HuggyU2

The U-2 is the cover story in this month's (March 2009) Flying Magazine (www.flyingmag.com). It's a very good read. Check it out.

Seeing as you've never been accepted into the U-2, you would need to apply, as well as work with the AFPC folks. BTW, all of this info is on the U-2 Pilot Application page on the Beale Website. If AFPC accepts you, and the U-2 program wants to interview you, you get your interview. If hired, you join the program. If you don't get hired, you stay in your Guard/Reserve unit, or find a different active duty job you want to do.

Is it the same Jerry Caddick that crashed during the El Toro Airshow back around '88?

Open mouth,... insert foot. And you got to love an apology prefaced with "Easy there killer,... don't blow a gasket".

YGBSM! I'm guessing you're kidding, based on this bizarre answer. But with only 6 posts to your credit, I just can't tell.

I'd like to think you're right, but I'll bet they knew the reason, and changed it anyways. Similar mentality to removing the big Pilot Wings at the front gate at Laughlin. It offended too many in other career fields that AF Wings were displayed so prominently, and that "it took away" from what they did in protocol/med group/PERSCO/base gym/library/chow hall (dining facility)/cop shop/contracting/services.

afnav, Sorry to hear that. Keep pumping out the chaff, and good luck.

FYI: the fact they are uniform pants doesn't matter. The USAF Blue pants are nearly identical to the United Airlines pants. The question is really: is it acceptable to go out for a social event dressed in blue polyester pants? And Spoo: what the hell is wrong with my long braided belt as long as I wear it with a Polo?

Mardon's customer service (and prices) leave a lot to be desired.

Update: Mr Obama put out an Executive Order suspending all new law changes until his team looks every thing over. This includes the CFI equivalency. There is no ETIC on how long this delay will take. More to follow...

So if the F-22 cost $1B per copy (instead of $328M), would that be too much?

Good find, beast. Pilots that say what you just posted are the ones that usually come looking for us. Most of the leadership negativity I've come across had to do with getting promoted, off to school, and more promotions. A former Wing CC told one of our guys about 4 years ago (before he interviewed) to not blame him if he gets the job and ruins his career. The perception is that you'll waste away here. Gen Fogleman in 1998 said the U-2 was "a sunset weapons system". So we've been "dying" for a decade now. Funny that the F-105, F-106, A-7, SR-71, F-117, T-37 and a lot more, came and went within the U-2's lifespan. We were supposed to go away this year; then 2010. Now, we're funded through 3rd quarter of 2012. But RQ-4 will not even be close by then. I know where I'll put my money.

And what does that have to do with the price of tea in China? Can I assume that's pretty common in those sports? And Nole,... nevermind.

I don't believe in superstitions, or "lucky" underwear. Lots of flying the week prior (and always), and a good night sleep. You don't need "luck" in that case.

The U-2 Program lost a significant number of drivers due to VSP. They have since been offered a chance to return: the USAF needs ISR/U-2 pilots suddenly. If any of these pilots take the recall, they'll come right back to Mother Beale, requal, and be back on the line. Not a bad life. Yes, they got $100K to get out. That was in the past. AFPC messed up (go figure). It's done. Whether they come back or not, the USAF is out $100K. Now we need them. Irrespective of why they left, I'd like to get them back. They are good pilots and personal friends. In some respects, it's a shame to see them take their finely honed skills to SWA... skills that the USAF paid big dollars to develop. But they are in the driver's seat. Most will tell the USAF to pound sand. One or two might come back. We'll see. As a pilot who got out, and came back in after 2 years in the airlines, I see where they are coming from, and completely understand. But I still want them back.

Looks more like two Global Hawks to me. As usual, the artist can't figure out what a U-2 planform looks like. Idiots.

60 Driver, Great 1st post. Good to have you here.

Give us a call about a year out from a potential PCS. Have the application to us about 9 months prior. If picked, you interview 4-6 months prior to a potential PCS. And, yes, you're right: it appears that the ops tempo is actually pretty good in the U-2, when compared to most other MWS'.

Your perspective is appreciated, however I work directly with AFPC on U-2 assignments. AFSOC, while a small community, understands the give-and-take nature of the business, and does allow AFSOC drivers to apply. Not many do, as it seems morale in AFSOC is pretty high. Go figure: they have a great mission, a tight community, cool airplanes, etc... That said, some pilots will want a change of pace after 5 years. Fighter time: just to reiterate, you do NOT need fighter time. Only about 5% of the current pilots came from USAF fighters, with another 13% coming from USN/USMC single-pilot platforms (F-14, F-18, S-3, Harrier). This is not a fighter assignment. It's a single-seat ISR assignment. https://www.beale.af.mil/shared/media/docum...-080313-064.doc

If you come to the U-2, expect to stay there. In reality, if you go through the interview process and like it, you'll probably want to stay a long time.

Rule out the life support equipment: no short cuts taken there. Old airplanes? Most were built in the 80's, and nothing has changed to affect "medical issues". So why has there been an increase in pilots having major DCS issues? Good question,... no answer. Maybe the higher amount of flying we're doing: we've had guys getting 160+ hours in a 60 day TDY. That's a lot of time sitting at 29,000' cabin pressure. That said, I've been doing this a long time, and the only thing I've ever had (or at least noticed) was a bubble in my knee. Here's an extreme example. An amazing story of teamwork that a printed article just can't do justice. You've got to hear Kevin tell the story. And look at the picture, too. https://www.chicoer.com/advertise/ci_4609423 What you've been hearing is wrong. There hasn't been a rapid decompression in years-and-years. And as for pulling pilots off of flight status, wrong again: it is NOT a normal event.

I was at ICAS in Vegas 3 weeks ago, and sat next to a Captain who was a full time glider IP. She had a tour in the C-17 before the glider gig, and I thinks that's all she's done. Also, I know a guy who's been around the USAFA and AETC flying world a bit. He finished up command of the flying unit in Pueblo, and just got selected for O-6 a few months ago.

While the Harrier's accident rate is high, the fatality rate has not been bad in years. I can't back this up with any stats at my fingertips,... just anecdotal from my Harrier friends.

MC-12

When you're about to exit the building during reveillee or retreat, and you have folks standing inside waiting who have obviously dodged it, consider walking outside and observing the event. They'll watch you through the glass and either 1. think "that's the better option". 2. think "that was dumb". Don't worry about the folks from option 2: they're not salvagable. Just let them go away with time.