's said just don't stop and and they couldn't care less what we do, if you stop, they yell at you lol.  I've unfortunately flown there enough to know what taxi route they'll give me, but I avoid the place big time.  One of my bids is actually avoid long layovers at ORD, because of the long ass drive into downtown during rush hour. 

     

    This is of the many reasons I like flying the 717 into all the burgs & villes throughout the eastern U.S.  You almost never have wait on anything, no conga line, rarely any "flow," one taxiway to one of the 5 gates, security is a breeze, and the people are nice. The hardest part about these airports is sometimes you have to turn the lights on yourself and occasionally you have use your phone to get a clearance.  

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  7. The key to getting lost on the airport is to never admit it.  Just keep moving and hope you figure it out soon.  

     

    A few days ago in CAE, we had a Bonanza request progressive after receiving one of the easiest taxi instructions I've ever heard.  Tower, keyed the mic 3 or 4 times (likely thinking WTF) and finally said just follow the 717.  We taxied an little further ahead and made a right on to the runway.  I'm guessing their iPad died 🤣.   

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  8. 1 hour ago, Pancake said:

    It’s called indispensability, and word on the strips is it’s only being approved for O6s rising to O7.

     

     

    Even then, it's not always approved in the ANG.  Our Army TAG denied it for our old WG/CC, who would have been a great asset with a star at state.  Reason for denial?  Because he's Army and they make a lot of fucked up decisions lol.  In the end probably the best thing for my boss, having one job is one of the best things going. 

     

    To the OP.  It's tough enough being a part timer when you're an airline pilot, which is the easiest road for DSGs.  Our guys who did other jobs, struggled even more.  Funny enough, the guy who got the most grief from his employer, worked for the USAF as a civilian. 

     

    The only way I'd consider doing this path is if you live local to both jobs as any commuting makes you're life infinitely more miserable.  Even then I'd think long and hard why you're hanging around.  It's a lot of sacrifice for you and your family.  If you're going to an air airline you'll give up the ability to control your schedule, but you probably wouldn't really need that much anyway.  It's certainly not something I'd hang around after having 20 years TAFMS.  Many states wouldn't even hire you because of that alone.  Heck, we sometimes couldn't even keep our own people once that have their 20 unless they're on a command track.  

     

    Just my humble opinion.  But either stay AD if you still have itch to serve or just retire.  Enjoy the check/tricare and the insane amount of free time you'll have with only having one job.  As someone who is recently retired after staying a few years after my 20 (as a DSG, not AGR), I understand not wanting to fully separate.  However,  it was a massive stress relief when I retired.  Trust me, you'll find things to fill you're time. 

     

    Best of luck in your decision.  

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  9. Agree with Brabus, always a tough spot to be in.  Circa 2013, my squadron had 10 or 11 refugees (nearly 1/3rd of the squadron) from 5 different squadrons being shut down.  Off the top of my head, I think they shut down about 13ish fighter squadrons back then (or converted them).  Lots of guys looking for new homes and a few of my buddies ended up just converting to non-fighter airframes due to a lack of will of moving or there just being no jobs/TX to be had.  These young bucks need to cast a wide net if they want to have a good shot of finding a home in a fighter squadron.  

     

    Off the top of my head, Atlantic City, New Orleans and Homestead appear to always be hiring.   As Brabus said, TX spots might be the LIMFAC.  If I were a young guy and I didn't have time for the Legacies, I'd grab a regional gig.  Pay is damn nice right now, you'll stay flying and have non-rev bennies to jump around to all the bases easily.  Hopefully, you'll get picked up at a Legacy and then can drop MLOA to convert to your next airframe.  Or, just be thankful for the time you had in the jet, get to a legacy and enjoy making damn good money with lots of time off.  It will never compare to a good, tight-knit fighter squadron, but you'll certainly not sacrifice as much.   ...my 25 year old self would tell me to fuck off with that statement lol!  

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  10. 8 hours ago, Danger41 said:

    You’ll need a $100k bonus to pay for the psychological damage of going to Envoy from the AF. 

     


    Lol this got me wondering so I checked out their pay.  Unfortunately, the $100k bonus is for pilots with >950 hours 121 time.  But for the current pay rates are pretty awesome.  Orders dried up for a short time in 2012, so I went to Compass Airlines (no defunct) and started at $28/hr.  Envoy newhires now start at $93/hr!  My newhire pay at AAL was $52/hr and $91/hr at DAL.  FYSA, I adjusted all these number for current day inflation.  These kids are finishing college and walking straight into $100k/yr jobs...nuts.  

