chic[k]pilot

airshow!

2009-03-18T16:03:00.000-07:00

I'll be at the Luke Days Airshow this weekend with my T-6. Come on out and enjoy the Thunderbirds, the USAFA Wings of Blue, the F-22 demonstration team and an A-10 demonstration team. Should be a good time. See you out there!

what kind of gun are you?

2009-03-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

These are kind of silly but....

I am a: Glock Model 22 in 40 cal

What kind of handgun are YOU?

...hey, its what I want!

scary....

2009-03-13T07:00:00.001-07:00

Neptunus Lex highlights this article. Things in the Air Force are not looking that great as it is...

The word within the U.S. Department of Defense
is that the White House wants to collect six to eight "scalps" -- major program kills -- in this year's Quadrennial Defense Review.

Some of the cuts already are being considered as Defense Secretary
Robert Gates rewrites the 2010 budget. You can expect to hear a lot of rumors about which programs are being targeted between now and when the Pentagon releases details of its budget request in April. But while most of the military services are scrambling to protect programs, at least one is getting ready to offer up a signature weapons system. The U.S. Navy will propose removal of one aircraft carrier and air wing from its posture, dropping the number of carriers to the lowest number since 1942.

I wonder what it is the Air Force will have to give up? A friend thinks the F-35 is already too far along to stop production, which is good news. But aircraft are big ticket items. I can imagine the numbers of requested F-35's will most likely shrink.

What really scares me is what will happen to existing weapons systems. First there were problems with the F-15C, then it was the F-16s, followed by the A-10, and now the mighty C-130. What's next?

The United States has enjoyed air superiority since for the most part since WWII. If the current administration allows numbers in aircraft and personnel to dwindle even more, who can guarantee that we will continue to control the skies?

Go here for the state of aircraft around the Air Force, put together the president of the AF Association.

My colleagues and I joke about buying our own office supplies and toilet paper in the next fiscal year, but what will our Air Force look and act like with an aging fleet and pilots flying less training hours due to budget cutbacks? In my opinion, not good.

tax day protests

2009-03-13T06:44:00.000-07:00

So I'm diggin these Tea Party Protests. There will be a big push on April 15th, tax day of course! If there's one in Northern Mississippi, I'll be there.

I highly encourage anyone, no matter what you believe, to either show up with your own sign or watch the action, maybe have a lively discussion. I'll try to post video and photos after the fact.

You can go here for more info on the movement or planned protests in your state.

conservative dissidents?

2009-03-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

Instapundit linked to this a few minutes ago, saying that those who once called dissent the "highest form of patriotism" and now labeling conservative protesters "domestic terror wannabees."

I guess its all in what you dissent against....

I've been wondering what would happen if conservatives started giving Mr. Ayers and his cohorts a taste of their own medicine?

Our intention is to engage the enemy, to wear away at him, to harass him, to isolate him, to expose every weakness, to pounce, to reveal his vulnerability.
Our intention is to encourage the people, to provoke leaps in confidence and consciousness, to stir the imagination, to popularize power, to agitate, to organize, to join in every way possible the people's day-to-day struggles.
Our intention is to forge an underground, a clandestine political organization engaged in every form of struggle, protected from the eyes and weapons of the state, a base against repression, to accumulate lessons, experience and constant practice, a base from which to attack.

Now I have my answer.

dubya vs. barry

2009-03-07T21:00:00.000-08:00

An interesting video. I think it says less about the Marines' feelings toward each man and more about each president's feelings concerning how he should be treated.

One wanted to be among those riflemen, the other, to shake hands with the brass. One among the people, one above. I'm sure you can imagine which illicits more respect from those men and women in uniform.

From Roger Kimball via Instapundit.

i wanna come too

2009-03-01T07:59:00.000-08:00

I'm looking through all the photos from the Tea Parties around the country. I am totally impressed and I wish I could have gone to one. Michelle Malkin has a good round up and Instapundit has a ton of links.

I was thinking about what I would put on a sign if I went. Searching for quotes on socialism, I found some hum-dingers. Some of my favorite people, Churchill, Reagan, were in the search. Some other guys that I hadn't thought of, Sowell and de Tocqueville, have some great quotes too.

Here's a Sowell one I liked, but it wouldn't really fit on a sign...

“The assumption that spending more of the taxpayer's money will make things better has survived all kinds of evidence that it has made things worse. The black family- which survived slavery, discrimination, poverty, wars and depressions- began to come apart as the federal government moved in with its well-financed programs to 'help.'”

What would you put on a sign? Any good ones you have seen?

the future of flight

2009-01-25T10:44:00.000-08:00

With a bad economy, the airline industry always teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, and gas prices threatening to rise to astronomical levels, flying looks like a risky business to get into. Add the fact that flying can be less than enjoyable at times (ok, most of the time), and we can all agree that there is a lot of room for improvement in commercial flying.

Instapundit posted this article from Wired about Finnair's vision for the future of flight. While there are some interesting concepts, I think some of the them are definitely flights of fancy.

Should everyone have their own aircraft?
In the last three years of being an instructor pilot in the Air Force, I can say that not everyone is meant to be a pilot. We have enough trouble teaching students that already have experience flying. Think of all the bad drivers you know and then give them a third dimension in which to control their vehicle, while they are required to talk on a radio and look inside at some sort of control panel to monitor airspeed, direction, maybe a GPS. In 2008 there were 147 aircraft accidents and 876 deaths. Can you imagine what that number would be if that jerk who just cut you off while talking on his cell phone was allowed to fly? While the dream of every one having a "family jet" a la the Jetsons is great, it is totally unrealistic and, I would argue, very unsafe.

Will flights be more enjoyable?
Finnair envisions flying cruise ships where "personal flight attendants, pre-flight yoga lounges, sleeping pods and meals featuring something called 'eco-food'" are available. They even describe aircraft that are practically flying cities, complete with beauty parlors and a gym. Now don't get me wrong, this sounds great, but this isn't that much different than what's available to the ultra rich these days anyway. And how many flights are long enough to allow people to enjoy these perks if they are available? International flights definitely, but if air travel gets faster, as it inevitably will, most flights will take less time anyway. While I do often wish I could get up and take a walk about half way into a two hour flight, I don't think going for a run is really in the cards. Air travel isn't about the journey, its about the destination.

So call me a skeptic, but I'll believe this stuff when it when I see it. Air travel will just suck less in 2093.

looking to save some money?

2009-01-25T08:48:00.000-08:00

Then don't waste your food. Whether its that banana with the brown spots or the last bit of cereal in the bottom of the box, Americans throw away an average of a pound of edible food a day. I would be interesting to see what the study considered edible, but I believe that number. I'm defiantly guilty of letting food go to waste.

Linked from Mark's Daily Apple.

need a job?

2009-01-22T17:59:00.000-08:00

The Air Force is looking apparently. Like this should be a surprise. This was on the Air Force Times website. This will probably be the first and only time I actually visit it.

Retirees, reservists to be tapped for empty jobs

By Bruce Rolfsen - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Jan 21, 2009 18:41:39 EST

The Air Force is turning to retirees and reservists to fill 1,600 empty flying and staff positions — a strategy that could eventually have 58-year-old lieutenant colonels flying alongside officers half their age.
If you are a retired rated officer or a rated officer on traditional reserve status, the Air Force wants you back on active-duty status to fly or serve in staff positions for up to four years.
For retired officers, the program is open to aviators who retired at the rank of lieutenant colonel or below and will not be older than 60 when their service starts.
For former rated officers O-5 and below who left before they were eligible to retire, the program is open to aviators on individual ready reserve status or serving as traditional members of the Reserve or Air National Guard.
Successful applicants are expected to pass the Air Force fitness test for their age group.
Application information should be posted later this week on the Air Force Personnel Center’s Web site.

While the article makes it seem like 58-year-olds are going to be flying fighters, the it is much more likely that they will get these retired or separated former-AF pilots to fly UAVs. They are still considered "flying" positions, and are one of the only jobs in the AF that is not properly manned. This will probably be good news for anyone eligible that has recently lost a job in the current stellar economy.

And I do not like the AF Times because the one time I actually spent money to buy it, the publication called the F-117 and the F-15 the "Fighting Falcon." Not exactly great fact-checking there...

now you know, the rest of the story....

2009-01-22T16:17:00.000-08:00

A story send to me by my father.

In a supermarket, Kurtis the stock boy, was busily working when a new voice
came over the loud speaker asking for a carry out at register 4. Kurtis was
almost finished, and wanted to get some fresh air, and decided to answer the
call. As he approached the check-out stand a distant smile caught his eye, the
new check-out girl was beautiful. She was an older woman (maybe 26, and he was
only 22) and he fell in love.

Later that day, after his shift was over, he waited by the punch clock to find
out her name. She came into the break room, smiled softly at him, took her card
and punched out, then left. He looked at her card, BRENDA. He walked out only
to see her start walking up the road. Next day, he waited outside as she left
the supermarket, and offered her a ride home. He looked harmless enough, and she
accepted. When he dropped her off, he asked if maybe he could see her again,
outside of work. She simply said it wasn't possible.

He pressed and she explained she had two children and she couldn't afford a
baby-sitter, so he offered to pay for the baby-sitter. Reluctantly she accepted
his offer for a date for the following Saturday. That Saturday night he arrived
at her door only to have her tell him that she was unable to go with him. The
baby-sitter had called and canceled. To which Kurtis simply said, "Well,
let's take the kids with us."

She tried to explain that taking the children was not an option, but again not
taking no for an answer, he pressed. Finally Brenda, brought him inside to meet
her children. She had an older daughter who was just as cute as a bug, Kurtis
thought, then Brenda brought out her son, in a wheelchair. He was born a
paraplegic with Down Syndrome.

Kurtis asked Brenda, "I still don't understand why the kids can't
come with us?" Brenda was amazed. Most men would run away from a woman
with two kids, especially if one had disabilities - just like her first husband
and father of her children had done. Kurtis was not ordinary - - - he had a
different mindset.

That evening Kurtis and Brenda loaded up the kids, went to dinner and the
movies. When her son needed anything Kurtis would take care of him. When he
needed to use the restroom, he picked him up out of his wheelchair, took him and
brought him back. The kids loved Kurtis. At the end of the evening, Brenda
knew this was the man she was going to marry and spend the rest of her life
with.

