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Hueypilot

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Everything posted by Hueypilot

  1. "Super E" is a misnomer...those aircraft are technically straight-H models (as opposed to the H1, H2, etc). The very early H-models were E-models with the T56-A-15 engines. They still had the small flight deck a/c system, the GTC vs an APU, etc. The H1s introduced the APU and the more capable flight deck air conditioning. Aside from not cooling the flight deck well in the summer, the do fly faster than the other H variants because of the lesser drag from the lack of the larger air scoop on the right side. A normal H1-H3 will true out at 300-305 or so but the Hs will get up to 315ish.
  2. I'm not sure what it means either. I think it's another classic example of the RegAF saying one thing to appear as if they make sense but doing something else. I've heard from dudes with 2-3 years left (well within the normal PC window of 2/3s of commitment done) asking about PC being told that they won't be supported unless they are within a year of their ADSC...that's not exactly "liberal". Then I hear from O-5/O-6 types that they are willing to waive PC requirements...and then it keeps going in a circular fashion as dudes again ask to apply and are told "within a year"... As for when MT and CT get their tails, the slide I'm looking at now from AMC says 2 go to MT and 3 arrive in CT in 1Q14. By the end of FY14, CT will have 8 and MT will have 9. Both the Super Es are slated for MT...at least it's not hot up there...
  3. They are dragging their feet here at LRF. AFRC has pushed the designation of the unit off by a few months to see what's announced in the next POM. I have a strong feeling that the unit will stay, but it's been a persistent rumor from HQ types that AMC wants to totally divest itself of the H-model Herk and let the ARC own it 100%. As for MT and CT, they are getting LRF's old H1 Herks (1973-74 models). New wing boxes, but otherwise they are beat to hell. And I haven't heard anything of a TFI opening at either unit. We've already got dudes from CT going through the FTU... On another note, I have heard MT is looking to hire a few AGR C-130 IPs to help convert them from fighters to Herks.
  4. There is a strong rumor that the -130 TFIs will be dead in the 2015 POM. If you are at a TFI I'd at least have a Plan B exit in mind.
  5. I meant that in the context of "get out of the active duty ASAFP"...
  6. That sucks. Get your a$$ to the ANG or AFRC.
  7. Well at least if we do strike, it will be "unbelievably small" (sts). I'm sure that proclamation has them quaking in their boots over in Syria. Putin is also equally impressed with our ability to conduct unbelievably small strikes.
  8. Seniority is all that matters, especially now that there is only one list. If a returning UAL pilot had enough seniority to hold a line on a UAL route at a former UAL base, then they can. There's no exception saying they can only fly from Continental bases. Now that the combined list is out, I'd expect a lot of movement as UAL guys bid for former CAL bases and equipment and former CAL guys move to UAL bases. The only restrictions that would come in to play are the wide body fences.
  9. Actually United and Continental have a combined seniority list now, which is why the call went out to furloughed pilots. No one is being recalled to the "Continental side" because there is no "Continental side" as of this month. There is now only one combined United seniority list for everyone. Even those UAL guys who came back on the Continental list a year or two ago has recall rights to their original line number on the combined list.
  10. It seems like Obama is trying to appear better than his predecessor by "asking Congress", and I've heard others say "at least he's going to Congress", but he (and many Americans) forget that Iraq was approved by Congress overwhelmingly, to include a vote "For" by Mr Kerry.
  11. Yep, we (meaning anyone who's served in the military) fall under the "high risk" households now. UFB.
  12. If you're a current and qualified legacy C-130 crewmember, the future 913AG (it'll be the 913th unless AFRC changes their minds) will be hiring in the near future. Expect hiring boards for traditional reservist slots with a normal combat-coded mission. So yes, this means well-qualified copilots, basic ACs, basic Navs, FEs and LMs...for you RegAF types staring at a UAV slot in the future (or just want to stay in the Herk), pursue Palace Chase aggressively. I was told from the former 19OG/CD that they will have "liberal Palace Chase rules". PM me if you want info on who to talk to.
  13. It'll be a while. While out at OAKN I noticed significant barriers to "everyday", safe use. It has to be damn near bulletproof before a commercial 121 operator is going to risk iron and liability to make an airplane pilotless or even nake reductions in crew. Just because we (the USAF) are employing UAS doesn't mean the damn is about to break on other uses as well. The mishap rate was atrocious, and not just on the MQ-1s either. There were lots of connectivity issues, comm issues and other things that are not airframe specific, but are UAS-specific.
  14. I'm sure the CBT will curb drinking at colleges. It's worked so well at stopping sexual assaults in the military.
  15. Those uniforms look similar to the first iteration of the ABU. Back to the flag...so the US military (particularly the Navy and Marines) have a long history of flying the Gadsden Flag and Navy Jack, for around 250 years. Now because some unofficial political movement unofficially used that flag at rallies for, oh, the past 4-5 years, any future use of the flag now constitutes a political agenda? FWIW I saw Navy personnel wearing both flag patches on their Multi-cams in theater...uh oh! Better go tell the they are promoting a political party!!
  16. As others have said, I'd argue that the truth is somewhere in the middle...between the "exodus" point of view and General Chang's "everything's just fine" attitude. FWIW, I've seen quite a few of my fellow experienced pilots punch out, as did I. Seems the only ones staying in are the guys who feel they have a future climbing up the box-checking ladder and the dudes who don't have the option of separating. Anyone else who has any experience is actively trying to separate. GC, you're probably correct that a number of people will take the bonus and stay in, but you're missing the point that a very significant chunk of the USAF's core of experience is leaving. It doesn't surprise me though, given what a certain AMC CV had said once to a group of Herk guys..."leave if you want, don't let the door hit you on the way out, because we've got a shiny new LT to replace you in the seat." Good luck with that.
