Author Topic: First solo in a military jet! (Read 2791 times)

mjolnir · « **Reply #30 on:** November 15, 2003, 10:37:08 AM »

LMAO Karma. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for them next time I go up. Thanks for the kind words all, it was a great experience.

artik, it was only in my 4th year at the Academy that I started flying the 172, and only then because it was the screening program that everyone has to go through now before starting pilot training.

For those who asked about what comes next, I've still got roughly 4 months left of training in the T-37, then I move up to either the T-38 or the T-1. I'm aiming for the T-38, so that I can work my way into a B-1 when all is said and done.

artik · « **Reply #31 on:** November 15, 2003, 11:00:11 AM »

Ok I'm familiar to see in IAF pilots get to fly A-4 at final - combat stage (before F-15 and F-16) in 1.5 years after that they pass Piper, and Fuga, and they start flying from the begining.
Ok in USA it is little bit different....

Fuzzy · « **Reply #32 on:** November 15, 2003, 08:27:42 PM »

Now go fly over Saudaker's house and make his toaster and microwave oven turn on, but go at night so he can say he saw the sillohuette of an F-22. BAM your'e an instant Raptor pilot!!!

SFRT - Frenchy · « **Reply #33 on:** November 16, 2003, 03:19:47 AM »

excellent

GRUNHERZ · « **Reply #34 on:** November 16, 2003, 09:18:22 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by mjolnir
I'm aiming for the T-38, so that I can work my way into a B-1 when all is said and done.

B1? Wouldnt you rather want some job security and get into B52s?

But seriously WTG, care to tell us how you got in the academy and what draws you tyo the B1, instead of fighters?

mjolnir · « **Reply #35 on:** November 16, 2003, 10:46:03 AM »

How I got into the Academy? Geez, it was a long time ago already, but it boils down to my father suggesting it. I didn't know such a place existed when I was a junior in high school, but my dad did a few years in the AF in his earlier days, so he thought I should apply. The application process took a long time, since you have to get nominated by either a congressman or senator from your state (which means interviews with all of them), and then your package goes to the admissions board. Apparently most people who get into a service academy apply to all 3 (USAFA, USNA, USMA), but I wasn't really interested in the Army or Navy, so I just applied to the AF Academy. I guess I got lucky in that regard. Coming from a small state like Maine, I was fairly confident that there weren't going to be a large number of people that I'd have to compete against for the nomination. I was right. There were only 5 people from Maine who entered the class of 2002.

Why the B-1? People ask me that all the time, like I'm crazy or something. I've spent some time working with a fighter squadron, even got a few rides in an F-15. It was cool, don't get me wrong, but I definitely do not fit the personality of a fighter pilot. And 8+ G's hurt. Plain and simple. Nothing fun about it. Besides, I like the idea of having other people in the plane with me. It can get a little lonely all by yourself up there, and I firmly believe that there is too much **** going on in the cockpit for just one guy to keep ahead of at all times. I'm human, I make mistakes, and I like having someone to back me up when my bellybutton is on the line. At the same time, I still want to go fast, and I don't want a plane that's practically as old as my parents (B-52).
So, take fast and maneuverable, add a crew concept, and a respectable amount of ordnance, and you've only got one plane: the B-1.

But, that's just me, and YMMV.

Tarmac · « **Reply #36 on:** November 16, 2003, 12:25:30 PM »

Very smooth. Congrats.

Saurdaukar · « **Reply #37 on:** November 16, 2003, 02:12:48 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Fuzzy
Now go fly over Saudaker's house and make his toaster and microwave oven turn on, but go at night so he can say he saw the sillohuette of an F-22. BAM your'e an instant Raptor pilot!!!

Youre just jealous because YOU didnt see a Tydarian Battlecruiser.

Fuzzy · « **Reply #38 on:** November 17, 2003, 10:15:01 AM »

NO, but I did see this last night

Zapata · « **Reply #39 on:** November 18, 2003, 04:07:48 PM »

Quote

Why the B-1? People ask me that all the time, like I'm crazy or something. I've spent some time working with a fighter squadron, even got a few rides in an F-15. It was cool, don't get me wrong, but I definitely do not fit the personality of a fighter pilot. And 8+ G's hurt. Plain and simple. Nothing fun about it. Besides, I like the idea of having other people in the plane with me. It can get a little lonely all by yourself up there, and I firmly believe that there is too much **** going on in the cockpit for just one guy to keep ahead of at all times. I'm human, I make mistakes, and I like having someone to back me up when my bellybutton is on the line. At the same time, I still want to go fast, and I don't want a plane that's practically as old as my parents (B-52).