A year later, they were married and Kurtis adopted both of her children.
Since then they have added two more kids.

So what happened to Kurtis the stock boy and Brenda the check-out girl? Well,
Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Warner now live in Arizona , where he is currently employed
as the quarterback of the National Football League Arizona Cardinals and has his
Cardinals in the hunt for a possible appearance in the Super Bowl. Is this a
surprise ending or could you have guessed that he was not an ordinary person.

It should be noted that he also quarterbacked the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. He has also been the NLF's Most Valuable Player twice and the Super Bowl's Most Valuable Player.

I am originally from Phoenix, so naturally, I'm hoping the underdog Cards continue their streak.

101 in 1001

2009-01-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

So I have become a big fat of CrossFit and Mark's Daily Apple, among a few other fitness and nutrition sites. Crossfit tends to kick your butt in 20 minutes or less and Mark promotes Primal Living, basically eating and exercising like a caveman. What better way to live for a pilot! We are practically cavemen anyway... but thankfully with less hair. I'm sure I will do plenty of posting with links from CrossFit and Mark, but I did come across something interesting Mark posted recently.

Everyone tends to do New Year's resolutions that many never keep. Now that we are most of the way through January, I'm sure if you made a resolution or goal for the year, you might already have disappointed yourself or found excuses to not do what you set out to on January one. I know I have. But over at Day Zero, they take a longer view of things. Their aim is that you try to achieve 101 goals in 1001 days. That's about 2.75 years. That's pretty lofty, but I like it much better than just the traditional New Year resolution. It adds not only short term goals, but some medium term goals as well.

I'm not going to post my entire list, but here are a few highlights:
4. Read 50 books
7. Watch 100 documentaries
11. Donate 101 items
15. Do 100 push-ups a day for 50 days straight
35. Send a card to someone once a month
54. Coach a kid's soccer team
59. Watch all three Godfather movies in one sitting
73. Go to a beer festival
87. Go to my 10 year high school reunion
99. Work up to deadlifting twice my body weight

If you looks at all the lists people have posted at Day Zero, many have either quit posting or stopped working on their goals all together. But I also think it would be an interesting experiment to just make the list and see what you actually did in over jsut under three years without actually working through the list. I think people would be surprised how much they get accomplished.

Ok... here we go again...

2009-01-19T07:14:00.000-08:00

So I'm starting this over again! There have been a lot of changes in my life since July, and I'm still extremely busy, but I constantly read things I want to post. The itch is getting to me, so back to it I am. I'm going to be taking a month or two off from my Master's degree boondoggle (I'm half way done, YAY!) travel some to bonny ol' England and have my own personal pub crawl in Dublin in the near future. I should have some fun stories to share along with the occasional news/commentary/punditry. Hope I didn't lose all of you. Pass it along if you know someone who used to read this quaint little blog. I'll be happy to have you all back.

Cheers,
cp

it's a girl one!

2008-06-05T04:12:00.000-07:00

I know my posts have been few and far between the last... year, and I have no good excuses. I'm blond and distracted by shiny things. Anyway, if you live in North Carolina, this weekend is the Cherry Point Air Show. I'll be there with my trusty Texan, along with more interesting acts like the Blue Angels (that I'm pretty stoked to see), the Harrier demo team, and lots of cool static displays. So if you live not-too-far-away from Cherry Point MCAS, take the family on a great opportunity to see the aircraft and people that your tax dollars help support. And please try to hold back your laughter if you witness questions like, "So, are you the flight attendant?"

one year older

2008-04-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hey, I share a birthday with the oldest known person. Honestly, I don't know if I would want to live that long...

Maybe it was a lifetime of chores on the family farm that accounts for Edna Parker's long life. Or maybe just good genes explain why the world's oldest known person will turn 115 on Sunday, defying staggering odds.

Scientists who study longevity hope Parker and others who live to 110 or beyond — they're called supercentenarians — can help solve the mystery of extreme longevity.

"We don't know why she's lived so long," said Don Parker, her 59-year-old grandson. "But she's never been a worrier and she's always been a thin person, so maybe that has something to do with it."

On Friday, Edna Parker laughed and smiled as relatives and guests released 115 balloons into sunny skies outside her nursing home. Dressed in pearls, a blue and white polka dot dress and new white shoes, she clutched a red rose during the festivities.

woman to recieve silver star

2008-03-16T15:35:00.000-07:00

This chick is awesome.

2nd woman since WWII to receive Silver Star

By Fisnik Abrashi - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Mar 11, 2008 10:49:58 EDT

CAMP SALERNO, Afghanistan — A 19-year-old medic from Texas will become the first woman in Afghanistan and only the second woman since World War II to receive the Silver Star, the nation’s third-highest medal for valor.

Army Spc. Monica Lin Brown saved the lives of fellow soldiers after a roadside bomb tore through a convoy of Humvees in the eastern Paktia province in April 2007, the military said.

After the explosion, which wounded five soldiers in her unit, Brown ran through insurgent gunfire and used her body to shield wounded comrades as mortars fell less than 100 yards away, the military said.

“I did not really think about anything except for getting the guys to a safer location and getting them taken care of and getting them out of there,” Brown told The Associated Press on Saturday at a U.S. base in the eastern province of Khost.

Brown, of Lake Jackson, Texas, is scheduled to receive the Silver Star later this month. She was part of a four-vehicle convoy patrolling near Jani Kheil in the eastern province of Paktia on April 25, 2007, when a bomb struck one of the Humvees.

“We stopped the convoy. I opened up my door and grabbed my aid bag,” Brown said.

She started running toward the burning vehicle as insurgents opened fire. All five wounded soldiers had scrambled out.

“I assessed the patients to see how bad they were. We tried to move them to a safer location because we were still receiving incoming fire,” Brown said.

Pentagon policy prohibits women from serving in frontline combat roles — in the infantry, armor or artillery, for example. But the nature of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, with no real front lines, has seen women soldiers take part in close-quarters combat more than previous conflicts.

Four Army nurses in World War II were the first women to receive the Silver Star, though three nurses serving in World War I were awarded the medal posthumously last year, according to the Army’s Web site.

Brown, of the 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, said ammunition going off inside the burning Humvee was sending shrapnel in all directions. She said they were sitting in a dangerous spot.

“So we dragged them for 100 or 200 meters, got them away from the Humvee a little bit,” she said. “I was in a kind of a robot-mode, did not think about much but getting the guys taken care of.”

For Brown, who knew all five wounded soldiers, it became a race to get them all to a safer location. Eventually, they moved the wounded some 500 yards away, treated them on site before putting them on a helicopter for evacuation.

“I did not really have time to be scared,” Brown said. “Running back to the vehicle, I was nervous [since] I did not know how badly the guys were injured. That was scary.”

The military said Brown’s “bravery, unselfish actions and medical aid rendered under fire saved the lives of her comrades and represents the finest traditions of heroism in combat.”

Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester, of Nashville, Tenn., received the Silver Star in 2005 for gallantry during an insurgent ambush on a convoy in Iraq. Two men from her unit, the 617th Military Police Company of Richmond, Ky., also received the Silver Star for their roles in the same action.

H/T to cabaker27 over at my favorite chick site. Original source here.

berkeley and the maries: a daily show perspective

2008-03-13T14:18:00.000-07:00

I am a big Daily Show fan. They don't discriminate who they make fun of, and they had the boss from the USAF Thunderbirds on once. This is almost 5 minutes, but worth every second.

anathallo at mohawk

2008-03-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

There are just so many bands to see during SXSW, you really have to be picky about what you choose. Since this is my first time attending, I'm totally paranoid that I'm going to be stuck out in a line while my favorite band is playing. But most bands play short sets during the day at different bars that are sponsored by various companies. Anathallo only played four songs (they are a bit longer than your average song) but it was well worth it for me to make the hike over to Mohawk.

I was excited to find out that Anathallo is better live than they are emitting from my horrible computer speakers. Their music is at times intricate, others simple. At least five members of the band take part in the harmonies with the lead singer and I'm pretty sure everyone but the drummer played more than one instrument, so you know those kids have talent. As they played with such passion and a couple of the guys danced around the stage I felt like I was watching a religious rite rather than a music concert. As I listened, some parts of the music would be at home in a Dr. Seuss musical while others moved more dramatically. It was a great set. Glad I made it out to listen to a band I have been listening to for awhile.

Here's their myspace if you'd like to give them a listen.
And I got the tip to listen to them from Just Pete at the Bored-Again Christian. He has great taste in tunes.

chic[k]pilot at sxsw

2008-03-12T13:59:00.000-07:00

Austin is one of my favorite towns. My grandparents live here, it has so much character, the Texas hill country is beautiful, there is just so much to do. Every year Austin hosts a movie and music festival known as South by Southwest (for those of you who do not keep up with that kind of stuff). Now Austin may be known for its more, shall we say free spirited attitude, so you will think a military chick like me would want to steer clear of all that stuff. But you'd be wrong. I'm totally into new kinds of music of all types. And who doesn't love good live music? We don't get much of that in MS...

Today is the first day of the music festival. I'll be keeping up with the bands I see with photos and maybe some of my own impromptu reviews. I'll also be taking pictures of the strange, weird, and just plain crazy things/people/situations I might find. So if anything, the weekend should be interesting. Hopefully you'll get a few laughs and some new music to try. Until then, I'm off to enjoy some free parties and rockin tunes.

More info here and here if you're curious like a cat.

Just remember the reason your out there rockin' and just how lucky us spoiled Americans really are:

does anyone need a speech writer?

2008-01-27T14:23:00.000-08:00

The writers from the Colbert Report are offering, seeing as they do not have a job right now.

saturday crumbs

2008-01-26T15:30:00.000-08:00

I don't know of many people who need bodyguards to protect them from Christian extremists.

Via Hot Air by way of LGF.

