WheelsOff

I'm putting in my dreamsheet soon and was curious about the B-52... what is life like for a new co-pilot? How many hours a month will you get to fly once you're in an operational squadron? How about the amount of flying on deployments? Anyone highly recommend the jet or no?

As for dudes who are getting MC-12s out of UPT now as a "permanent" assignment (i.e. no follow-on aircraft assignment)....is it truly a "permanent" assignment to the MC-12 or can you expect to crossflow into another ACC or AMC asset after your first or second tour?

Also an MC-12 w/no follow-on. Oh the shenanigans...

XL 12-01 -38s: B-52 U-28 MC-12 F-16 Singapore T-6 FAIP x2 F-16 F-22

Anyone who went to the og/cc call last week knows exactly why. It's bc of the redux in the mx force and subsequently the fewer number of lines they can support.

XL 12-05 track: T38 x7 (AD) T44 x4 (3 guard/res) UH-1 x1 T1 x15 (2 guard/res)

Is for suckers!

XL 11-05 (from what I can remember) F-15E F-16 T-6 FAIP B-1 F-16 x2 (Singapore) EC-130 x2 U-28 C-130 x3 C-130J E-8 C-17 T-1 FAIP AC-130 HC-130 KC-10 (Reserve) C-130 (Reserve) and a bunch of Guard KC-135's (might have been 1 or 2 AD, can't remember)

Again, the bank angle depends on different factors such as wind direction/speed and distance from runway, etc. Entry speed was generally somewhere in the ballpark of 90 KIAS; I can't quite remember exactly.

Pattern altitude is 800' - 60 KIAS from downwind/perch to final. Angle of bank varies depending on a number of factors. It's a military pattern so you aren't squaring off your crosswind and base legs.

Fail. They couldn't care less if you buzz it all off. Me and several flightmates did it every other week (STS).

Honestly though, is anyone surprised? I know this topic comes up periodically...I wouldn't be surprised if retirement benefits don't kick in until 65 by the time I put in 20 (if I even still decide to do that).

They keep a pretty tight lid on that extra material - everyone is issued that stuff during academics. Sorry. Just know the boldface/ops limits by the time you show up and help your flightmates get it figured out quick so you can get out of your blues and into your bags.

Awesome dude, great find!

ZING!!!

Just my .02...if you can, train on a Diamond (DA-20) as that's what they fly at IFS. Otherwise, Cessna/Piper is good too.

Any idea of what the 08-10 year groups look like in comparison? (Specifically '10)

Not quite. If you're applying for a pilot slot when applying to OTS then it's just that - you either get selected for it or you don't. It works that way on all the "rated" boards (pilot, nav, abm - i.e. flying jobs). "Non-rated" boards (i.e. non-flying jobs) work the way in which you describe; where you get selected first, and then they assign you a job. EDIT: for clarity

F-16 bird strike (HUD video) (video is in the link)

That's pretty much what I figured but just wanted to be sure. I doubt they've gotten much worse (if it all, hopefully) but I'll know for sure next week at my eye exam. Thanks GD.

Moved to this thread (figured this one is a more appropriate place to ask) Goducks, I had my initial FC1 done this time last year and was stamped "approved pending successful completion of MFS" last summer. My eyes were in the -1.50 range (within limits) and did not require an excessive refraction waiver at the time. However, it will be about 1.5 years by the time I make it to MFS/Brooks after OTS (since having done my FC1) and am wondering if my eyes were to change slightly over that time period (by say another -0.25 or -0.50 diopters) - would I then need an excessive refraction waiver to be able to pass MFS/Brooks? I haven't seen an eye doc since my FC1 so I don't know where my eyesight stands currently (don't really think they've gotten any worse)...but, I'm just curious if you know what would happen in a situation like this or if you have ever seen a scenario like this before? Just curious. Thanks.

Don't know about the ROTC process (I'm going the OTS route) but in order to pass any of the AF flying class physicals (i.e. FC1) then you will need to have been off the meds for at least 12 months. And actually, I'd assume that would also be the case for your DoD physical, as the same 12 month thing rang true for me with the pre-comissioning physical at MEPS. The largest factor in determining your waiverability is WHY you were on the meds. Have all the documentation/records that your doctor can provide, and it would also be a good idea to have your treating physician write a letter describing your case and give their professional opinion as to whether or not it will be a lasting issue that would have an effect on your military duties. Also you might want to check out the AF Waiver Guide (you can google it) for further insight. Good luck!

For those that think blues on Mondays are bad... https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2010/01/airforce_callout_uniforms_012210w/

A Dawn Like Thunder: The True Story of Torpedo Squadron Eight -Robert Mrazek Awesome historical account of the Naval Air Group's (and specifically torpedo eight's) endeavors in the battles at Midway and Guadalcanal. A hard book to put down.

I was going to rattle off the names of a few notable AFB's named after some rather distinguished vets but M2 beat me to it. I too support your enthusiasm though. If I may make a suggestion for recommendation of names to use for Navy vets of the Iraq/Afghanistan wars (if they haven't been used already) - the names of any of the four Seal team members who were a part of Operation RedWing would be quite deserving. What a story.