Springer

Guys, whatever you are flying, enjoy it, make the most of it. Never, ever thought I would tire of flying but sold my RV-4 yesterday at age 60+. That after a commercial airline career and a recce/FAC puke before that. First time without a 'ride' in 39 years. I was one of the lucky ones, right time, right place. I know the AF bs is tough to put up with and I left in part because of it, but don't even think about going commercial unless the majors open up hiring in a big way which I predict will not happen for some time. I commuted during the good times and would not even consider it today.

I was stationed at Bergstrom during those trying years. The ops scheduling board bleed red with all the MND's. My Recce wing suffered two Class A accidents resulting in the newly acquired Wing/CC being fired. Including the FAC wing across the street, Bergstrom had the highest DOS rate in the AF...me included.

Years past we drove to Grindelwald/Grund (14 km S of Interlaken) and took the cog train to Kleine Scheidegg, ski down to Brandegg for lunch then take the cog train back to Kleine Scheidegg and do it all over. I was hiking there last month and see new lifts being installed for expanded skiing. In my day, 5 sqd mates would rent a chalet in Wilderwil (2 km S of Interlaken) for the winter skiing season.

A buddy of mine is bringing it to the show. He will be parking it next to his RV-8 at the request of the EAA. Only American test pilot at Airbus. Also retired AF RF-4/F-16 driver.

After going from the AF to the airlines have to say the airline I was with had it all over the AF wrt attitude in training, evaluations, and operations.

A classmate and I moved off base into a great apartment complex (think bikinis, water volleyball, daiquiris) as a way of dealing with the long days, stress if you want to call it that. Sorry for the thread creep. Read the whole thread on "Doc." We all start as equals in UPT; always wonder what makes someone turn into a dickhead.

Actually been there done that some 36 years ago. Had a great time in UPT (Willie). Second best assignment only preceded by my European tour.

Just graduating from UPT? How did you find time to read this message board?

Great reviews on the Palm Pre with many apps forthcoming for its OS. The Pre falls between the Blackberry and the iPhone. Buy it and tell your friends how great it is! Disclaimer: I own a ton of PALM shares.