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YoungnDumb

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Posts posted by YoungnDumb

    Fingertip and Formation Landings

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    On 5/6/2020 at 2:25 PM, Motofalcon said:

    Fingertip, yes; form landing, no. 
    Why?  Short answer (and applies to 4th and 5th gen) - Aerial refueling in the weather. Gotta fly close without killing everyone. 
     

    Long answer - Fingertip isn’t used tactically, but it is a good skill to have, as I have simply rejoined my wingman to fingertip to get through a cloud layer as opposed to drag him to radar trail only to have him rejoin 6-9k’ later (when going to/from the airspace in 2+2 route or even offset container it’s a lot faster to rejoin to 1/2 and 3/4 in fingertip with 3 maintaining radar trail, rather than string the whole 4-ship out).  Note: this is when the weather is good enough to depart/recover VMC but a layer is between you and the airspace. You can easily depart in trail, but to go to trail on RTB only to rejoin under the weather for initial is a lot of comm and work. They are both right answers, it’s just nice to have the option of rejoining two versus waiting for a “tied saddled” call.  Also, being able to fly close in order to accomplish a BD check without scaring everyone else in the formation is desired. Finally, beyond looking good up initial (but tac arrivals at 500KCAS are also cool), being close is required when you have to do that formation approach through the weather - which is really the only time you NEED to do a form approach (but not landing). 

    Shack.  Furthermore EP's can drive fingertip flying as well.  I had a pretty severe MMC/electrical fail a while back and had to rejoin on my lead to get below the weather and back to the field.  I didn't need to do a form approach/landing since the ceilings and vis were good but the ability to get below the weather and trust your flight lead is definitely an important skill.

    AF Light Air Support Aircraft

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    We've bought a whole 2 of them...cool.  How long did it take to get this far?  Whether it is a SOCOM operation or not this project is years delayed and will get so mired in more red tape that it will never reach full potential/operation.  I foresee the AF sticking its hand in the acquisition of the jets and slowing it to a crawl eventually forcing its cancellation.

    • Upvote 1

    Switching from CSO to Pilot

    in Combat Systems Officer (CSO)

    Posted

    I don't personally know what the path is but there most definitely is one.  Back when I taught T-6's we averaged about 1 CSO per class from a variety of air frames.  There is a commitment, 2 years seems right but I'm not sure.  Most of the dudes who came through UPT were mid ish Captains, so about 6 years in if that gives you some perspective.  As for the age limit, dude there is a waiver for everything, no $hit I had a student who was 40 and going through UPT.  Make them tell you no.  And if they do, go find a Guard unit (that's what the one guy did).

    Congrats on getting picked up for CSO!  No small accomplishment.  Don't shun the Navy though, I know plenty of great Naval Aviators.  Out of curiosity what mission are you passionate about that the AF does that the Navy doesn't? 

    Failing Flight Physical

    in Combat Systems Officer (CSO)

    Posted

    Unknown dude.  I would guess that rated is probably out, sorry.  That being said I know lots of people in the service who are either color blind or color deficient.  So don't think it's all over, you may not end up in the job you want, but there are lots of fulfilling and awesome jobs still out there.

    Degradation of SUPT

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    On 1/7/2020 at 4:58 PM, LookieRookie said:

    UPT 2.5 will be taught by the PIT squadrons. PTN is taught by Det 24 on the T-6 side.

    So the PIT squads will now basically be half PIT and half UPT?  Interesting.  Looks like the Randolph flying club is on its way out

    Can you switch tracks in SUPT if you flunk Fighter track?

    in Q & A Forum

    Posted

    I wouldn't your money racking up as many ratings as possible, it won't make a difference if you have Multi and MEI, you're still going to go thru the AF training pipeline.  If anything get a decent amount of instrument time and actually go fly in some IMC if able.  I taught T-6's for several years and honestly thethe difference between a Comm Multi, MEI, etc and someone who had their Instrument rating was not much.  Focus on solid basic habit patterns and good IFR skills.  Instruments were always difficult for students, if you can make that section easier than you have a significant advantage.  And besides if you go the heavy route you'll get plenty of multi engine time for free, so why waste the money?

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