[Dream Sheet Help]

Agree with Toro, choose based on what you want to do.

Viper is going to be around a while but the numbers are shrinking. Possible JSF lead in if timing is good.

E Mod is going to stay at its current numbers for a long time. Great capes...WSO in back (plus or minus is all opinion)

A-10 is going to stay near its same number for a while, nice upgrades, not as high perf as the others. Point and shoot killing- sounds fun.

C model -- be afraid...this system is dying and without more F-22's to put the pilots into. Great jet but I know a lot of current C model guys who are plenty nervous.

F-22 - Its tough to pass up a 5th gen fighter and be part of the initial batch of people flying it. Plus's are that it is leading edge technology and capable of some shithot maneuvering. Minuses (these are direct from some -22 guys) are that it is high profile so its not a lot of fun being under the microscope from leadership/politicians all the time. Also, don't expect to use that super maneuverability a whole lot....its primarily a BVR fighter with AWACs like capes so many times the legacy dudes have more fun merging with HMS and 9x's (which the F-22 does not have). I've tlked with guys flying the F-22 who love it but after flying it for a while wouldn't mind returning to -16's and -15E's to do real A/G work. I had a C mod convert say he missed the challenge of the days before the jet did all his sorts and radar work for him.

I'm not a know-it-all on all those jets but do like Toro said and don't pick a jet based on airshow performance or what looks best. Also, don;t believe fighter pilot talk, they all think whatever they fly is the best....and chances are in some respect they are right that theirs is best at something....be wary when they say their jet is best at everything.

[AF Light Air Support Aircraft]

Brick hit on all of the points I was too lazy to type. I think ClearedHot's argument makes the most sense. This is a way for us to "give" (aka sell) low cost, low tech, airplanes to 3rd world Air Forces. I don't buy the low/slow CAS argument, then again I'm no CAS expert. Look at the Russian HINDs in Afghanistan. 60,000 Stinger missiles later and a lot of dead Russians.

Don't get me started on the helicopter argument. The Apaches in Kosovo were an absolute disaster!

An AT-6 sq would be perfect for Afghanistan. Long loiter time with an actual pod on board + gun would be a good addition over there vs UAV's. The T-6 would be a good in between to bridge the gap between UAV's and A-10's as long as it has a gun pod on board.

The AT-6 would be limited to Afghan type scenarios and I agree its probably the next great 3rd world export along the lines of the F-5 program. Single engine anything will get slaughtered in a low CAS scenario by Manpads and AAA vs an enemy with any real capes.

So who is going to fly the thing and what command do you think it will fall under? Weren't they setting up a program like this out of Hurlburt not too long ago but then it got the axe?

[U-28 info request!]

For you pilot trainees out there. I know some of you wanted 38's because you want some good flying, Type A community. If you got the T-1 instead and have the option. Put U-28 #1. You have a chance to make a community with tradition and pride. The flying is going to be 6-9 times more exciting than anything in the heavy world. As a fighter dude, if I had to crosstrain to anything out there, a U-28 would be on the list after finding out the cool stuff they are doing.

[Running/workout/PT while at UPT]

I get the distinct impression that, when someone asks about getting to the gym, people assume the person asking is a musclehead. Not necessarily so. And I had no intentions of playing lawyer with my IPs. Just curious what the requirements were. Thanks for the input.

Workout when you can. Do not ask your IP's/Flight CC why you haven't been given the mandatory gym time in AFI-6969 like all the shoeclerks on base.

Once the AF stops making UPT bases cram 30lbs of crap into a 15lb bag, maybe the timeline will allow PT. Until then, plan on weekends at the gym or after hours.....or SIE and go with the shoes anytime before 9 or after 4 or during your 1 hr lunchbreak each day to supplement your 3 days a week PT time.

[Blues on Monday]

Why is everyone so up in arms? This rule is clearly intended for the shoeclerks. Any good CC will be smart enough to not make flyers conform to it. I will be glad to see the fatass shoes in their blues on monday. About time I say.

Overall, I think we all like to bitch....I do for sure but JHC, this is small stuff compared to the AF real problems and this is no different than how it was pre 9-11.

