Ram

Yup, sometimes, when I get nervous, I stick my fingers in my armpits and then smell them like this... SNNNNNNIIIIIIIFFFFFFFFF!

Low flying is when you rotate, pull the gear into the well, and then DESCEND.

He's talking about the direction of air flow intercockpit. The air cycles from front to back, so it's impossible for the front pitter to smell any ass you drop from the back. Curiously enough, the T-38 is the other way around. Studs in the FCP can drop ass with abandon, and I won't be the wiser from the RCP. Now, when I drop ass in the RCP (as I FREQUENTLY do in the morning sorties...part of my routine), it's VERY apparent in the FCP. Go figure. I guess I'm just lucky to be flyin the '38.

Anyone else wonder what do say when someone thanks you and asks to shake your hand? I'm always at a loss...I typically just thank them for their support.

Yup. Even more than FAIPs do.

...or maybe be known for drinking nothing but Apple Martinis. But seriously: I care much more about how well you fly than how well you drink. If you can do both well, then good for you. If you'd rather have a coke and a smile instead of a beer, you'll be the one I'm calling at 2AM to drive me home...so...again, good for you. There are bigger things to worry about in this great big world of ours...

Just order a wine cooler. That'll go over well.

Bozz... I think I bumped into you today at KIKR. I was the dorky looking LT FAIP with the '38. It must have been you with the Hog around 18-ish Zulu? We had close to 6 of 'em there. Nice little weekend in PHX.

I've had some luck asking the FBO a given field for the number to the tower. They should have it...just identify yourself as a pilot and not Joe BagODonuts. Someone around the wing just HAS to have a handheld radio...maybe you could run your patch cord through...hmm...quick, cheap Victor capability...

My example was a flight discipline deal. Burner loops aren't exactly authorized maneuvers for solo studs. That's why the flight got a visit from the DO. Good times, right? His example sounded more like gross mishandling of the aircraft. "Rolling inverted and pulling" doesn't sound like a stud that's trying to do something "cool" he heard from his buddies...instead it sounds like the dude just screwed up. I think there's a huge difference between the two. But what do I know? I'm just a swaggering FAIP. Ha.

"2" Although it's just about as large/heavy as a cinder block.

By the way, I carry a Garmin 96C. It cost me about 700 bones brand new. But if you're looking for cheap, you really don't need all the bells and whistles that mine has. Ebay also has some good deals, as well.

I carry a handheld GPS in my g-suit pocket whenever the wx is marginal at the home drome, or whenever I'm out-n-back or XC. First of all, there are some nasty IFR EPs in the T-38 (right gen fail w/no crossover, TR failure, etc...), and I like having some peace of mind. Secondly, I consider the GPS as a form of insurance from getting violated (sts) when Stanley can't set-up the Navaids correctly or is dorking-up the fix-to-fix. (Studs have a wonderful, magic quality of being total SA black holes...myself as a stud included.) Third, a handheld GPS has some magic flight planning and fuel planning software that can glonckulate fuel faster/more accurately than my 386-proccessor of a brain can. It's a worthwhile investment as far as I'm concerned...especially if your aircraft is limited to vintage-1950s navaids. Professionals take pride in their equipment: Police Officers are picky about the weapons/protective gear they use to keep them safe, Professional Chefs have to use quality knives/tools to ensure their food is delicious, etc... ...why should we, as pilots, be any different? Just one Lt's opinion...

Other funny reactions when talking to mixed company of pilots/non pilots... "So we're at the O Club...doing shot after shot of weed" "Yeah, I love weed...it's the greatest..." Non Pilot: "OMG!!! YOU GUYS ARE DRUGGIES!!!" makes me laugh every time.

Oh dude, that's a great idea right there. It would sure beat the shit outta the cayenne pepper I sometimes toss on it. I'm trying that as soon as I get a chance.

Lots of good threads tonight, I see...

To the old craniums in this thread: Thanks for starting this topic. I have a lot of questions that I'll be asking. This is exactly why I stay on this board.

Some guys in the 97 FTS (the reserve SQ at KSPS) have all KINDS of crazy T-38 hours...especially the dudes who are full-time guys.

I at LEAST double turn every day...assuming we have the wx for it. I've been on the line as a '38 IP for about 7ish months. I flew 300 hours since.

haha This isn't Dallas, mi amigo. The most traffic I've seen is the "Shoeclerk 500" every morning to the gate from 0730 to 0815. Ya know, the mornings when I get to sleep in a little bit. Make the drive a couple times at different times in the morning. You'll see it ain't too bad.

There are actually two formation checkrides at SPS: a "basic" and "advanced." The basic check is mostly close in formation...wingwork, close / extended trail, rejoins, etc. The advanced check contains a 90 / 45 / 180 tactical turn, tactical rejoins, FM, and some more extended trail. Basic stuff is thrown in there for sampling, and it's all fair game. There are 15-ish (can't remember the exact number off the top of my skull) "advanced" form rides prior to the check, and FM is done on all but 2 of those rides. I don't know how this differs from SUPT, but I'm curious (sts).

I couldn't tell ya. I'm an ENJJPT grad. I thought everyone did it.

The tag in the boot deal is for the same reason they take your footprints prior to starting UPT... ...often, that's all that's left to help them identify you. Supposedly.

Kinda funny...I was issued tags as an ROTC cadet prior to going to SOAR. I guess there's something really dangerous about flying gliders in colorado? haha

Checking in, sir,.... at FL700+