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Nope. Blocking a pay raise ≠ Pay cut

Actually the DA20s worked fine there till summer. They didn't have the climb performance and most days of summer flying ended well before noon. They got 40s over 20s for the exta hp (180hp), not the back seat. After they realized you couldn't effectively do IFT there with 20s and got rid of them (yes, a lot people finished it--including you Nunya--but it took way too long due to wx/DA cancels and thus was considered ineffective) some CSAF suddenly realized that there were no airplanes at USAFA. No powered ones that is. And thought that was a problem. That may or may not have been a problem but he (I can't remember which it was, would have been 06-07ish) decided it was and directed a "Powered Flight Program," thus the name. Already proved couldn't use 20's, after the T3 no way they could buy anything but an off the shelf aircraft. We all know how the acquisitions process works, and it was too slow for this. So they leased aircraft while the bid went out, etc. The 40 obviously met criteria, which is why Doss bought them and leased them too us. A few companies bid on the actual sale, came down to DA40 and the SR20. Both met specs but Cirrus bid cheaper, hard as that is to fathom. That's why they got it. I and everyone else flying there would have loved the SR22 or something even more powerful, but no way it would have happened cost wise. It went to the cheapest aircraft that met all the requirements, and that came out as the SR20. As to the question about IFT--PFP does nothing in regard to it, they still go after graduation just like everyone else. This is a 9 ride program with potential to solo on ride 10. Longer term there is a lot of speculation this will turn into IFT for zoomies, just like they used to do. I'm betting on that myself. BTW that's the Sup in that photo Threeholer posted, he flies as a line IP, pretty reqularly too. Which is cool

Think of it as this: The AC is flight lead. You are the wingman. The enlisted dudes on your crew are also wingmen. All of you work together to make sure the flight lead has the best info and can lead the mission to success. While we may say head, box, and other things without so to speaks...and while we may not know what the ###### dead bug or crud are...we want you to know your shit, be the best damn copilot you can be, and be a bro.

@Sparticus: It is not the easiest way to get a masters, but AU now offers masters+ACSC for Maj/Maj(s) and a masters to Capts. It is definitely the "cheapest"...zero cost to the member, no TA required. Not sure of the govt cost to run it...