I am willing to give Schwartz chance to unf-ck things for a year or so. If this helps get the shoes recaged fine. If you are in blues as a flyer..maybe you should fight to get on the schedule more or skip work, or zap your d-bag CC's car for not sticking up for you. This stuff is nothing new, it ill go in waves.

Read Yeager's book where he talks about given no notice inspection and one guy didn't have blues because they burnt up in a house fire 3 years ealrier. This has been going on LONGER than any of us have been in.

I will have some fun with figuring out how to beat the system....just like I find fun in figuring how not have to show up for PT, or MEO meetings, or WG CC calls, pencil whi sexual assault training, and all the other BS the AF makes us do.

Relax dudes. Some of you can even think of it as prep for the airlines, where you get to wear a tie each day....or netjets, where you get load your passengers luggage in a suit and tie.

[Advice about leaving the Pilot world]

It will depend on your leadership and how much they go to bat for ya.

I knew a guy in fighters, who after his first tour proved to himself and everyone else he should not have been there and was either going to get himself or someone else killed. He was a great dude and really just wanted to stay in the AF and do something useful....not fly fighters.

He got fooked. FEB'd, then force shaped mostly because leadership wanted him punished for giving up his fighter. This was a while ago though.

Just curious, what is it you don't like? Deployment schedule, the flying, lifestyle??

[FAIP Q&A]

I get tired of this "I don't want my husband to FAIP" or " I deserve better than a FAIP job"

STFU!!!!

Wives, girlfriends, fiances: So you want to see the ######in world......buy a plane ticket....do you realize if you husband goes to his C-17 or 135 or whatever the hell else he'll be gone 1/2 the time anyhow? Then you'll be bitchin about how bad you want him to go back and get into AETC.

To you pilots who think FAIPing is a screw job in both T-1's and 38's: STFU...should have been #1 in your class then. Do you realize probably how close to you 6th choice airframe some of you might have been?? Now you have a chance to get your AETC tour out of the way and get a shot at the jet you want........so stop crying about it.

FAIPs are probably the most important people in AETC. They may lack experience but I see most FAIPs being a hell of a lot better at many IP tasks than the MWS guys. So instead of bitching, be honored of your role, take seriously the fact that you have the chance to keep f-sticks from going out and polluting the air force and realize that 3 years goes by quick.

[Who wants a T-38?]

eh I beg to differ. If I was to x-flow a dude into a JSF, who would I pick? An experienced C-17 A/C or a UAV driver that hasnt flown real plane in 4+ years....hmmmm

C-17 A/C or UAV driver......Hmmmm

Unless the C-17 pilot is Chuck Norris, my money is on the UAV driver.

Are we talkin Global Hawk here or Reaper? That adds a whole new dimension.

Just bored, don't mind me.

[Who wants a T-38?]

DUDE!!! Right on. "2!" I've always known since I saw Top Gun like 69 times that being a fighter pilot (a bro for all you shoe clerks out there) was the ONLY real job in the Air Force. Seriously, going to "work" everyday in the 38 squadron, doing some killer boldface, getting stood up for some complex EP in front of my peers, is what being a pilot is all about. Then they let me fly a killer 50 year old, high performance, used-to-be-supersonic, afterburning, centerline thrust limited jet into a MOA for like 6-9 times a week! Awesome! This is what I dreamed about since I took my first shot of weed. We all know all those heavy guys barely scraped through all of their formal training programs. Getting 100 hours in a T-38 automatically makes you better than a heavy pilot with over 20 years of global flying experience. Plus you get shit tonnes of hours in U-28 and/or UAV which is looked upon highly if you ever want to cross over for some lame flying!

For all those SNAPs on the forum I'm gonna include a list of some authorized bro aircraft as well as some dream killers:

BRO AIRCRAFT

1. F-15C- Ultimate bro machine. Don't worry that most of the kills in this aircraft were made by the Israelis in the 1980s. With the new structural improvement program it should maybe last another 6-9 months. Plus I hear the naming parties are killer! :rock

2. F-15E- Even though it drops bombs its still an Eagle therefore it kicks ass! Its got LGBs, AAMs, nukes, knives, sharp sticks...and a WSO you can yell at when you Over G.