  17. Well maybe then in your opinion it would be ok for the Dem-majority Federal Govt to ban any GOP symbolism...or any other political movement. And I agree with the others...govt property is "our" property. Telling people that certain political persuasions aren't allowed flies in the face of our free and open society.
  18. https://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/08/03/veterans-sue-city-in-new-york-that-ordered-flag-down/?test=latestnews Veterans sue city in New York that ordered 'Don't Tread on Me' down Ok I agree with the vet group that this is a historical US flag and its not the Tea Party's flag, but they are glossing over something else that's disturbing. Essentially the city of New Rochelle is banning any association with a political organization such as the Tea Party. Isn't that illegal and a violation of free speech? You can't ban a political party or movement's symbols and likeness just because you don't like or agree with them. And it's not like they are the Nazi party, although I would bet money that some of the very liberal types would say they are (despite the ironic fact that those liberals are engaging in the very tactics Nazis used).
  19. Sorry that it didn't work out for you, but they are supposed to follow the PTS and not make up their own agenda. The PTS is pretty clear what's required. For LRF dudes, Central and the DPE they use is pretty spot on.
  20. They do NOT ask you about FAR/AIM stuff or any instrument/flying knowledge on the ATP practical. Look at the PTS, it basically says the ground eval is over the airplane you are checking in. They do ask about MELs but a light twin doesn't have much of one. As for docs, cover the the basics required to be legal and you'll be fine. LockheedFix, I'm guessing you are asking about Central Flying Service, since they have a Beech Duchess. I got my ATP from there. It's an easy airplane to fly, very simple systems (if you bust the check over the ground eval which is aircraft stuff, you're a moron). That one (N184ER) has dual GNS-430s. Yes you have to know how to use them on the check, but its easy to figure out and they have a plan view of your route and approach. It's cake. They use a DPE who's more than fair and he likes military folks. 2-3 flights and a check should be adequate. The DPE follows the PTS, so if you want to know how the eval will go, it spells it out. Good luck.
  21. It's very possible, particularly if the Democrats make gains in 2014. Not all Congressmen and Senators are keen on saving mil jobs if the perception among the general public is that those mil jobs and iron stand between them and more govt bennies. And outside of mil social circles, that's exactly what many people think- cut the military, save the budget. Remember, facts aren't the truth. What people believe is.
  22. I'll second the thought that when it comes to getting a job with the Majors, apply everywhere, and be patient. With the upcoming attrition at the Majors (provided the economy doesn't collapse), if you're a military pilot with a decent resume (IP/EP experience, 1000+ hours of PIC time, etc) you'll get an interview somewhere within the next 5ish years. I expect 2014 and 2015 to see some off and on hiring among the Big 3, and some very limited hiring among the others (FedEx, JetBlue, Hawaiian, etc), but by 2016 on the Big 3 will be losing around 500-700 pilots a year. Most of the contraction from the recent mergers should be wrapping up by then too. SWA *might* be hiring again 3-5 years down the road, adding to the competition for the well-qualified. UAL will likely be hiring around 50/month starting in early 2014 (after they work out seniority issues and get the last few recalls through). American will probably be hiring similar numbers starting in early 2014, although some of them will be AE flows. DAL's hiring probably will not kick into high gear until 2016-2017. I've heard from numerous sources at the major airlines that they are putting a priority on military dudes with instructor experience, so if that's you, I'd get that ATP very soon and be ready. Also...don't discount Virgin America. I have a buddy who's an FAA safety inspector and VX is one of his airlines so he knows quite a few people there...they have pretty high minimums, but he told me to apply anyway because they will sometimes make exceptions for well-qualified military pilots. Most of the pilots seem pretty happy as well. They are almost entirely SFO and LAX based, and their pay is less than the Majors, but they could be the next SWA. They are definitely the "West Coast JetBlue". Personally, I'm going to "wait and see" with them, and in a few years if they are still around and healthy and I haven't been picked up by someone else, I'll probably drop an app there. So bottom line, don't despair if you don't get a call in the next couple years. And I'll add from what I've seen so far, most of the new hires are primarily military with a lot of IP experience, and high-time Part 121 dudes. There is a smattering of people with other backgrounds, but I'd have to say the majority fall into one of the first two categories. If you're a fairly new military pilot with limited PIC time, consider the regionals. I think anyone with a combined 121/military background would probably be in the running for a job at the majors. Good luck!
  23. If you have wings or are actively training to earn a set of wings, there should be absolutely no reason why you can't walk into your wing safety office to view an official SIB report. Anyone who turns you away isn't doing their job. Period. I'll add that perhaps if members of the MC-12 community had been encouraged to visit their safety shop to get read in on recent (past few years) C-12 and MC-12 mishaps, this tragedy could have been avoided. I know because I was SEF at the mishap wing and there were lessons learned that I personally investigated two years ago that could directly contribute to preventing this years' Class A. It's very upsetting to me that safety reports are treated like TS when their sole purpose exists to "spread the word".
  24. 2. As a former wing chief of flight safety for both an FTU and the same deployed wing as the mishap MC-12, I can tell you that anyone stating you can't read the report or know of the findings until some mass brief down the road is an idiot. If I was your wing SEF, I'd personally make sure you had access to read it...but unfortunately I've moved beyond the safety realm.
  25. Latest headline: Asiana Airlines says bogus pilot names report damaged its reputation I guess the crash at SFO only slightly dinged their stellar name... https://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/07/14/asiana-airlines-says-bogus-pilot-names-report-damaged-its-reputation/?test=latestnews#ixzz2Z32ox2IK
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