The Naval Aviators join these Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRS) (nicknamed “RAGs” after what they used to be called) to learn the ins and outs of their fleet aircraft. This is analogous to the USAF’s B-Course. The F/A-18 syllabus is divided into four phases: Transition, Air-to-Surf...
USAF Boeing 747 (E-4B) While in Hawaii I managed to upgrade several times from copilot to aircraft commander to instructor pilot to examiner pilot. Since I grew up in Hawaii and we didn’t have children at home yet, I was able to focus on the job and held positions as the wing’...
A Special Forces friend in the publishing business gave my name to an editor friend who wanted to become an agent. The new agent read some of my material, telephoned, and said he thought I should write a novel of the USAF on the Vietnam War. For several months I resisted his suggestion...
Considering just how advanced these military aircraft have to be — a pilot's life usually depends on it — each one is a monumental achievement in engineering, paving the way for future fighter jets to be even faster, more powerful and better equipped. In celebration of this innovative spirit...
Well, at the pressures and temperatures generated at Mach 2.5+, most jet engines become hugely impractical -- and utterly pointless. Even if you could make one work, doing so would combine the hazards of running a windmill in a hurricane with the pointlessness of hauling a wave machine to ...
aSo, I just want you to be a post of my heart, hope you think you like you, but it must not become a burden on your care and also want you to know I miss you. Maybe just so I can keep you forever in my heart, I'm afraid somewhat inadvertently let my heart a better Flash ...
According toAdvisory Circular 90-48D, “Pilots’ Role in Collision Avoidance,” the average person takes 12.5 seconds to see an object, recognize it as an aircraft, become aware of a collision course, decide which way to turn, then react, and for the aircraft to respond. Hopefully, you’...
Chibisov’s original notes and maps are clear, concise and tell the story of a country struggling in the 1930s to have first nation aviation parity only to become mired in WW II. It was during WW II that Chibisov greatly aided Russia’s war efforts in ferrying aircraft, especially Consolid...
First up was for a yearlong short-duty-tour in lodging services at Kunsan Air Base, Korea, a seeming diversion from her path, that she treated as a chance to learn. Recipe for success: an enlisted aide's Air Force journey Jane Hwang, MD, Capt, USAF, MC, Kunsan Air Base, PSC 2 Box...
Aerial refueling is a standard operation, but a challenging and critical one, for air forces around the world. Instead of requiring one or more landings on the way to a target, the ability to extend a military aircraft’s range and endurance while airborne has become a force multiplier – ...