[Unsolicited T-1 Replacement Proposal]

I'm well aware of small fleet dynamics (16 jet fleet) and the demands of ops, training, and MX on those few tails.  Not to get into an appendage assessment contest, but I'd venture to say the average E-8 pilot flies the jet less frequently than the average B-2 guy, the only exception being deployed, but in terms of stick and rudder flying not the best. 

 

I think we both want tg same thing and for the same reasons.  The most proficient and broadly skilled pilot is the best at employing his/her weapon system.  With that said, budgetary reality is what it is.  I wish I had 20 more hours to fly UPT students before graduating them, but the budget nerds say the current syllabus is enough.

Probably the best candidate would be a T-6.  It's the best balance between capability and cost, and aside from the go-fast aspect, I think the T-6 is more fun to fly.  

Amen.

[Unsolicited T-1 Replacement Proposal]

This argument is short sighted and weak sauce in my opinion (no offense).  By your logic we should give T-38s to E-8, E-3 and RC-135 squadrons.  The kind of flying these airplanes do are probably 80% comparable to what the B-2 does.  Full disclosure I'm an E-8 guy by trade, so that's my perspective.  With that said, I'd be willing to bet that the preponderance of flying that the B-2 does is dominated by the following things-- takeoff, TONS of cruise time, get some gas, cruise some more, a brief moment where magic happens, cruise some more, land.  In the kind of flying we are doing right now (or likely to EVER do with the B-2) you are better served with an airplane that flies (and is flown) like the B-2 is.  

And where I feel that this is short sighted, there's a reason that 75% or more of UPT students go through the T-1.  You can operate a fleet of T-1s for what it costs to keep a handfull of T-38s in the air.  Frankly I'm amazed big blue hasn't pulled your 38s already just to "save money".  I think the B-2 community would be insane to pass on an opportunity for a cheaper companion trainer, even if it means trading off some of the fun of flying.  ANY airplane is more fun to fly than NO airplane.

Exactly. Any auto pilot heavy AC pilot community would greatly benefit from having the 38 as a companion trainer. It would make any dude in those communities a better pilot. In KSZL's case, people have tried to cut the program many times. It always survives because once you crunch the numbers you easily see that it's essential to the B-2 mission. Small fleet dynamics and associated mx issues mandate having another airplane. Cheaper is awesome. My vote is keep the 38.

[Unsolicited T-1 Replacement Proposal]

Just curious how would you loose the capability? The T-1 flies low level and formation, granted not fingertip like the T-38 but the B-2 doesn't fly fingertip. If anything I see an eclipse or T-1 more comparable to the way the B-2 flies than a T-38, although a lot less fun. 

We could definitely hack the mish with a T-1 or even eclipse like aircraft. It would be a big step back though for sure. It's by no means essential, but having an aircraft that you can fly tactical formation in and fly finger tip with is valuable specifically because its so different from the B-2. Just my opinion, but I think the T-38 is about as perfect of an airmanship builder as can be- which is really the purpose of the companion trainer program- to build up the pilots in the areas they tend to get deficient in while B-2 flying. I will readily admit I'm very biased and love the 38. The real downside would be to have an aircraft that we didn't own. It seems an aircraft you don't own, will be soon cut as budgets continue to be tight.

[Unsolicited T-1 Replacement Proposal]

This.  Also,Really?  Exactly what kind of training does this dude want to sell us with a corporate jet as an adversary?  He's just fishing. 

The idea that the eclipse could replace the 38A's in the B-2 companion trainer program have made Whiteman pilots/leadership very nervous. Having a companion aircraft is essential to the B-2 mission (2 B-2 sorties a month aren't enough to keep dudes proficient) and a leased aircraft seems a slippery slope to no aircraft at all. On top of that, we'd lose the ability to fly our formation, low level and range sorties the way we can now. This would all come at the same time that AFPC has forced us into a hiring normalization which will result in an even greater need for a somewhat tactical aircraft, to help all the Lt's gain the much needed experience before IQT. This retired general needs a new hobby.

[B-2 Spirit info]

That would seem to suck.  Being able to control your own hiring process is what makes communities like the B-2 and U-2 (and Guard and Reserves) great.  What's the reasoning?  More command opportunities for guys from other airframes?  A jealous AFPC General that was turned down as a Capt?

We were told that AFPC is upset about losing guys in their spreadsheet to the B-2 right when they need them for white jets/staff gigs. It's a big shame because flying the B-2 is few and far between. It will be interesting to see the impact when we lose the ability to get as many people who already have MWS experience/tactics/combat hours. There is talk to make the T-38 program more tactical in nature (range support, flag support, simulated bomb runs, etc.) to help UPT and FAIP droppers transition easier to the bomb squadrons.

[B-2 Spirit info]

Heard rumors that there won't be a hiring board this year. Anyone in the know able to confirm or deny?

Confirmed. At a pilot all-call the OG told us the hiring boards were gone. There will still be some kind of AFPC controlled cross-training available but no more interviews out here. At least 50% of new B-2 assignments will be UPT and FAIP drops.

[Track Selects and Assignment Nights]

Someone with a brain? Although T-38s are considered the easier program these days, or at least have a lower hook and washout rate.

I'm sure the only possible explanation for a lower hook and washout rate in the T-38 is an easier program. It couldn't be that poor performers in the T-6 are usually sent to the T-1.