And I am a big fan of Laura Ingram by the way. She should get her own tv show.
***
Want to feel uncomfortable? Check out the five worst online dating videos. As a single woman, I almost can't watch. Well, at least they are kind of famous now. Money quote: "No one’s saying that some people don’t deserve love. But for some people you just get the feeling that given the opportunity they might squeeze love a little too tight and kill it."
***
The NYT endorses John McCain just as the Senator from my home state hires Juan Hernandez, an open-borders advocate. A few comments on statements from the NYT editorial:

We have shuddered at Mr. McCain’s occasional, tactical pander to the right because he has demonstrated that he has the character to stand on principle.

So the fact that someone stands on the ideals of the right means they have no principles? I guess only when they go against what the NYT editors think is the truth.

He was an early advocate for battling global warming and risked his presidential bid to uphold fundamental American values in the immigration debate.

Don't get me started on global warming (hey - I recycle and have a programmable thermostat), but when did we all decide on what we believed about the immigration debate? Amnesty did not work in 1986 and it will be even worse now. If we let anyone into the United States, then how can we prevent criminals or terrorists from crossing the border? Michelle Malkin follows the Hernandez story and makes my point.

i'm back

2008-01-13T18:17:00.000-08:00

Sorry if anyone assumed the worst. Just got into a new job, slightly bored with surfing for stories, and grad school has been kicking my butt. I apologize. I hope everyone didn't leave me permanently. My mother complained also. I think she missed having some connection to me when I fail to call frequently (*zing*).

Here's what's been happening in my world recently:
Now I give student check rides, no longer just your run-of-the-mill instructor.
Had to deal with a tornado not too far away.
Yes, that's a school bus on the roof, and that was not the hardest hit area.

I guess that's it for now. Stay tuned for more.

hunting falcon?

2007-07-26T03:19:00.000-07:00

That is one bad bird.

check six

2007-07-25T18:46:00.000-07:00

I know you have heard the Chuck Norris sayings, so here's some of the aviation inspired ones. There are more, these are just my favorites.

Chuck Norris doesn't request clearances, he states intentions.

Chuck Norris never gets vectors to final . . . final gets vectored to
Chuck Norris.

Chuck Norris is the only person ever to land on runway 37.

Hijackers squawk 7400 when Chuck Norris is on board

If you ever lose sight of Chuck Norris, check your six o'clock.

When Chuck Norris taxies onto the runway, incoming traffic is told to
hold short

Chuck Norris never "loses" altitude, he simply gets rid of it when he no
longer has any use for it.

Chuck Norris has never landed with a crosswind. The wind would never
dare get cross with Chuck Norris.

When Chuck Norris flies, the altimeter setting is 00.00. Chuck Norris is
never under pressure.

When the BASH condition is Red, planes don't fly. When the BASH
condition is Norris, birds don't fly.

Chuck Norris has never had a midair collision, He has shot down any
plane that has gotten within 10 miles

When told to break at the numbers, Chuck Norris politely reminded the
controller that Chuck Norris cannot be broken and proceeded with the
straight in.

Right of Way rules do not apply when Chuck Norris is flying. If you are
flying toward Chuck Norris, you are wrong.

Chuck Norris doesn't shoot approaches...he kills them.

Chuck Norris is never off of glideslope, the glideslope is off of Chuck
Norris

Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier with his Bell X-1 Jet. Chuck Norris
broke the sound barrier with his fist.

Chuck Norris doesn't manage operational risk...he seeks it.

An ejection seat is not safe until Chuck Norris gets out of it.

Chuck Norris doesn't need crew rest...he never sleeps.

Chuck Norris was once denied a clearance...once

Minimum Safe Altitudes do not apply when Chuck Norris is airborne, if
you are in the air when Chuck Norris is flying you are never safe.

Chuck Norris is never given the instructions "when able" . Chuck Norris
is never unable to do anything.

Favorable winds are always in the same direction as Chuck Norris' flight
path

Chuck Norris has never had to adapt his eyes to the dark. His infrared
vision is working perfectly fine.

T-45 Anti Icing Capabilities: Pitot Heat, 5th Stage Bleed Air, Chuck
Norris

A permanent TFR surrounds Chuck Norris...no one is safe.

Chuck Norris cannot be tracked on radar, if he appears, it is too late;
you are already dead.

A good flight for Chuck Norris is a bad flight for you.

Leading cause of disorientation for pilots: Chuck Norris

Chuck Norris once moved a stationary front.

Chuck Norris is the only person to graduate SERE School via
correspondence.

Chuck Norris isn't holding, he is circling above his victims.

The weather outlook for the area around Chuck Norris: 100% Chance of
Pain

note to self...

2007-07-25T18:26:00.000-07:00

Don't taxi too close behind a B-1

you are a bigot tina fey

2007-07-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

Some Will Ferrell outtakes for your sleepy Sunday.

Hopefully it will stave off thoughts of Monday.

mmm... beer

2007-07-10T07:21:00.000-07:00

As requested, here is a post about one of my favorite things.... beer! For me it has been an acquired taste, but now I am the current expert resident of the Chick Pilot house (we also have a wine and cooking expert, all the necessities). I cannot say that I discriminate when it comes to the actual drinking, but when given a choice, I do like variety.

You can find a good history of beer here, but I'll include the highlights:
-The Sumarians discovered fermenting by chance (I think there was some divine inspiration)
-In the Gilgamesh Epic, some dude named Enkido drank seven cups of beer and went from being primitive to being cultured. Too bad today the opposite happens.
- The Babylonians brewed 20 kinds of beer, and made women do the brewing
- The Romans thought beer was barbarian after they discovered wine
- Monks drank the pleasant tasting, highly nutritious beverage when they fasted.
- When the brewing went wrong during the Middle Ages, brewers were accused of being "beer witches" (burn her!)
- The Germans enacted a Beer Purity Law in 1516, the oldest valid food law in the world
- When the first German railway line was opened in 1835, its first cargo was beer

Now for the most part, I'm a big wheat beer fan. Any kind of hefeweizen or maybe a Blue Moon with an orange in it is quite tasty. Lately however, I am drinking more ales. They have more complex tastes, and there are more to be had. I previously blogged about my current favorite beer, Rogue Dead Guy Ale. Rogue makes a nice honey brown also that has a surprising vanilla aftertaste. I have been drinking a lot of Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat also, and it takes like blueberries.

For general drinking with the boys in the O club on a Friday night, we usually end up drinking your standard Miller Lite or Bud Light. I know they are not fancy, but they do put out some good commercials. Sometimes we'll go crazy and have some Shiner Bock, another good beer that goes down easy.

Please share your own favorite beers. Like I said, I enjoy variety, so I'm always looking for something new to try. Happy drinking!

nice view

2007-07-08T21:05:00.000-07:00

Three chicks live in the house that contains this refrigerator.

There are no less than 14 different types of liquid refreshment in beer form in that particular storage facility. I know you are all jealous.

must see

2007-07-05T16:58:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I was a big Transformers fan when I was little. I saw it last night, and I can honestly say I was not disappointed. Good action, some comic relief, and freakin awesome effects when it comes to the Transformers themselves. Plus, lots of Air Force involvement. Its about darned time we got in a good movie! John over at OPFOR has a good assessment, and he even has the Air Force coverage on shooting last year at Holloman AFB:

And my current favorite band made the new theme song! Have a listen to Mute Math's version on their MySpace. They did a great job, and their style goes so well with the movie.

One thing that never does add up in movies though...One of my buddies made the observation that whenever there is some top secret agency that no one knows about, they are always portrayed as idiots or on some big power trip. If they are so power hungry and a few cards short of a deck, how in the world do they remain so top secret?

Anyway, see it... its worth the $8 or whatever you have to fork out for a movie these days.

robin olds interview

2007-07-05T13:04:00.000-07:00

In with the AirVenture 2007 videos is a 30 minute interview with Robin Olds. It is a great piece of history, and it reminds me of talking to my grandfathers. A true hero, a man's man, and one bad ass fighter pilot.

Video here.

H/T Dennis Collins over at Hangarview

quote of the weekend

2007-07-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

From Sportscenter, the sum of all wisdom... Or was that the Godfather?
"Serenity now, obscenities later."

I like it. I think I might use it with students.

And the new office:

Yeah, I have to look at the back of the student's nugget all day long, but at least the A/C works and I trust the instruments. That's more than I could say with the last jet.

how to

2007-06-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

Not that I needed instructions or anything, but I'm always open to learning new things.

H/T to my best friend, Sammy

heh

2007-06-19T21:57:00.000-07:00

Via Blackfive

eye candy

2007-06-17T06:50:00.000-07:00

No, sorry, not me in a bikini. But I do have some sweet video of the Raptor.

The Raptor is one bad jet, but I'm not gonna lie, I do not really want to fly something so new that I'm always worried about pushing the limits. And when you can shoot down any aircraft before you even show up on their radar screen, what's the fun in that?
H/T Jake Silver.

here's a toast

2007-06-16T12:46:00.000-07:00

We lost a great man...

General Olds, rated a triple ace for having shot down a total of 16 enemy aircraft during World War II and the Vietnam War, served his country in assignments to England, Germany, Libya, Thailand and the United States, in positions of squadron, base, group and wing commander, and assignments to Headquarters U.S. Air Force and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
"Triple-ace Robin Olds' legendary leadership and heroic service to the cause of freedom have been an inspiration to our nation and our Air Force," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley. "He is one of our 'great captains' and a pioneer of air power.
***
Throughout his career, he was a staunch advocate for better fighters, better pilot training and new tactics, culminating in the war-winning air-to-air tactics and doctrine of surgical precision bombing we use today. Brigadier General Olds' courageous life stands as a timeless example of the power of faith and the strength of the human spirit.

Source

Second rounds on me. H/T Lex

And as we fly among them there we're sure to hear their plea,
"Take care my friend, watch your six, and do one more roll for me."

f-15 and f-16 mid-air

2007-06-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

F-15 Fighter Jet Crashes After Mid-Air Collision With Another Military Jet in Alaska

Monday , June 11, 2007

ANCHORAGE, Alaska —
An F-15 fighter jet crashed Monday after colliding in mid-air with another military jet during a training exercise, Air Force officials said. The other jet landed safely, and one was seriously injured.

The pilot of the F-15C ejected safely and was taken a military hospital, said Airman Jennifer Anton, a spokeswoman at Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks. The pilot did not have serious injuries, she said.

The pilot of the other jet, an F-16C that landed safely, was uninjured, she said.