3. F-16- Dos Gringos Rocks! Therefore F-16 must rock!

4. A-10- Big Gun. Nuff Said. Plus Rainman flew it. Thats guys awesome!

5. U-28- Its like an airborne memorial to all the bros that got shafted on drop night. It might have a yolk and doesn't require a type rating but at least you flew the 38.

6. B-52-.......

DREAM KILLERS

1. C-17- Its has a HUD, a stick (STS), a Fly By Wire system as complex as the B-2, and can land over 170K lb of cargo in under 3,500ft. Remember though, its big, has four engines, and you had to fly the Toner to get there. Its the best option of the Dream Killers but I wouldn't be caught dead flying one.

2. C-130- The Four Fan Trash Can! Its basically like flying a dump truck except the crews smell worse! Even though its been shot at more than any pointynoise machines downrange it still means you couldn't hack the fighter mentality. Plus it doesn't have a G-Suit adaptor. Herks= Choke Yourself!

3. KC-135s- Fighters only require tankers to be able to project our awesomeness at Red Flag.

4. AWACs- Nevermind our Radar can only track 6-9 bandits at a time. Who needs em. Their SA LOW light is always on!

5. C-5- This thing flies less than a 38 bro waiting for a IFF/RTU slot (STS).

6. Helos- Just one question...how do I get out of this chicken shit outfit?!

6. Any other aircraft not listed is also a dream killer because the whole goal of being a pilot is to fly a 38 regardless of the consequences.

For any of those bitter heavy drivers that will try to flame me, just realize you have you have a somewhat important mission projecting American power across the globe, and supporting our warfighters in austere environments. However, I have a date with destiny in the mighty T-38 Talon and any cadet worth his salt knows what I'm talking about. Period.

P.S. di1630 when do you start UPT?

Funny shit. Good Post.

I thought it was all serious til the end..mostly right on.

I won't turn this into fatty v fighter(too easy)

Gotta get back to Falcon 4.0 and Ace Combat in prep for VN 09-12 and my mighty 38 with the -22/JSF follow on.

[Who wants a T-38?]

Yeah, but at least with Tones you'll probably have about a 1 in 15 chance of getting a UAV compared to the 1 in 3 to 1 in 2 chance you have with a 38.

Personally I have always wanted to fly fighters and never even thought I would consider not putting them first, but I'm coming up on track select and it looks like I'll be putting Tones first and 38's second. Of course I would still love to fly fighters and it's been tough letting go of that dream, but sometimes you just have to face reality.

2 years ago dudes worried about dropping a buff out of 38's which really isn't that bad because at least your still flying something and blowing shit up. Now this year dudes had to worry about dropping a U-28 or NSA which sucks

1. I bet by the time you drop there is either a UAV track or T-1's and 38's will have a "equal" portion of the UAV's. It won't take long before someone realizes sending the best studs to worst A/C doesn't make sense + nobody will choose -38's.

2. Don't give up the dream.....fighters are worth the effort and worth the chance. Unless you have always dreamed of flying a heavy(some have, more power to 'em) you need to roll the dice to fly -38's.

3. Man, I know that C-17 with the hudand stick sounds cool, but there is a reason AMC guys are skipping the bonus and gettin the hell out. I'd rather take a U-28 ANYDAY than a cargo or tanker. Better flying, probably gone less, job satisfaction to name a few. Heavy dudes will argue but if you go the fighter track...you can always go fly a heavy later on. If you go T-1's....the dream is over.

4. The 38 is the ticket. There are a TON of guys out there flying fighters who didn't get one out of 38's back in the 90's. When the fighter shortage happened, those guys got snatched up from C-130's, C-141's etc to go fly F-16's. No T-1 guy has ever gotten to Xfer to fighters.

5. Even if you only fly the 38 for 6 months, you've still gotten to fly a high performance supersonic afterburning jet solo. Not a toned(excuse the expression) down civi beechjet.