precontact

Should be room in the Boeing Everette facility. They just moved a 737 line there but they're only producing 767s/KC-46s, 777s and now 737s. It's an impressive facility.

Blancolirio said their airshow flying was an additional duty. Well, that should just about take care of the airshow demos in the Growler. Glad they all got out, but why a colossal waste of money and not a good look for Naval Aviation.

Air & Space Forces MagazineCongress Poised to Save E-7 Wedgetail in New NDAACongress is getting closer to saving the E-7 Wedgetail from the Pentagon chopping block as part of the National Defense Authorization bill.

Not a done deal, lots of politics at play still. Boeing has connections...

And electric seats!

C-17 was almost cancelled due to an array of designs issues but had emerged to be an excellent weapons system. https://www.airforcemag.com/article/1113line/ “But the project was hardly an engineering milk run. The C-17 was being asked to do things a giant airlifter had never done before, such as land on unimproved airstrips, land on short fields, taxi in a tight space, and even back up on a runway, all while delivering superheavy, outsize cargo at strategic distances. The C-17 had to overcome flight-control problems, wings that were unable to carry their designed maximum load, automation growing pains, and a crew size reduced to just two pilots and a loadmaster. There were also teething problems in using new computer-aided design methods. The program’s early years were troubled. Several generals and a host of company managers were fired during development and initial production. The C-17 was threatened with cancellation, and Pentagon leaders delivered an ultimatum that if it couldn’t be shaped up, some other transport aircraft—such as a cargo version of the Boeing 747—would be substituted.”

The KC-46 is a great airframe and will be the preeminent tanker going forward. The underlying design is solid, but decisions made by Boeing in the name of saving money have hit it hard. We're gaining more confidence in the airplane everyday and its potential to be more than a tanker will be interesting to follow.

Meanwhile FedEx and UPS are watching these developments with bated breath!

I disagree. AC should have hired you as a homegrown applicant. Doesn't send a good message if they don't hire their own, especially with great scores, unit experience, etc. Did they explain why they turned you down?

Honestly I don't know, was just trying to say that the philosophy of years ago with engine failures has changed.

That's why in the airline world shutting engines down is not a Boldface/Memory item procedure anymore.

Unfortunately pilot error along with command deficiencies compounding equipment failure. https://www.afjag.af.mil/Portals/77/AIB-Reports/2020/June/F-16 Mishap AIB 30 June 2020 Shaw AFB (ACC).pdf

Wow - bringing back the memories of doing this process in the late 90s. About 50 applications, 3 invites, 1 job offer. It's always been a competitive process but hang in there. Ironically was still receiving invites after graduation UPT!

Would it be acceptable for the Thunderbirds to fly around T-37s these days when it has been out of active service for over 10 years (like the Tutor)? It has served them well, but the risk/reward today isn't justifiable when other newer options are out there. CF-18s, BAe Hawks, etc would be better choices.

Summary is as follows: Tudor jet was identified as needing replacement almost 10 years ago. Substandard technology, including limited ejection seat capability. Canada has slow-rolled its replacement, placing undue risk to aircrew and others. Jets have a lifespan, this one is past its effective timeframe.