I hear ya, fighter pilots can be, well, fighter pilots from time to time, but as an F-15E WSO I'd suggest you consider the Mighty Mighty in 12 months. It's got a lot of what you're looking for - speed, ordnance (some completely exclusive to the platform) and is growing in capability and hardware / software every year. We're flying some of the newest jets in the Air Force, too. I flew a sub-100 hour jet the other day. It almost had that new-plane smell. A typical F-15E BFM engagement rarely goes over 6G's - we're definately the fat kids of the fighter world, but that's only half of what we train to every day (CAS, range work, 2v2 air to air, low-levels through Scotland on NVG's...sweet ride)

As for fitting in to whatever community you choose, it takes all types to make a squadron. I've flown with lots of dudes but the ones who stand out to me aren't all stereotypical fighter jocks. One of my best friends is as straight-laced as they get, while another parties like a rock star every chance he gets. They're both great pilots though and I trust them completely - I have to. No one gives a crap how cool someone thinks they are, if they suck in the jet, they're pretty much a joke to the rest of us. The truly outstanding guys are usually not much to look at, but when they talk, everyone listens. Funny how that works.

The good thing about E model squadrons is there's twice as many folks in 'em so all the crap jobs get spread out and there's always at least a few guys you can get along with. Having so many flyers around also helps keep egos in check - we're pretty laid back about stuff not directly related to the mission 'cause the day is too short for anything outside planning, briefing, flying and debriefing (well, our bar never closes and that's where most of the real learning takes place anyway). Pick the plane and mission you want to fly and the rest will take care of itself. If you're good in the jet and they still don't like you, that's their problem (they probably suck).

You're off to a great start, enjoy your training, talk to as many different flyers as you can so you can make the right decision for you when the time comes. Best of luck!

Athena3 · « **Reply #40 on:** November 18, 2003, 09:38:05 PM »

Geesh Zapata, we probably saw you a dozen times last year. Mj was stationed at Lakenheath with the Reapers for his casual time.

mjolnir · « **Reply #41 on:** November 18, 2003, 09:38:44 PM »

Zapata: Red or Blue?

StSanta · « **Reply #42 on:** November 19, 2003, 07:32:46 AM »

Hey Mjolnir!

In the skydiving world, there's this great rush to be the first to do something. Most things have been done (including intercourse in freefall, I've seen the video

).

Anyway, I am PRETTY sure no one has dropped outta the bomb bay of a B1 yet.

So when you get your B1, gimme a call will ya? I'll bring the beer if you bring the plane.

LePaul · « **Reply #43 on:** November 19, 2003, 09:53:47 AM »

mjolnir

Where in Maine?

My Dad used to be the USAF Liason Officer for the Air Force Academy...he used to go all out to get more to apply to the Academy. He tried to get me interested in it but I had my mind set on other things (Doh! Can I change my mind now??)

Its quite a process, glad to see it worked so well for you.

I'm in Bangor, let me know when you are in state again

Zapata · « **Reply #44 on:** November 19, 2003, 05:07:45 PM »

Quote

Zapata: Red or Blue?

Blue, now maroon (OSS), but still blue at heart. I didn't realize you were in the Imperial Fighter Squadron at the Heath. Seriously, there's some good dudes over there (played golf with Fuego once) and we enjoy giving them a hard time, but it's all in fun (mostly).

I've been at Lakenpain just over two years, and haven't really been able to play much AH (dial up), so spend a lot of time here reading the board. I hope you enjoyed your time in the UK, plans to return?

Anyway, hoping you both are enjoying Vance, anyone else in your flight play AH? I've wondered if modern 2 and 4 ship tactics would translate easily into the game, or if it basically all devolves into a free for all, no matter how disciplined you are. This is my first F-15 tour, so when I left the States to come here (last time I played AH), my tactical knowlede was basically "kill him and don't die doing it". Luckily the AF didn't kick me out and actually taught me a little about killing and surviving in the air. I guess instant verbal comm would be the key in AH, ideally being in the same room as your wingman to call tac turns, commits, skip it, seperate and all the other stuff that takes too long to type when you really need it. I plan to play more when I return to the states and get a better connection that supports voice comm. Does anyone here have any experience using mulit-ship tactics in AH? I'm not looking to replicate the real thing to a T (God no the day's too long as it is

), I just think it would be really cool to have another brain and set of eyes in a furball, whose only job was to save my butt while I get the kill so I can return the favor, maybe.

I'd also like to try some fighter-bomber low level tactics in a mossie with med alt figher escorts. Wait, this is starting to sound like Red Flag...Has anyone seen missions like this in AH, or is it just too hard to coordinate? I'd really appreciate any words anyone has.

Not trying to hijack your thread, but I'm looking for a good squadron who could use another flyer in a year or so. Thanks for listening.

Later,
Roach