As any aircraft design enthusiast knows, when someone creates a new aircraft design they do far more than consider the range, speed, or weapons capability. Far more prosaic issues are also important: How hard is it for the crew chief to change a tire? How quickly can it be gassed and reloaded?
How hard is it to get spare parts?
Apparently, the JSF engine, when enclosed in its Read more
Four Air Force T-38 pilots are reportedly being investigated after executing a fly-by following the national anthem at the 20 November Iowa-Ohio State football game. Reports indicate they may have been below the required minimum altitude.
A variety of YouTube angles of the flyby are available, but even video is sometimes disputable. Quotes, on the other hand…
Maj. Chris Kopacek, one of the pilots, told The Des Moines Register Read more
In the Air Force Times tradition of simultaneously stating both nothing and the obvious, the paper recently reported the Air Force is planning to develop a replacement flight suit; it awarded a contract for research and development for a new “aircrew ensemble,” though virtually nothing is known about it.
The nearly $100 million effort is intended to develop an integrated system of flight gear components, including the flight suit. Tests are planned to begin in 2013.
As of October 27th, the US Air Force centrifuge at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, has ceased operations.
The closure was a result of BRAC; a replacement centrifuge is being built at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. Until it opens in 2012, aircrew will use the contractor-run centrifuge at the former Brooks AFB in Texas.
The centrifuge will continue to be a “rite of passage” for fighter pilots in both the US and many international air forces.
According to an Air Force News release, 1Lt Ryan McGuire has been granted a medical waiver to return to pilot training with a prostethic leg below the knee.
McGuire was reportedly injured in a boating accident during pilot training; since having his lower leg amputated, he has run the Air Force Marathon. He was found medically fit for duty just this past August, and at the end of October his medical waiver for pilot training was approved.
The article indicates that other active pilots have used prosthetics, including Read more
Update: Hamilton ultimately said winning the World Series would be good, but it wouldn’t top standing in front of his Savior one day, and his relationship with Christ keeps him on the right path.
The ubiquitous nature of alcohol in the fighter pilot culture (see discussions on “alcohol and the bar” in Fighter Pilot Traditions) sometimes makes it challenging for those who choose not to drink. Some make that choice for religious reasons, others for reasons of family history, others for ‘personal’ reasons. Alcohol and its abuse has sometimes become a sensitive subject in the military; in general, when fighter pilots decline to drink, their decision is honored (though there may still be some ribbing from some in the crowd).
Texas Rangers center fielder Josh Hamilton experienced a bit of that life himself recently. According to press reports, he is Read more
It’s been said here before that regardless of politics, war, or even religion, everybody thinks fighter pilots are cool.
So cool, in fact, that Usher was bedecked in that theme on the October/November cover of Vibe: (picture below the fold) Read more
CNN recently noted that the US government is attempting to remove the term “retarded,” as it refers to mental capability, from its lexicon. Public sensitivity to the term has raised since the 2008 election and the use of the word by several celebrities.
Believe it or not, there is impact in this discussion to pilots. Read more