     

    I wouldn't shy away from going to a places like envoy if you finished your career with no currency, or the legacies are not calling quite yet.  With the slowdown in hiring, it's bound to happen to some.  It's good money and you likely won't be there long.  Apply everywhere, but if the legacies haven't called, I wouldn't hesitate to take a regional gig.  I had a good time flying at my regional.  I'd just recommend going to one where you don't have to commute. 

     

    As someone who has recently retired, I can say you won't miss all the bullshit captainmorgan mention.  I live under the pattern for my squadron and can watch SFO's from my back patio.  I love to watch them, but I sure don't miss it, because I know all the stress/BS/sacrifice that goes along with that flying.   They were night flying last night and when I heard the first burner light for takeoff, I raised my whiskey from my campfire in my backyard, while I was "working" (long call) at DAL...go get'em boys!

     

     

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  11. Damn, the incompetence of Boeing strikes again.  Here's hoping its just temporary while Boeing unfucks themselves.  The max delay is having a small impact on the hiring at DAL as well, although so is the 220/321NEO engine issues.  This all probably just means that those of us on the 717 and maybe the 75/76 guys will get to stay in their fleets just a little bit longer.  Already hearing the 76 retirement is being pushed back a few more years while all these aircraft issues get worked.  

  12. 11 hours ago, TheNewGazmo said:

    They pretty much fixed the flight pay issue a few years ago, although there were a few stragglers before I left the ANG that hadn't been 100% paid yet.  I'm an IMA now and getting still getting flight pay.

     

    Just verified with a buddy, they're still not getting paid correctly for flight pay without a follow up payment.  Every paycard submitted gets one check with the old flight pay rate, then a second check follow to bring it up to the current rate. So maddening that this can't be figured out.  Only impact DSGs...of course!

  13. 1 minute ago, brabus said:

    Tangentially related, my mom complains to me yesterday about the gov pulling the rug out from her regarding SS changes. I said, “well yeah, it’s the gov. They’re retarded with money and will screw you over at every opportunity that comes their way.” The gov will always fuck you when convenient for them. The bonus system fuckery is in their wheelhouse!

     

     

    SS is whole other level of fuckery.  I full expect that I won't receive SS in anything close to it's current form, or even at all.  I'm not even factoring it into my retirement planning.  If I get it, then sweet, more 100LL cash...if we're still allowed to use 100LL in 25 years.  

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  14. 1 hour ago, TheNewGazmo said:

    I remember that.  I believe that was one of the most terribly implemented bonus programs I've ever seen in my military career, but no; that was a different "bone-us".  But... there's a new bonus on the table that is said to be eligible to members of the ARC.  Whether that means TR/DSG or just AGR, I don't know.  These things never seem to be adequately advertised and the people that should be knowledgeable, FSS, never seem to be knowledgeable.

    https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-two-bonus-programs-aviators-2024/

     

    It's like when our FSS NCOIC came to brief squadron leadership on the new OPR system (already ram dumped the name).  She made it a few slides in and said, we really don't know what's going on because this system is terrible and noone seems to be able to answer our questions.  OG just laughed and thanked her for her honestly.  We backburned it and continued to process OPR's like we always had via e-mail, while the AF unfucked it.  Then I retired...thankfully.  

     

    1 hour ago, TheNewGazmo said:

    Also, looks like there was a push to pay all Guard and Reservists the full ACIP (monthly flight pay).  It passed in the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act and the DoD was supposed to come up with a plan by 30 Sep 2022.  Guess what - we're almost in March 2024 and still no plan.

    https://www.ngaus.org/newsroom/ngaus-dod-slow-rolling-will-congress-si-pay-parity

     

    Lol called it.  When that passed that, I told the guys they'd be lucky to see it before 2024, if ever.  I was certain I wouldn't see it before retirement.  Are they even paying the correct DSG flight pay right now?  Or are you still receiving catchup payments because they "can't code the system" or that "the new pay system will be rolled out in Jan of 2020 to fix it all?"  2020 is not a typo, that is when I was told (in 2018) that it would all be fixed and why they wouldn't spend time fixing the current system.  Loved getting 6 paychecks a month lol.

     

    1 hour ago, TheNewGazmo said:

    I think at this point, the DoD is just hoping for the next economic/world crisis to crumple the airline industry again.  That's what solved their very similar issue in 2001 and I'm sure that's what kept them from POM'ing ACIP for the ARC into existence during COVID.  "Bawahahaha.... we'll be good for at least another decade!"..... (major airlines hire 25,000 pilots in '22-23)...."Wait... what?!".

     

    Agreed, some are probably banking on it.  Then you'll get to listen to those who stayed have their "I told you so" moment, as if they they were the smartest people in the room all along.  I've seen this song and dance before.  Fortunately for me, I never had to come back for orders because whatever happened, I can easily survive at DSG pay...that's a great feeling of freedom.  

