Tag Archives: Fighter Pilot

Air Force Pilot, UAV Bonus Continues in 2011

The Air Force announced it would continue the “pilot bonus,” formally known as Aviator Continuation Pay (ACP), in 2011.  The program gives a bonus to pilots and now UAV pilots for a commitment extending beyond their initial service requirement.  For most pilots, this occurs 10 years after they graduate from pilot training.

As in past years, these aircrew can accept a $25,000 per year bonus for an additional commitment of five years.  A second (lower) level is offered for those who did not take the bonus the first time they were eligible.

For the first time, Air Battle Managers and Combat System Operators (formerly known as WSOs or Navs) are not eligible, because their “career field has stabilized.”

Iraq Buys F-16s…or Not

The Stars and Stripes notes the inadvertent release of a draft announcement that Iraq had agreed to purchase 18 F-16s, something it has wanted for years.  As it turns out, the Iraqi government has not yet approved the purchase, making the release premature.

F-16s aren’t the only things Iraq wants.

“They’d like F-16s and, you know, Polaris submarines and aircraft carriers and a whole bunch of other things,” then-Lt. Gen. David Petraeus told reporters in 2005.

X-47B Takes Off on Successful First Flight

The X-47B (previously noted) executed a successful first flight at Edwards AFB, California last week.

The X-47 is a Navy/Northrop technology demonstrator intended to test (and demonstrate) the ability of an unmanned aircraft to land on an aircraft carrier.  The aircraft somewhat resembles a miniature B-2, and is ultimately intended to portend the UCAV, or Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle — the ability to conduct autonomous deep strike missions.

The Navy Times has an article and a video of the flight.

Cadet Amputee Still Dreams of Flying

ROTC Cadet Matt Pirrello lost his leg in a jump accident at the US Air Force Academy last year. He has been making a fairly rapid recovery at Brooke Army Medical Center, and still has hopes of flying, though he remains open to both possibilities and restrictions:

Pirrello had hoped to become a fighter pilot; now, he just wants to be a pilot. He’s even open to flying a remotely piloted aircraft.

The Air Force recently announced that a pilot training student who lost part of his leg in a boating accident had been reinstated into training — the first amputee ever to continue pilot training.  Pirrello’s injuries were more severe, and he has yet to be commissioned, but with his determination to serve, he may yet see his dreams fulfilled.

Navy Squadron Conducts In-Flight Change of Command

The ceremony for a unit change of command is steeped in tradition, consistent with the history that is often cited at the ceremonies.  The formal event was originally an opportunity for members of a unit to see their old commander relinquish his authority and transfer the flag of command to the new leader.

A unique and fairly modern twist on this ceremony sometimes take place in aviation squadrons.  As the ceremony is conducted on the ground, the incoming commander flies overhead on the wing of the outgoing commander.  As the two aircraft Read more

China’s Newest Fighter, Stealth J-20

There’s been much ado lately regarding the normally secretive Chinese allowing photos and videos of their new “stealth plane” to make its way onto the internet.

Interestingly, it comes as the current administration has cancelled the F-22 future acquisitions, is planning to shrink the Defense Department’s budget, and may potentially cancel some portions of the F-35.  The Stars and Stripes repeats speculation the administration has been “caught flat-footed.”

Fired Navy Captain Defended by Gay Sailors

In an interesting twist, US Navy CAPT Owen Honors, recently fired from his position as skipper of the USS Enterprise, is being defended in the press by former Sailors who served under his command — and are homosexual.

“He wasn’t insulting” gay sailors, added Mr. Solis [a gay former Sailor], “They were just harmless jokes.”

Capt. Honors “absolutely did not” create a hostile or homophobic atmosphere on board, added Eric M. Prenger, a gay sailor Read more

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