Hercster

We stayed at the Hometown Suites in Prattville. Not the Holiday Inn, but I broke about even taking my family with me and you get the tax back after each month. Heard of some guys renting a cheap apartment also.

Just going to leave this here...Not advocating for it, but the way logic shifts on a daily basis sure is interesting.

I'd argue it's a step back from the intent of IFS. Wasn't the origination of this entire movement to save money down the road? That if you can't hack IFS, then you probably can't hack UPT and let's save the AF some bucks by not sending you just to wash out. Now that we're helping the "slow swimmers" what the difference? If we're out to help everyone, shut the whole program down and funnel the cash back into UPT. My $.02 Same with the push for more aviators out of the Academy. The root cause was they had to return pilot slots to AFPC *gasp* and maybe some extra ROTC guys got their dream job. I'd much rather fly with someone who has worked their ass off to get a slot, then a dude who had to be "motivated" to take a pilot slot. It's not my job to motivate you. It's my job to instruct a motivated individual.

Springfield EMP 9MM. Light and small but still a 1911 ;)

They're still handing out H models? Why?

At the risk of drawing fire, CAP can be a valuable tool. CAN be. As a former cadet, I got my first solo in a Cessna, traveled to Japan, got a flavor for UPT, learned how to use a DF, and read the crap out of my aerospace book because I loved it. But yes, I saw the opposite as well. All about what you put in and work to get out of it. Commence spear throwing.

Doubtful...think of the safety analysis that would have to be done. Think of the paper and powerpoint briefings...think of the children! Seriously though, probably not. We'd just burn a whole crew to get the check done, just taxi early to the runup area and then join the formation for a good ol' Black Jack-20. And then take the lead because they'll have an oil overtemp, 2 will have to reset SKE, 3 actually needs to drop an actual so he'll drop back to 4, while 4 will do a dry pass which is great training for the indoc nav, and finally they'll all drop off after the third route while we do pro and ask for an overflight just because.

...and now you're part of the problem. Congrats.

^Seconded. Went in with low expectations. It was surprisingly good and funny. Despite the cheesy implications of everything "ant," action was decent as well.

Herc math here: ground speed/half. 120 ground speed = ~600 VVI. Done. You're welcome.

Oh but there are people who's goal is to fly RPAs. I've flown with them at the Academy. There's a shift happening in the younger generation. From my standpoint, it's polarizing. Cadets either want F-22s or RPAs, very few want airframes in between. For what it's worth...

What the hell kind of uniform are they wearing??

That's NOT what she said

What I meant by that is that if I go back, I'll have more time as a J co-pilot than I do as an AC from E/H's. I'll be that major (hopefully by then) that they don't know what to do with, an ADO perhaps that gets the misc projects. Haven't even deployed as an AC yet, so I feel like I'll have no credibility to boot. At least that's my perception...

So...despite the RPA bashing, what would some of your collective advice be for a guy like me? Low time legacy C-130 background, 1 flying tour, 1 CAOC tour, now on my 2nd non flying deployment. I'm not competitive for the airlines and with my low hours, I have a feeling it would be awkward to go back and cross train to J's. I'm seriously considering going drones, which would possibly open up contractor/law enforcement opportunities down the road if/when the AF decides to RIF folks once again, or I get passed over for not planning the last Christmas party. Thoughts? Much thanks in advance, commence the sarcasm and ridicule.