     

    Damn I sound bitter and jaded lol.  I'll admit to the latter, but not so much the former.  It's just hard not to laugh/cry because you see the cycle repeat itself over and over again.  Promises, broken promises, promises, broken promises.  It's why when I left I told my guys to always take care of themselves and their families first, because at the end of your career, they're the ones that will be there.  The AF will pat you on the back, you'll be replaced that day, the machine will go on and you'll mostly be forgotten in short order.  [/rant]

     

    But I'm seriously pulling for you guys, you've earned it and truly deserve it.  Though I know the likely outcome, if it is ever implemented, here's hoping they're forced to back pay ya'll for this. 

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  15. Was this the bonus they tried rolling out 6-9 years ago that required you to not be in a service commitment, but also not over 15 years of service?  I remember when that rolled out and all us DSG's were geeked about it, until we saw the requirements.  Many of us were prior-E's (or O's) and were out of luck due to our >15 YOS.  We combed the squadron and figured out that only two of our 15ish DSG we're eligible, and one of them was only eligible for another 6 months because he was about to hit 15 YOS.  What a joke.  Then to make it worse, I think they screwed up and either didn't actually have the money, or recouped it later due to a funding issue.  I can't really recall all the details because I stopped caring after I saw the requirements.  

  16. On 2/23/2024 at 10:24 PM, brabus said:

    Agreed,  not worth the potential fuck up. I just hate giving the govt a dime for free…I’m the guy who is happy to owe a few thousand in taxes. A tax refund means I failed.

     

     

    This is my stance as well, which often means I write a big check.  A friend just said they were fined (block 38 of 1040) for not paying enough.  His view was that he made more using that money elsewhere, so he'll pay the fine, even if we all know the fine is bullshit.

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  17. 18 hours ago, DirkDiggler said:

    While I appreciate the sentiment regarding the "Dear Boss" letter, CAT 5 doesn't and won't give a shit about something like that.  At all.  If anything he'd probably track down the guy or gal who wrote it, delay their retirement pending some type of investigation, and try to give them an Article 15 for insubordination or some such nonsense.  I kid, but not really.

     

     

    Ya, I meant for that to go above his head, but your last paragraph hits on that point, so it's might just be moot.  Either way, best of luck, hopefully he's being moved to a position where he can't do anymore damage. 

     

    Not that a dude like this would ever go to an airline, but I know of a squadron that successfully blackballed a dude from all his top choice airlines because he was just such a toxic boss, especially toward part-timers/airline guys.  He apparently had a CJO in hand at a Legacy and ended up having it pulled.  Unfortunately this type of grass roots effects aren't as successful with Generals as they're just too far entrenched and will always find a cush contractor gig after service.  

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  18. On 2/17/2024 at 2:48 PM, DirkDiggler said:

    Since CAT 5 gave out 34 CC directed Q3s in his time as a Sq/CC and isn't averse to firing people, if you're a careerist CC in AFSOC right now you can see that logic (not that I agree with it).

     

    WUT?  If I were an OG or above, and I had a SQ/CC that handed out more than a one CC directed Q3s, I'd be wanting some explanations.  More than a few and I'm probably setting aside a day to go through them all with the SQ/CC.  34!?!?!  I'd probably removed the guy because clearly he doesn't know how to lead.  In my entire career, I know of exactly one Q3 that happened while I was in the squadron.  That was during the B-Course where a dude Q-3'd his first form 8 ride for some serious buffoonery on ground ops.  ...ended up being a patch, so it didn't hurt him too bad.  I've never seen a single command directed Q-3, though I know of one case that warranted one lol. 

     

    Anyway, this doesn't sound like a guy I'd want in charge of our future AF leaders.  This sounds like a great time for a community wide "dear boss" letter.  The last thing we need is his style influencing USAFA cadets and permeating throughout the AF.  This is a great time for all you dudes about to bail from service to start a grass roots movement and make one more positive impact on the AF.  You're always allowed to talk to your congressman.  

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  19. Minute 8+10, the guy at the bottom makes a comment that nails it.  "Once you've tasted the free life...it's tough to go back."  It didn't help that the last 3 or 4 deployments felt like a complete waste of my life, which includes my last trip to Afghanistan about 6 months before the pull out.  ROE so tight that there really wasn't even a reason for us to be in the air.  Why am I going to hang it out there if you're not going to let me do my what I'm good at and force me to watch the bad guys do bad things to good guys?  Totally jaded me right at the end.    

     

    I can't imagine going back simply because I love the amount of free time to spend time with my family, friends, fly for fun, go on unplanned vacations or maybe got make some extra pay at a daily rate of 6x my mil pay.  My only regret is that I didn't go as soon as I hit my 20.  If you're on the fence and contemplating the jump, do it, I highly doubt you'll regret it.  

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