HuggyU2

So... how many people do you know that are in "corporate flying" (as you put it)?

Myself and 2 others from Beale took a day off and flew to Half Moon Bay to attend Eddie's funeral. Saw another BODN pilot from Beale too who drove the 6 hour round trip to be there. We arrived at the Catholic Church about 35 minutes early. We stood in line about 30 min and were turned away. They physically could not get anymore people in the church. I would estimate the crowd at 700-800. It was an unbelievable outpouring of love for Eddie. There was a 4-ship of Mustangs that made 2 passes over the church after Mass. Low and fast. He was a guy that went out of his way to make everyone smile. He was a friend and mentor to so many. He was a great entertainer, airshow pilot, and warbird owner. He is missed.

Great idea! We can start with the FAIP that came to U-2s for 3 years... then to F-16s, where he was a DG at FTU... then onto Shaw where he was a below the zone promotion... to Australia where he flies Hornets now.

I've seen too many times where CFR is having a BBQ at the fire station, and kicking back watching the show with family, not even dressed out. Totally complacent. I'm hearing it was 5 minutes on the response, based on video/photo time stamps. I wonder if they realize how survivable many crashes are, and how they need to arrive quickly to save someone from the fire. I also have to wonder if mentally they are still thinking "large cargo aircraft" scenarios where they need to contain the fire. If the trucks were behind the crowd line, without a straight shot to show center, then someone didn't THINK. They should probably have crews on each corner marker that are suited up and ready. I'm eager to hear exactly what happened WRT the responders. I am so saddened and furious at the same time.

Just Just a reminder.... bitchez..

Knock, knock? He had been retired about 25 years by the time he met Victoria. This article is about 10'years old... but still interesting. https://articles.latimes.com/2004/jul/02/entertainment/et-hubler2

No big (public) news. But it appears to be getting intense. Interesting times.

No, it is your poor reading comprehension. The PREREQUISITES for the practical ARE what we are discussing. THIS is what the change is primarily about. You have to do the new prep after 31 July. There is no conspiracy to steal your money by Sheppard Air.

OK,... let's speculate. 1. How long until military pilots begin to get their ATPs under the new rules? Sure, there will be a few that porked it away and didn't get the ATP written done by 31 July, and then realize they need it. And, of course,... starting 1 Aug 2016, it will be everyone. But will ATP business pick up sooner? Or later? 2. How much will an ATP cost in the new environment? Discuss.

Of course it is... Quitter.

I arrive Friday at 0930. Name tag says HUGGY Name on the side of the jet will say "HUGGY". Short grey hair. Prematurely grey. I'm only 31 years old. Big forehead. Most people call it a fivehead. 5'10", 200#. I will still beat most of you in the PT test... Even with my artificial hip. I'll generally be with Kent Pietsch (performer). Come say hi and join us.

$22 says those that chime in will say "you can, as long as you avoid commuting".

If you're PCS there. Taking leave to go. Maybe even if you're there TDY (good luck). See you there, hopefully.

... they're...

Yes, Scott is honest, and very meticulous. I flew with him for 3 years at PIT, and would highly recommend him, based on that.

If you are ever in an interview that asks you that question... a. You are doing it wrong. Raise your standards. b. You need to stand up and leave that interview... run as fast as you can. c. re-evaluate what you are looking for in a career job, as a pilot with quality turbine time. d. tell your friends what happened so they will not make that bad choice also. e. All of the above. E.

Aviation, and the experiences that make it what it is, aren't just about "bang for the buck".

Why? 1. Because it is a professional certification for pilots. I happen to be a professional pilot. 2. Because I enjoy flying. And if I'm going to spend time flying, I see no reason not to brush up on the FAA/ Civilian part of things, and get the rating. It was a great time. 3. Because I get to opportunity to learn something from the IP and the DPE that I worked with. 4. Because it gives me another opportunity to interact with my local FSDO. As it turns out, my FSDO is made up of a great group of inspectors, and I have a very good rapport with them. 5. It gave me the excuse to get checked out in another aircraft. I like that. I'm up to about 95 different types that I've flown. I'm a better pilot for it. 6. I could list more, but you get the idea. But if it's too much of a hassle for you, don't bother. I guess.

I haven't been to an "AMS" Dining Out, but have been to many others. If he is wearing a Mess Dress, you should be in "cocktail attire".