It was not immediately clear why the two jets collided at 11:23 a.m. local time during a training exercise about 90 miles east of Fairbanks in Alaska's interior, Anton said. A board of Air Force officers will investigate.

The crash happened at the Pacific Alaska Range Complex, a 60,000-acre training ground.

The $27 million F-15C that crashed was from Langley Air Force Base, Va., and the F-16C was from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

The Alaska Air National Guard took the F-15C pilot to Bassett Army Hospital at Fort Wainwright, also near Fairbanks, said McHugh Pierre, a spokesman for the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

The training exercise includes more than 1,400 military members from the U.S., Singapore and Australia. The simulated combat exercise is scheduled to run through June 15, according to Eielson's Web site.

Source Fox News.

I'm fairly certain that this happened during Cope Thunder. Correct me if I'm wrong boys...

A Pacific Air Forces-sponsored exercise initiated in 1976, Cope Thunder was devised as a way to give aircrews their first taste of warfare and quickly grew into PACAF’s "premier simulated combat airpower employment exercise." Prior to Operation Desert Storm, less than one-fifth of the U.S. Air Force’s primary fighter pilots had seen actual combat. While the percentage of combat-experienced pilots has increased in recent years, a high percentage of pilots haven’t been thrust into combat. Analysis indicates most combat losses occurrred during an aircrew’s first eight to 10 missions. Therefore, the goal of Cope Thunder is to provide each aircrew with these first vital missions, increasing their chances of survival in combat environments.
***
Cope Thunder is a realistic, 10-day air combat training exercise held up to four times a year. Each Cope Thunder exercise is a multi-service, multi-platform coordinated, combat operations exercise and corresponds to the designed operational capability of participating units. In other words, exercises often involve several units whose military mission may differ significantly from that of other participating units. Cope Thunder planners take those factors into consideration when designing exercises so participants get the maximum training possible without being placed at an unfair advantage during simulated combat scenarios.

We're glad you're safe brothers.... I might catch some flack for this, but we have a dangerous job, and fighter pilots have to push the limits. Sometimes pushing those limits means putting yourself in danger, even when you're not in that wartime situation, to make yourself a better pilot.

I'll keep everyone posted on developments.

wow

2007-06-11T16:31:00.000-07:00

The laugh track couldn't get many laughs in as Dennis Miller goes off on Sen. Harry Reid.

H/T Hot Air

ouch

2007-06-05T18:39:00.000-07:00

This is just totally embarrassing. If you notice this cadet participating on Wheel of Fortune has a wreath of leaves on her uniform. That denotes that she was outstanding in military activities. Cadets that do well in academics get a star. She does not have a star.

sweet birdstrike video

2007-06-05T18:29:00.000-07:00

This almost looks fake, but the slow motion at the end convinced me.

don't try to pull a fast one on me

2007-05-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

I know there must be compromise. But I do think the security and safety of Americans that are already citizens should be the priority. And this kind of scares me... 12 million people at best are here when they should not be. How many of them think suicide bombing is justified I wonder?

Via Michelle Malkin

memories

2007-05-28T07:54:00.000-07:00

The Thunder Run has an amazing roundup of stories of Memorials of fellow milbloggers and well known bloggers in general. Mrs. Greyhawk has one also. They are both much better than I could ever do. Make sure you have a box of tissues nearby.

As I sit here and watch President Bush at Arlington National Cemetary, I think that flowers do not do those brave men justice. I glad to see young and old alike in the crowd. I hope that today, as you visit the pool, watch the new big movie, or grill outdoors with your family, take a moment and tell your children what this day is for, the reason why they can go to your family church, or not go to church at all. They have a school to go to, a hospital that will take them in, all because of men and women who died for them, never knowing who they might be. They died for the hope of us all.

It is the soldier, not the poet, who gives us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the reporter, who gives us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us freedom to protest.
It is the soldier who serves beneath the flag,
who salutes the flag and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who gives the demonstrator the right to burn the flag.
Father Edward O'Brien, USMC

drinking this weekend?

2007-05-26T08:01:00.001-07:00

Try these on your holiday weekend. Or maybe stay away depending on your point of view. Sammy, you'll love this!

H/T Guidons, Guidons, Guidons!

memorial

2007-05-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

We left our places of work. Walked out of the squadron, the office, the shop, off the flight line. Where there would normally be the buzzing, whistling, wizzing, bustling sounds of one of the busiest airfields in the country, all was quiet. We walked, we drove, in silence, while a C-17 landed with precious cargo. We lined the center avenue of our base, side by side we stood. Pilots, maintainers, personnelists, commanders, officer and enlisted, instructors and students, military and civilian. The Honor Guard escorted the white hearse as it creeped along the street, followed by cars of family and friends of our fallen brother. As the line of vehicles neared each one of us, there was a salute or hand placed on our heart and a tear in our eye. With the police escort long past, our eyes followed the convoy through the gate as it sent our comrade on his way to rest. We returned to work, without words, changed from the moments before. We know that could be any one of us, our brother or sister, mother or father, son or daughter, a friend or soul mate. No matter who it may be tomorrow, we will stand on that road to honor, remember, work for your memory, and the hope of those to come, for whom we fight.

SSgt. John Self was killed in Baghdad by a roadside bomb on May 14Th. It was his fourth tour in Iraq. He was called, he answered.... For all of us.

Godspeed brother.

See you on the flip side.

Military Times article
Honor the Fallen

when life hands you....

2007-05-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

... whatever, you deal. Things have been pretty busy getting back into flying with students and trying to finish up my first master's class, so I haven't had much time for myself. Hopefully I'll be able to get back to my releases soon.... this, working out, drinking beer, church, maybe some good tunes thrown in. Until then enjoy some old guys that are smarter, more knowledgable, funnier, and than I.

Instapinch
Neptunus Lex
OPFOR
Day by Day

best aviation books

2007-05-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

So I got such great response from the best aviation movies post I thought I would try my own personal poll on the best book on aviation. This was tough, plus you cannot really include biographies and narratives in with the technical stuff. And then most of the technical information military pilots read is not for public dissemination. I also have not read any fiction associated with flying, so I'm hoping some of you can enlighted me in that area to broaden my horizons. I've just been into the real stuff since college. Here's my top choices, and they are all over the place, so be gentle.

1. Boyd: The Fighter Pilot who Changed the Art of War by Robert Coram
2. Into the Mouth of the Cat by Malcolm McConnell
3. The Wild Blue by Stephen Ambrose
4. The Few by Alex Kershaw
5.Fighter Combat: Tactics and Maneuvering by Robert L. Shaw

Please share your own favorite written works, no matter the genre.

newest af training

2007-05-16T19:09:00.000-07:00

I know we're short on money, but this is ridiculous.

H/T to Pablo. Thanks bro!

oh so true

2007-05-12T06:09:00.000-07:00

Day by Day is one of my daily reads. You do good work Chris!

cool video fo the day

2007-05-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

Click Here for more great videos and pictures!

Thanks Slushie!

i've got the tdy blues

2007-05-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

TDY for you non-military types is short for paid vacation.... I mean, temporary duty. For the most part, TDYs are a welcome break from the monotony of everyday life. You get away from the small southern town and visit the big city, a chance to have some time away from family or roomates, an excuse to eat out more than normal. There are good TDYs and bad TDYs, but the good thing about them is they are temporary. So even if you are on your way to the desert, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The shelf life of a TDY is about 3 weeks to a month I think, depending on the location. Eventually, no matter where you call home, whether you like it or not, you long for your own bed, you miss the family, and you get tired of eating last nights leftovers everyday for lunch. Thankfully for me, I only have one more flight and a checkride, so if the weather cooperates, then I should be done by the end of the week. Cross your fingers. My roomie is looking forward to having me back and much as I am. I'm on my way Kelly!

best aviation movie ever

2007-05-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

NOOOOOO!! Not that.... anything but that....

The top aviation movies as chosen by over 10,000 visitors to AirVenture

1. Top Gun
2. Twelve O'Clock High
3. Memphis Belle
4. Battle of Britain
5. Spirit of St. Louis
The Great Waldo Pepper

The others are so much better than Top Gun. Don't even get me started on all the things wrong with that movie. That's what you get when you poll the masses. Not knockin my generation, but they do not know what good movies are. Does anyone have any others to add to the list?

H/T Daily Aviator.

ah the good ol' days

2007-05-06T17:19:00.000-07:00

A video from the class behind mine in pilot training. We shared a flight room and I saw these guys almost every day for six months, and still work with one of the dudes (the canopy guy). Yours truely even makes an appearance. I miss this stuff, those guys. It was hard, but it was worth every moment. Sorry its on myspace video. I'll try to get the real thing.

Ok, video is not working for me. Here's the link to a good video.

army nat'l guard reaches full strength

2007-05-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

For the first time since 1999:

The Army National Guard reached its congressionally authorized end strength of 350,000 Citizen-Soldiers on March 30, six months earlier than originally projected, Army Guard officials have reported.

"The strength of the Guard has been the amazing levels of retention among members of deployed units, surpassing all expectations," said Lt. Col. Diana Craun, the Army Guard’s deputy chief for strength maintenance.

"Retention is highest among units that have returned from deployments, and retention is an essential element in end strength," she added.

It is the first time that the Army Guard has been at full strength since 1999, Craun said. Officials had projected that the Army Guard would reach 350,000 troops by Sept. 30, the end of this fiscal year.

Article here, which also explains the reasons why they have been so successful. Via Instapundit.

pretty darn sweet

2007-05-06T14:46:00.000-07:00

this does not look good

2007-05-05T23:02:00.000-07:00

This would not instill much confidence in perspective students.

Found here.

i am so jealous

2007-05-05T08:59:00.000-07:00

Many of my favorite bloggers are at this very moment enoying the milblogger conference 2007.

President Bush even made an appearance, well ok, by video. But still, that's pretty awesome, and adds credibilibty to the power we milbloggers hold. Video from Gateway Pundit.

Others attending include:
John of OPFOR
Jim in Texas
Matt of blackfive
Mary Katharine Ham of Townhall
Neptunus Lex
Instapinch
And that's just to name a few. Here's the whole list of everyone. You all have to enjoy it for those of us who cannot be there. Next year, its on!

friday fun

2007-05-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

A bit of humor for your Friday. At least you know us zoomies can laugh at ourselves. All via eDodo, the underground e-zine for the US Air Force Academy.

Have a great weekend!

milblogger update

2007-05-04T06:25:00.000-07:00

Ed Morrisey over at Captain's Quarter's has some clarification of the new OPSEC reg.

A question asked of Tony Snow:

Q: A follow-up, a second question would be, the Pentagon has required all military bloggers to seek approval for their blogging and their -- I think also their e-mail. Some bloggers and military and conservative commentators have said the government is shutting down --

MR. SNOW: Well, that's -- from what we -- from what we understand, that is being overreported a little bit in the following sense.

First, I'm not sure that that is operational, that request. No. 2, to the extent that they have asked -- and I would refer you to the Pentagon for full comment on this, but my understanding is that they're concerned about matters of operational security -- certainly people giving their opinions about what's going on -- as long as they do not disclose information that is going to jeopardize operations ongoing or in the future or in some way give away information that will make it easier for the enemy to kill Americans or Iraqis, and that's normal in a time of war. There is always censorship in a time of war mainly to protect the people who are doing the fighting, similarly with e-mails, but there is no wholesale shutdown.

Again, I'm just giving you what I know, and I would encourage you to talk to the Pentagon for further detail. But my understanding is there's no wholesale shutting down of blogs or of e-mail. But on the other hand, there is sensitivity to the fact that you have to be careful when you're doing these things not jeopardize yourself, your colleagues, the operations, the Iraqis and the overall mission.

And the Army clarifies also:

• In no way will every blog post/update a Soldier makes on his or her blog need to be monitored or first approved by an immediate supervisor and Operations Security (OPSEC) officer. After receiving guidance and awareness training from the appointed OPSEC officer, that Soldier blogger is entrusted to practice OPSEC when posting in a public forum.

• Army Regulation 350-1, “Operations Security,” was updated April 17, 2007 – but the wording and policies on blogging remain the same from the July 2005 guidance first put out by the U.S. Army in Iraq for battlefield blogging. Since not every post/update in a public forum can be monitored, this regulation places trust in the Soldier, Civilian Employee, Family Member and contractor that they will use proper judgment to ensure OPSEC.
o Much of the information contained in the 2007 version of AR 530-1 already was included in the 2005 version of AR 530-1. For example, Soldiers have been required since 2005 to report to their immediate supervisor and OPSEC officer about their wishes to publish military-related content in public forums.
o Army Regulation 530-1 simply lays out measures to help ensure operations security issues are not published in public forums (i.e., blogs) by Army personnel.

• Soldiers do not have to seek permission from a supervisor to send personal E-mails. Personal E-mails are considered private communication. However, AR 530-1 does mention if someone later posts an E-mail in a public forum containing information sensitive to OPSEC considerations, an issue may then arise.

So the Army didn't make such a bad call after all. Ed asks if it was Wired who got it wrong... the hype got the milblogosphere all spun up that's for sure.

what are they thinking? silencing milbloggers

2007-05-02T16:57:00.000-07:00

Army bloggers now have to go through their supervisors with blog posts and personal emails. From Michelle Malkin.

The U.S. Army has ordered soldiers to stop posting to blogs or sending personal e-mail messages, without first clearing the content with a superior officer, Wired News has learned. The directive, issued April 19, is the sharpest restriction on troops' online activities since the start of the Iraq war. And it could mean the end of military blogs, observers say.

Military officials have been wrestling for years with how to handle troops who publish blogs. Officers have weighed the need for wartime discretion against the opportunities for the public to personally connect with some of the most effective advocates for the operations in Afghanistan and Iraq -- the troops themselves. The secret-keepers have generally won the argument, and the once-permissive atmosphere has slowly grown more tightly regulated. Soldier-bloggers have dropped offline as a result.

She also quotes Matt over at Blackfive:

The Bottom-Line to the this bad piece of regulation: The soldiers who will attempt to fly under the radar and post negative items about the military, mission, and commanders will continue to do so under the new regs. The soldiers who've been playing ball the last few years, the vast, VAST, majority will be reduced. In my mind, this reg will accomplish the exact opposite of its intent. The good guys are restricted and the bad continue on...

Operational Security is of paramount importance. But we are losing the Information War on all fronts. Fanatic-like adherence to OPSEC will do us little good if we lose the few honest voices that tell the truth about The Long War.

Both cite Noah Shachtman over at Wired.
He linked to the original Operations Security reg.

John's take at OPFOR.

What if all the milbloggers just flooded their commanders with their posts? I have a feeling that the commanders would either delegate to someone lower on the totem pole or not enforce the reg, especially when they turn out be positive for the mission and no threat to Opsec anyway. There will still be some fallout from this, so don't loose heart yet fellow bloggers. And depending on the commander, if they are at all tech-knowledgeable, they may see this new reg in a different light. At least that's what I'm hoping.

makes you say "hmm"

2007-05-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

From Michael Ramirez of CA Investor's Business Daily. Via MSNBC's Cagle's Professional Cartoonists Index.

courage

2007-05-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

A post by Smash re-posted, and for good reason. It brought a tear to my eye and filled me with pride. Enjoy.

Courage

I wrote the following, on February 22, 2003, as a sort of pep-talk for myself.
***
Courage

I'm not a hero.

That is to say, I don't think of myself that way. I don't seek out danger. I'm not the type of guy who is always looking for the next adrenaline rush, or the latest thrill sport. I generally avoid dangerous activities.

I'm not a coward, either.

I'm not fearless. I realize, every day that I am here, that my life is in danger.

There is no way to avoid this conclusion. I'm told to wear body armor and a helmet. I carry a weapon. We build fortifications. I lug a pack full of chemical protection gear everywhere I go. I've received so many shots, I feel like a pincushion. Sometimes, when I have a moment or two to think about it, I feel a little bit scared. Frankly, only an idiot would not be afraid under these circumstances.

But I do have courage.

Courage is not the absence of fear. To the contrary, courage involves recognizing danger, but acting on the realization that danger must be confronted -- or it will find you when you are least prepared.

I didn't come here looking for a thrill.

I'm here because there is a hole in the ground in New York, where a couple of the world's tallest buildings used to be.

I'm here because I knew some of those people in the Pentagon.

I'm here because my seven-year-old nephew has nightmares about terrorists.

I'm here because whether Saddam is responsible or not for those terrorist attacks, he has the will and is developing the means to do much, much worse.

I'm here because if History teaches us anything, it is that evil men cannot be deterred by sanctions, containment strategies, diplomacy, resolutions, or weapons inspections.

I'm here because I don't believe in appeasement.

I'm here because someone has to be.

I'm here because I was called.

I'm here because I have a job to do.
***
This got a lot of positive feedback. One high-school girl later wrote to tell me that she had memorized and recited it as part of a public speaking contest, and had earned a standing ovation.

Here here brother.

these guys rock

2007-05-01T11:28:00.000-07:00

I hope I do not get any "those kids and they're darned hippie music" comments, but I have loved Mute Math for a long time. I saw them in concert a few months ago, and they just have a unique sound and great energy. And how could you not love a band that rocks a keytar? I'm posting about them again because they will be in Austin this Thursday, and I'm going to see them again! YES!

Here's the new video of "Typical." It seems like a boy's dream, making a big mess with paint and silly string, breaking stuff. But all backwards like that had to be tough. I can say though the finished product is amazing. I'm going to go ahead and call it the next OK go internet gem.

The making of the video.... its pretty funny watching them doing everything backwards

Live performance on Kimmel

Their song has even made it to American Idol, with really does use good songs for the most part.

where'd he go?

2007-04-30T19:19:00.000-07:00

Heh.

Via Blackfive via Wizbang!

question of the night

2007-04-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

John asks, "What has the Air Force done for us lately?" Ok, not quite in those words, but it is an interesting discussion. One that pushes a few buttons on all sides. Just remember boys, we're all on the same team.

All this military history swirling around my head got me thinking......

The Marines have Tripoli, Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, Chosin, Khe San, Fallujah...

The Army has Saratoga, Gettysburg, San Juan Hill, Somme, Overlord...

The Navy has John Paul Jones' fight with the Seraphis, the dominance of Lakes Champlain and Eerie during 1812, Midway, the Japanese surrender on the Mighty Mo'...

But what about the US Air Force? (Best I could come up with is the air war over Kosovo and the air campaign prior to Desert Storm).

Check out the comments, and add some yourself.

UPDATE: Hey Cox & Forkum at thinking in that direction also. I think that's one video I'm definatly going to have to rent.

a bird? a plane? snoopy?

2007-04-30T17:46:00.000-07:00

My mom was too excited when I posted about wanting a leather skull cap, goggles and a white scarf, because she actually got one for my birthday! It will definatly come in handy...

use caution

2007-04-26T18:50:00.000-07:00

Look out for me flying a T-6 around the Southeast this weekend. If you hear a female voice with the callsign "Japat" its probably me! I'm pretty excited, because this will be the first time my family gets to see me fly. Photos to follow...

turn the heat off!

2007-04-23T18:26:00.000-07:00

This is hilarious T-38 HUD video. This flight took place over a year ago involving a Japanese student and an IP who I believe is known as callsign Satan. It made the rounds of every other instructor desk on base, and even though I was a student not too long ago, it still gives me a chuckle.

Just for background, you cannot hear much when the afterburners are cookin in a Talon, not even your own radios. When the heat is on, it is even louder. Plus the heat comes straight from the bleed air, so it gets hot quick. Warning for bad language. Turn the heat OFF! O-F-F! What?

Thanks to Paulie for the link.

doh!

2007-04-22T18:25:00.000-07:00

This is not the way to score your 15 seconds of fame. I guess he's just a cadet, so he still has that excuse... Source.

Cadet fell off ship re-enacting movie scene

DENVER — An Air Force Academy cadet who plunged about 50 feet from a cruise ship balcony into the ocean with a female passenger thanked his rescuers Tuesday but didn’t discuss the details of what happened.

Ernesto Guzman, 22, and Celeste Clarice Partee, 20, fell from the balcony of Partee’s cabin on Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess about 150 miles off the coast of Galveston, Texas, on March 25.