Get the cherry picker. You'll need it. I'll keep this brief. I went to AFPC in Oct, walked in the front door planning to go see two people in 2 different offices. I'd been there many times throughout my career, and know my way through the building. However the foyer was different. There were now doors leading to the hallways that take you into the building. I walk past the receptionist (hmmm... why do they need that), and went to open the door. It's locked. I try again... And get the "Excuse me??" from the receptionist. I turn, and notice about 6 people staring at me like I've invaded the place. It turns out the building was "upgraded" so that you have to have a badge, and use it on the electronic door scanner to get in. You cannot just go in to AFPC anymore. So,... I have to have the receptionist call the person I was going to see, wait for someone to find them and send them to the foyer, and have them ESCORT me (you know...the guy in uniform with the ID card) in. While I'm waiting, some guy in a suit starts talking to me, and explains how they had to change things. "It's too dangerous. We've had people come in and yell at our people, even act threatening." Wow. The Air Force Personnel Center... the place where the people in the AF can go to openly discuss their careers... on a guarded military installation... has intentionally found another way to reduce our ability to speak with the those that affect our career development. Apparently partly under the guise of "security" and "work place safety". Many of you may not agree that this is another significant step backwards. However, the symbolism,... the further lack of transparency,... as a minimum, speaks volumes. The pussification continues.

Based on the size of the guy in your avatar, there's room for two of you.

I attended the Hoover Gala last month in LA. You are absolutely correct. https://hooverhallofhonor.com/hall-of-honor/ And you can include Col Bud Anderson. Great American.

Here's a letter a retiree wrote. I'd recommend changing some of it (and shrinking it down). It's not perfect, but it's a good start. For example, the RQ-4 is out of electrical power. You can't plug any more into it. (Correct me if I'm incorrect, RQ-4 drivers on here). Oh... and be sure to mention the fact that they just announced the RQ-4 will require $1,900,000,000 in upgrades to match the U-2 capes. Of course, you KNOW that figure is probably way high, and the contractors will come in under budget... just like the RQ-4 did. Oh wait!!! Hi Mr Nunn! Hi Mr McCurdy! Subject: DO NOT LET THE AIR FORCE RETIRE THE U-2 Last year, the US Air Force received congressional direction to reverse their decision to de-fund the remaining three Global Hawk Block 30’s and put almost $500,000,000.00 into the Global Hawk account and killing the U-2 program in the process. The United States, the Combatant Commands, the warfighter, and the taxpayer cannot afford the loss of the venerable U-2! The Global Hawk unmanned system has served this country well. Its capability, in terms of autonomy and endurance are very noteworthy. It has provided valuable intelligence data for use by decisionmakers. But…at best, the Global Hawk is merely complementary to the U-2. While it's understandable to view the Global Hawk and U-2 as interchangeable reconnaissance aircraft, they are not! It does appear that the congress has received and acted upon information on the Global Hawk that is false! The U-2's multi-INT reconnaissance sensors are far superior. The U-2 operates in all whether conditions at altitudes ten to fifteen thousand feet higher than the Global Hawk and carries a robust defensive system that allows for operations in more challenging environments. The Global Hawk doesn't have any self-protection equipment and is limited to operating in clear skies since it doesn't have an anti-ice capability. That said, the Global Hawk does not possess the aggregate capabilities of the U-2. The Global Hawk does not fly as high as the U-2, it does not “see” or “hear” as far as the U-2. While the U-2 soars through 65,000 feet in less than 30 minutes and operates between 65k and 70+k feet, the Global Hawk takes many hours to pass through 50,000 and takes 15+ hours to climb to its maximum ops altitude of 57,000 feet. And much more… The U-2 does so much more. The U-2 has the ability for Multi-Int (IMINT & SIGINT) cross-cueing that can be dynamically re-tasked. The Global Hawk does not. The U-2 is modular in design and can “plug-in-play” its sensors. The Global Hawk does not. The U-2 has a defensive system. The Global Hawk does not. The Global Hawk requires dedicated, and expensive, AWACS for DUE REGARD in the PACOM AOR, the U-2 does not. The U-2 is also communications node for 5th to 5th and 5th to 4th fighters and US Navy combat ships. Fortunately for the taxpayer, the U-2s have been modernized, been re-engined, have glass cockpits, and have a service life well past 2050. With the incredible budget challenges facing the United States, we cannot afford to fund a partially capable system of the Global Hawk and force the USAF to ramp down the U-2. Just ask the Combatant Commanders!! Therefore, I request action: Provide congressional direction to Defense Department and USAF to continue to fund, sustain, and improve the U-2 program until such time as an adequate system is developed to replace it. Signed, US Citizen & Taxpayer

Don't worry about it... Mountain's been shown the door of the bar before. He's used to it.

Don't throw our squadrons into this generalization. Life if good over here, thanks in large part to our squadron leadership.