KWGN-TV in Denver reported that the pair were re-enacting a famous scene from the movie “Titanic” when they fell. Guzman took off his clothes to stay afloat, the station reported.

Both were rescued by boats launched from the ship.

Guzman issued a statement through the academy thanking Princess Cruises and the U.S. Coast Guard.

“The combination of their quick response and my water survival training at the United States Air Force Academy combined to save my life during those five hours in the Gulf of Mexico,” said Guzman, a junior.

Good thing his training saved him from his stupidity. I bet his fingers were a bit pruny for a while.

angels pilot update

2007-04-22T14:39:00.000-07:00

Updates below

Story with an interview of a guy who had a close call with the jet. It also includes reaction from a teammate "'Our squadron and the entire U.S. Navy are grieving the loss of a great American, a great Naval officer and a great friend,' [Lt. Cmdr. Anthony] Walley said."

Fox identifies the pilot:
The Navy identified the pilot Sunday afternoon as Lt. Cmdr. Kevin J. Davis, 32, of Pittsfield, Mass.

And gets some of the flying part wrong:

The Blue Angels fly F/A-18 Hornets at high speeds in close formations, and are considered the Navy's elite. They don't wear the traditional G-suits that most jet pilots use to avoid blacking out during maneuvers. The suits inflate around the lower body to keep blood in the brain, but they could cause a pilot to bump the control stick — a potentially deadly move when flying inches from other planes.

Instead, Blue Angels manage G-forces by tensing their abdominal muscles.

Emphasis mine. Sorry guys, we all tense our muscles, even the ones who wear fast pants. And we don't just tense our abs. For those of you who do not know the specifics, pilots who pull many G's have to tense their whole lower body to keep the blood flowing to the brain and eyes. Otherwise the pilot can lose vision, known as "greying out," or totally black out and lose conciousness as gravity pulls the blood to the lower extremities. Of course that would not be a good thing. A G suit helps with G straining (tensing of the muscles) by providing something for the pilot to strain against. Generally, a G-suit will add one G to a pilot's tolerance. So if I can pull 4G's in a relaxed state (that's four times my body weight pressing down on me), and I can pull 7.5Gs just straining my legs, butt and abs, then a G suit will help me get to 8.5G's or better.

From what we are hearing, the whole formation was low to the ground. If they were rejoining, and LCDR Davis was above, it might be hard to see closure and depth with the ground. My old man concurs. Also, if LCDR Davis knew there were homes nearby, he might have been trying to avoid them. I wish there was a pilot's eyewitness story to be found, but I'm sure the Navy is keeping them all under raps for accident and safety investigations, as they should.

The Delta triangle, what the team was setting up for:

Blue Angles website
The team

If anyone has anything to add or correct, please let me know. Again, please keep the Davis family in your prayers.

As Blue Angels spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Garrett D. Kasper said, "We will rebuild." Blue skies brothers.

Update:
An Old War Dog is keeping an ear out over at Bill's Bites

The pilot's family may have been present at the show.

blue angels jet crashes in sc

2007-04-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

From CNN:

A jet flying in formation with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels precision flying team crashed into a Beaufort, South Carolina, neighborhood, causing an "enormous fireball" during an air show, authorities said.

The Navy aviator was killed, Beaufort County Coroner Curt Copeland said. The F/A-18's pilot is the only known fatality. The aviator's name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Officials announced that Sunday's scheduled air show will go on but that the Blue Angels will not take part.

From what I have read, it sounds like one of the other jets in the formation flew CAP over the sight until a helo could get in the air. The jet crashed near a residential area, but no one else was hurt.

More from:
Instapinch
A memorial from OPFOR

Not a whole lot else... I'll keep on it for more info. Please keep the pilot in your prayers.

one year older...

2007-04-20T10:46:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: My mom posts embarrassing photos. Someone has to make me humble...

...One year wiser? Sure. I hit the quarter century today. I'm not where I thought I would be a year or two ago, but I'm definatly in the full swing of life actually having a "real job," if you call flying a job. My birthday also corresponded with the Glenn and Helen Podcast addressing teens and twenty-somethings being treated like like children, and I can relate. Being the only single woman (I almost wrote "girl" myself) in my flying squadron, I can see it happen every once in a while, and today it was most prominent when I was asked if I turned 19. While pilots never really grow up, it gets old sometimes being treated in such a manner when you have proven your dependability and maturity many times over. I can also understand when the men I work with see me as their sister/daughter, and becuase there are so few women in aviation, it could be hard to mentally separate the roles in professional situations. I know I'm to the point of birthday's being a bad thing rather than something to look forward to, and I should be taking it as a compliment when people think I'm younger than I am, but at work it just does not seem appropriate when taken too far. If someone gave me a hard time in front of a student, we would have words.

On a lighter note, I decided to name my car The Red Baron. Kudos to my mom's friend Dale for the suggestion. Now I just need the leather skull cap, goggles, and a white scarf to round out the look. Previous post.

zing

2007-04-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

From my dad

Dan Rather, Peter Jennings, Cokie Roberts, and a tough old U.S. Marine Sargent were all captured by terrorists in Iraq. The leader of the terrorists told them that he would grant them each one last request before they were beheaded.

Dan Rather said, "Well, I'm a Texan; so I'd like one last bowlful of hot spicy chili." The leader nodded to an underling who left and returned with the chili. Rather ate it all and said, "Now I can die content."

Peter Jennings said, "I am Canadian, so I'd like to hear the song "O Canada" one last time." The leader nodded to a terrorist who had studied the Western world and knew the music. He returned with some rag-tag Musicians and played the anthem. Jennings sighed and declared he could now die peacefully.

Cokie Roberts said, "I'm a reporter to the end. I want to take out my tape recorder and describe the scene here and what's about to happen. Maybe someday someone will hear it and know that I w as on the job till the end."

The leader directed an aide to hand over the tape recorder and Roberts dictated some comments. She then said, "Now I can die happy."

The leader turned and said, "And now, Mr. U.S. Marine, what is your final wish?"

"Kick me in the ass," said the Marine.
"What?" asked the leader? "Will you mock us in your last hour?"
"No, I'm not kidding. I want you to kick me in the ass," insisted the Marine. So the leader shoved him into the open, and kicked him in the ass.

The Marine went sprawling, but rolled to his knees, pulled a 9 mm pistol from inside his cammies, and shot the leader dead. In the resulting confusion, he leapt to his knapsack, pulled out his M4 carbine and sprayed the Iraqis with gunfire. In a flash, all the Iraqis were either dead or fleeing for their lives.

As the Marine was untying Rather, Jennings, and Roberts, they asked him, "Why didn't you just shoot them in the beginni ng? Why did you ask them to kick you in the ass first?"

"What," replied the Marine, "and have you three Assholes report that I was the aggressor?"

here here

2007-04-17T17:35:00.000-07:00

From the Conservative Propaganda post Why the Air Force Memorial sucks.

The Air Force is culturally divided into two camps: The Blue Air Force and The Green Air Force. The Blue Air Force wears the blue uniform to work while the Green Air Force wears fatigues and flight suits. The Blues do essential tasks like stock the warehouses, maintain the motor pool, and push piles of paperwork around base. The Greens take wing in chariots of fire like sky gods. The Greens are shooters, the Blues shoe clerks. The Blues are preoccupied with trivia like stopping people from whizzing in the woods outside the Officer’s Club after Happy Hour and making sure your ribbons are in the right order on your official photo. The Greens are preoccupied with putting bombs on target.

There is a clash of cultures within the Air Force, where the Blues impose their spit-shined, regulation-happy, utopian culture on the Green’s realist, pragmatic, quick and dirty combat rules culture. The Air Force Memorial is a monument to the Blue Air Force. I’m surprised they don’t have a bronze statue of a clerk at his desk typing a form in triplicate. That’s what it’s all about for the Blues.

I propose an alternate Green Air Force Memorial be placed in the National Mall, hidden in the woods near the WWII Memorial, out of sight of the damned bureaucrats. It would be completely accessible to the public, night or day, just like the other memorials, not like the current Blue Air Force Memorial, which is wedged between the Pentagon and Fort Myer, unapproachable by civilian tourists except on special occasions. I’d like to see a big, bronze P-51 Mustang fighter, the prettiest plane ever made, with the pilot standing next to it, discussing the maintenance forms with his crew chief. A guy from life support is holding a parachute, another guy is fueling the aircraft, and the armorer is laying .50 calibre bullets into the wing guns. That would show the tip of the teamwork needed to launch a fighter.

What little kid gets excited about abstract art? How proud are veterans when they see it? This memorial does them ill. As Tantor points out, it falls far short of the other memorials in DC. We need something that embodies, as he says, those who "take wing in chariots of fire like sky gods." That gets me pumped, and proud.

Tantor's description is about as acurate as it gets when describing the AF. The comments are interesting also, especially those by the AF OSI agent. There are definaly a lot of hard working AF personnel out there, but I think most of them do not know the work anyone involved in flight operations puts day in, day out. I have met a few that did not know the aircraft that flew on their own base. I usually go home when I have to, when my mandatory crew rest starts, after a 12+ hour day. My day does not break for lunch, I do not get time during the work day to go to the gym. The non-fliers on base cannot say the same, and they wonder why pilots are angry when they show up somewhere that is closed for training in the middle of the day. By the same token, I get to fly for all my hard work. I'm not so sure I would be as dedicated if I had to deal with angry people all day who complained when my office was closed.

More from John at OPFOR. He agrees.

And that post, right there, effectively sums up why I love the Air Force just as much as I hate the Air Force. The blue Air Force is contrary to everything that I learned at VMI. At the Institute, it was adapt, overcome, think outside the box, find solutions, not excuses. Rules and regs are handy, but the mark of a true military man is his ability to quickly evaluate mission necessity vs. military regulation, make a command decision, and live up to the responsibility of that decision for better or worse. That's the stuff leaders are made of.

a moment

2007-04-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

...of silence

Say a prayer. Tell your family you love them. We are all Hokies today. Photo from Fox.

i don't like pretty boys

2007-04-17T07:16:00.000-07:00

Give me a manly man anyday! Especially to run the country....

Via MKH by way of Instapundit.

osprey going to iraq

2007-04-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

I'm not so sure about flying rotor-type aircraft... too many moving parts and no ejection seats. It will be interesting keeping an eye on how the Osprey does in theater. Source.

Commandant Gen. James Conway is expected to announce Friday the first deployment of an MV-22 Osprey squadron, according to a Pentagon release.

Until then, officials are remaining mum on where Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263, based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., will deploy. The squadron is expected to deploy late summer or early fall this year.

In early March, the squadron wrapped up several weeks of integration training with Camp Lejeune-based Marines. Part of the training was to get the Osprey more exposure to ground troops as the program attempts to overcome its troubled past.

VMM-263 was the first of the Corps’ now three operational Osprey squadrons. The other squadrons include VMM-162 and VMM-266, which stood up late last month.

they make you say "hmm"

2007-04-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

Great points from Tim Blair. He's Australian, hence the focus, but most of his contradictions are fairly universal. The highlights:

We all know people whose passionate beliefs stand in direct opposition to their other passionate beliefs. Here's a handy list of 30 contradictory concepts.

1 The same people who claim to worry most about future generations surviving climate change have no objections at all to abortion – which kills thousands of future Australians every year.

2 The same people most likely to vote Green are also most likely to live in Australia's least natural environments – our crowded, paved, stupid-filled inner-city suburbs.

6 The same people who've spent more time than most of us flying around the earth are proportionately more likely to insist fossil fuel consumption is a very grave problem.

9 The same people who are the loudest in support of drug-free "natural" childbirth are remarkably silent on the matter of drug-free "natural" dentistry.

10 The same people who demand price controls on petrol would scream like a goth in the sun if the sale of their own goods and properties were subject to price controls.

11 The same people who believe Americans have no sense of humour laugh their heads off at The Simpsons.

12 The same people who want to restrict cigarette smoking are invariably inclined towards decriminalising marijuana.

15 The same people who were offended by George W. Bush meddling in Australian politics are absolutely fine with Al Gore meddling in Australian politics.

16 The same people who thought anti-terror fridge magnets were a pointless tokenistic gesture nevertheless supported Earth Hour, during which they saved the planet by turning off their lights for 60 whole minutes.

18 The same people who protested against UN sanctions in Iraq later claimed Iraq shouldn't have been invaded because the sanctions were working.

19 The same people who fear nuclear power in Australia don't give nuclear power a moment's thought when they holiday in nuclear-powered France.

20 The same people who publish images of crucifixes in urine don't dare print even a single cartoon making fun of Mohammed.

21 The same people who were ultra-nationalistic during the republican debate these days decry the ugly nationalism of displaying the Australian flag on Australia Day.

22 The same people who fought for women's rights in the '60s and '70s are oddly silent today on the issue of women's rights forf emale Muslims.

23 The same people who denounce creeping US influence in Australian culture often make a great deal of money appearing in US films and speaking in American accents – particularly a person named Toni Collette.

24 The same people who demand every last detail on the location of any planned Australian nuclear power plants decline to identify any of the industries they would prefer to see removed in order to reduce Australia's alleged greenhouse pollutants.

26 The same people who complain most about globalisation seem unusually alert to views expressed on international anti-globalisation websites.

27 The same people who demand reductions in energy use in order to solve global warming will turn up in huge energy-munching numbers at June's energy-guzzling Live Earth concert – which aims to solve global warming.

30 The same newspaper columnist – me – who is such a psycho on law-and-order issues has just one point left on his licence due to repeated speeding offences.

HT Wizbang!

what is that?

2007-04-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

I wanted to fly the F-35 after I get my chance at a Viper, but I'm not so sure about the get-up...

Lex has more dilemmas about the alien-like duds. As per the comments, chicks still love a man in uniform, just maybe not in the helmet.

some fun

2007-04-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

This has been around the net for awhile, but I ran across it again.

Even the local Fox channel picked up on the story

You know if this guy shows up at my base I won't let him live it down.

canadian student ejects

2007-04-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

The Canadians decided to buy a variant of the newest Air Force trainer, what I'm currently flying. They call it the Harvard II, we call it the T-6 Texan II. It has a great ejection seat, 0/0, which basically means the pilot(s) are able to eject at zero feet, zero knots. Let me tell you that's nice when you've only got one engine. Well, last week, a Canadian student ejected, and not on purpose.

Ejection shock for first-time student
The Canadian Press
Published: Thursday, April 05, 2007

MOOSE JAW, Sask. -- An instructor and a first-time student pilot at an air force base were slightly injured yesterday when an ejection seat on a Harvard II accidentally deployed during a training session while the plane was still on the ground.

A spokesman for the base said the two, who were not seriously hurt, were treated and released from hospital.

"The ejection occurred, [the] seat worked as advertised, parachute opened and the student landed on the ramp," said Lt. Paul Goddard, acting commander for 15 Wing Moose Jaw.

This is not the first time this has happened, and its a pretty big deal. The seats themselves cost about a million dollars apiece, and the whole rest of the aircraft costs about the same as the seats. I'm sure this guy is on the hot seat for screwing up something fairly basic, but then that's what students do best, right?

On a lighter note, she's a fun jet to fly, and she gets great gas milage. The Texan II can go about 800 miles on 160 gallons of good ol' jet-a. And let me tell you, its nice knowing you got that rocket under you.... so to speak.

sweet... totally

2007-04-08T11:12:00.000-07:00

This thing just looks fierce.

All of the pilots who have flown the F-22 up to this point are experienced in some other fighter, mostly the F-15C or F-16. but very soon, there will be a lucky pilot training student and FAIP (first assignment instructor pilot) that will go straight to the Raptor. The AF's newest jet has been a dangling carrot for about a year or so, but has always been taken off the list of possible assignments a few months before they were officially doled out. I for one would not want to be the first lieutenant to fly this sucker and be the focus of the big brass, or be so nervous about making a mistake that I did not really get the best training. Personally, when my time comes, I'm gonna ask for my Viper and then maybe move on to the JSF when it comes online.

Source Noah Shachtman at Wired and OPFOR. Photos are from the air show at Naval Base Ventura County in Point Mugu, Ca.

british boondoggle

2007-04-07T14:37:00.000-07:00

In one respect, this makes me sad. In another, I am grateful for the training I have received, and the legacy of the US Armed Forces. I think the British leadership needs to take a long hard look at their troops and make some changes. They have a grand legacy of their own, and this does not live up to it.

I am inclined to agree with Col. Jacobs. My grandfather was of the same mind also until he heard that they were threatened. At the Air Force Academy, we had to memorize the John Stewart Mill quote, and after seven years I still think about it. Last night the subject presented itself among friends who are also pilots, and conversation moved to Capt Lance P. Sijan. He is the man every airman looks to as an example of the embodiment of the Code of Conduct. We had to memorize the information about his evasion and capture. When he was shot down, on his 52nd mission, he sustained a skull fracture, mangled right hand, and a compound fracture in his left leg, yet he eluded capture for six weeks. Even after being aprehended by the North Vietnamese, he was able to overcome a guard and escape once again. Recaptured and tortured, then-Lt. Sijan did not talk. He lived the rist of his life in the Hanoi Hilton, and died there on Jan 22, 1968. Lt. Sijan was 25 years old. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on Mar 4, 1976 by Pres. Ford. I cannot say his name without reverence. There are many more stories like Sijan's we should know. Not as military members, but as Americans.

I have never been faced with something like these men and woman experienced, but if ever I am, I will think of Capt. Sijan and press on. Source

somebody get this kid an ipod

2007-04-06T11:27:00.000-07:00

I don't really care if it is realistic or not, but it makes for a good story.

My wife’s uncle works in a military hospital and told me about this. Its pretty amazing. Kevin Garrad (3rd Infantry Division) was on a street patrol in Iraq (Tikrit I believe) and as he rounded the corner of a building an armed (AK-47) insurgent came from the other side.

The two of them were within just a few feet of each other when they opened fire. The insurgent was killed and Kevin was hit in the left chest where his IPod was in his jacket pocket. It slowed the bullet down enough that it did not completely penetrate his body armor. Fortunately, Kevin suffered no wound.

HT Michelle Malkin

happy easter

2007-04-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

Remember the real reason for Easter.

He is risen.

Indeed.

cool fighter chicks

2007-04-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

I missed this post over at the American Thinker last August. It highlights the Chick Fighter Pilot Association, with a little hero worship to boot.

A confession: I am in awe of fighter pilots. I was never physically qualified to join the Army, much less posessed of the physical and mental abilities necessary to be a fighter pilot. But that has never stopped me from fantasies of dogfighting in a WW II Mustang or an F 16. Nor has it crippled me with envy for those who serve our country at the outer limits of the junction of technology and human capabilities.

But now I am in danger of becoming a complete groupie. A new organization of female American fighter pilots has been formed, the Chick Fighter Pilot Association (CFPA). They even have a website. And the website has pages of photos.

And The Thunder Run has an article on Maj. Kim "KC" Campbell. I got to meet KC (not just her initials, also stands for "Killer Chick") a few years ago when she honor the US Air Force Academy with her presence. She was calm and collected as she told us the story about how she lost part of her wing and tail over Baghdad, barely making it back to a friendly base. Let me just say I was in awe myself. She was recently decorated for her bravery:

On April 7, 2003, then-Capt. Campbell and her flight lead responded to a call for air support in downtown Baghdad, where an elite unit of the Iraqi Republican Guard had U.S. forces pinned against the Tigris River. Campbell and her wingman faced bad weather before they dove out of the sky and devastated the enemy with rockets and the Warthog’s feared 30mm Gatling gun. After successfully hitting their targets, the pilots turned back toward base – and that’s when Campbell’s jet was rocked by a large explosion, and immediately began pulling to the left and toward the ground. With numerous caution lights flashing, the one that worried Campbell the most was the hydraulic lights. A quick check confirmed her suspicions: Her hydraulic system had been fried. She would later discover that one of her engines was badly damaged and the fuselage was riddled with hundreds of bullet holes.

Campbell quickly switched to manual inversion, allowing her to fly her Warthog under mechanical control. She then had a decision: try to fly 300 miles back to base, or parachute into hostile territory. This was dicey terrain, so she decided she had to make the flight. Despite the heavily damaged aircraft and terrible weather – including massive dust storms – “Killer Chick” persevered. With the help of a seasoned pilot on her wing, Campbell landed safely back at base – fully prepared to take to the skies again and unleash the Warthog, as well as her moniker, on any opposing forces.

For her actions and bravery, Campbell was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism.

CENTCOM article here. Have you made it when there's a Wikipedia article on you? Congrats KC!

More links:
KC makes the "History of the Air Force"
KC tells her story
Article from Combat Edge
Smithsonian article, including photos of the damage to KC's jet
Speech by Gen Richard B. Meyers, then chairman of the Joint Chiefs, at USAFA, he mentions KC near the end (I was there!)

hehe

2007-04-04T16:12:00.000-07:00

This is good. Trust me.

remember

2007-04-04T15:21:00.000-07:00

"Looking heavenward you cannot help but shed a tear... mournful... lonesome... a hole that screams out almost as loudly as the roar of the engines that pass overhead."

Last November, I posted about a downed F-16 pilot, here and here. My commander, a Viper pilot himself, mentioned Maj. Gilbert today in a commander's call, amid talks of deployments and awards, that we remember the bravery and sacrifice that we are called to. Lex, channeling Paul Harvey, has the rest of the story.

Gilbert, 34, of the Litchfield Park area, was trying to head off an attack by insurgents on ground troops and the crew of a downed Army helicopter 20 miles northwest of Baghdad…

Gilbert carried out one strafing run against the enemy vehicles, striking a truck with his 20mm Gatling gun before pulling out only 200 feet from the ground, said the head of the accident investigation board, Brig. Gen. David L. Goldfein.

Gilbert flew even lower on his second strafing run and was unable to pull up before he crashed, Goldfein said. Investigators concluded that he died instantly.

His actions helped save the lives of the helicopter crew and other coalition ground forces, Goldfein said.

Gilbert was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor.

He chose to attack at a very low altitude because he was concerned about making sure he was correctly identifying enemy vehicles trying to merge with civilian vehicles, Goldfein said. Gilbert attacked from a difficult angle because he apparently wanted to bring fire on the enemy vehicles quickly to protect the ground troops, who were in a very perilous situation.

And from Lex himself "Good people on the ground were taking hits, so Maj. Gilbert deliberately stepped outside of the box to help them. He saved some lives that day, but paid for it with his own. And though his remains have not yet been recovered, in a very real way he came back on his shield. Hand salute. Ready, two. Carry on."

Here's a toast brother. Godspeed.

more fun than...

2007-04-04T14:52:00.000-07:00

Who knew you could have so much fun with a R/C indoors?

He's a professional kids, don't try this at home (unless your mom is very forgiving and not attached to the lamps).

surfing the friendly skies

2007-04-04T12:18:00.000-07:00

YES!

After years of discussion and delay, U.S. airlines will start offering in-flight Internet connections, instant messaging and wireless email within 12 months, turning the cabin into a WiFi "hotspot." Carriers are expected to start making announcements around the end of the summer, with service beginning early next year.
Like it or not, airborne cellphone chatter still has a flying chance in U.S. airplane cabins, as well, despite a recent indication that the Federal Communications Commission will keep a ban in place.

Flying hotspots will definatly make flights less painful in my mind. I'm not too excited about cell phone use on planes, just because I do not want someone yapping in my ear for three hours. As always, Glenn is the first to highlight this milestone.

welcome

2007-04-02T10:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome OPFOR readers! Hope you enjoy my random musings.

Thanks to John for the link.

use caution- man on runway

2007-04-02T05:26:00.000-07:00

From the OC Register

Man arrested after running on airport runway
Pilot about to take off spotted man running on John Wayne Airport airstrip.
By KIMBERLY EDDS
The Orange County Register

SANTA ANA – A transient was arrested for trespassing after he hopped a fence at John Wayne Airport and ran around the airfield for several minutes Thursday, airport officials said.

Rene Nolasco Molina, 33, of Santa Ana is being held at the Theo Lacy Facility without bail. A pilot getting ready to take off spotted a man running around on the runway about 6:30 p.m., airport spokeswoman Jenny Wedge said.

The pilot called the tower, and sheriff's deputies who patrol the airport chased him down and arrested him, Wedge said.

A plane trying to take off was delayed for a few minutes while the chase was on, she said, but no other airport operations were affected.

"He appeared to be a little mentally unstable," Wedge said. "This isn't an everyday occurrence."

The commenters definatly focused on the transient bit. I'm not sure how keen I am on comments to a newspaper article, but maybe it is more likely to get direct feedback going to journalists, some of whom need it badly.

aw, nuts

2007-04-01T12:27:00.000-07:00

The Ryskind Sketchbook via Instapundit and Powerline blog.

ten best april fool's hoaxes

2007-03-29T19:24:00.000-07:00

They'll give you a chuckle. My favorites:

-- In 1957, a BBC television show announced that thanks to a mild winter and the virtual elimination of the spaghetti weevil, Swiss farmers were enjoying a bumper spaghetti crop. Footage of Swiss farmers pulling strands of spaghetti from trees prompted a barrage of calls from people wanting to know how to grow their own spaghetti at home.
-- Noted British astronomer Patrick Moore announced on the radio in 1976 that at 9:47 am, a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event, in which Pluto would pass behind Jupiter, would cause a gravitational alignment that would reduce the Earth's gravity. Moore told listeners that if they jumped in the air at the exact moment of the planetary alignment, they would experience a floating sensation. Hundreds of people called in to report feeling the sensation.

Big HT to Relevant. Those guys know how to make you laugh and still talk about serious stuff. Any good ideas for your own April Fool's Day joke? I am plotting mine..... (insert evil laugh here).

the u.n. is useless

2007-03-29T19:08:00.000-07:00

You would think such hypocrisy would be obvious. But then I employ logic and justice in my life.

I think I just threw up in my mouth a little. Via LGF.

oh the places you'll go...

2007-03-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

I did not realize how many places I've been, whether it was family vacations, school trips, mission trips, or flying with the AF. Anyone have recommendations of airfields with 4000' of runway that are interesting places to go (particularly in the Southeast US)?

what no dinosaurs?

2007-03-28T05:59:00.000-07:00

An excerpt from an interview with Michael Crichton. I have always had great respect for the man, and this just added to it. Over at The Daily Ablution, he speaks with Scott Burgess about the global warming "consensus" among other things

What is the most serious threat facing our civilisation?

Loss of classical liberal values in those western societies that embraced them.

England was the first modern state, the first superpower, the first nation to deal with moral issues around the world, and the first nation to install the benefits of what we might now loosely term a liberal society. I mean that in the 19th century sense of liberalism. That notion of liberalism was also present in America, but made it to the Continent only in a pale and limited form. It is a wonderful social conception that must be vigilantly guarded. It is not shared by other nations in the world. Nor is it shared by many citizens in English-speaking countries. Peculiarly, many of our most educated citizens are least sympathetic to classical liberal ideals. Indeed the term 'liberalism' in the modern day has come to imply a constellation of attitudes that John Stuart Mill would not recognize as liberal at all. Nor would, say, John F. Kennedy recognize them as liberal. Kennedy's conception of liberalism was simultaneously more tolerant and more tough-minded: tolerant about varieties of behavior within the society, and tough-minded toward threats to a tolerant society from without.

That's all gone, now. Today there is far too much sensitivity within societies, and too little hard-nosed recognition of threats from without. We are inclined to be intolerant of speech by our friends and neighbors, and tolerant of beheadings, rape, and homophobia in distant lands.

This makes no sense. But here we are.

HT Instapundit.

complexity

2007-03-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

I don't think I'm that complex. But I'm a pilot, so am I an exception?

HT Tiny. Thanks dude!

iran snubs its nose at the geneva convention

2007-03-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

Terrorists who hide behind children and women's clothing violate the Geneva Convention and they are freedom fighters, but British soldiers in uniform are not so special.

FIFTEEN British sailors and marines arrested by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards off the coast of Iraq may be charged with spying.

A website run by associates of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president, reported last night that the Britons would be put before a court and indicted.

Referring to them as “insurgents”, the site concluded: “If it is proven that they deliberately entered Iranian territory, they will be charged with espionage. If that is proven, they can expect a very serious penalty since according to Iranian law, espionage is one of the most serious offences.”

I think Ahmedinejad needs to actually read the Convention, especially part 3.
HT Captain Ed over at Captain's Quarters.

it's deja vu all over again

2007-03-26T05:27:00.000-07:00

These stories seem familiar somehow..
New York times gets it wrong, again

On March 18, the New York Times published this story about female soldiers who served in Iraq and are now having problems as a result.

One of the women mentioned in the story claims to have been sexually assaulted twice in the last few years and that she suffers severe mental problems as a result of being deployed to, and injured in, Iraq. Her story is gripping because of the vivid details given.

One problem though: she never was sent to Iraq. She was in Guam the whole time.

The NYTimes did insert a correction in the online addition today, a full week after they published this story (anyone know about the print edition at all?), but knew full well when they went to print with this article that portions of it may have been inaccurate. Where have I seen that before?

The Times contacted the Navy just three days before this story went to print, not exactly giving them time to look into it. Nevertheless, the Navy DID provide enough info to the Times to where they should have questioned this woman’s story, at least to the point of leaving her out entirely.

Of course there’s NO agenda at work here, folks. None at all.

War story told by former sailor disputed

The Navy, while expressing sympathy to a woman it believes is suffering from stress, is annoyed that the Times did so little to check the woman’s story. A Times fact checker contacted Navy headquarters only three days before the magazine’s deadline. That, said Capt. Tom Van Leunen, deputy chief of information for the Navy, did not provide enough time to confirm Randall’s account of service in Iraq. Nonetheless, Van Leunen said, by deadline the Navy had provided enough information to the Times “to seriously question whether she’d been in Iraq.”

Hhmm... where have a I heard something like this before? Well, bad NYT stories are too numerous to count. But I experienced the fallout of women and sexual assault stories first hand. Let me caveat that with I hope that the women's attackers are prosecuted to the full extent of the law. But I have seen damage done to the trustworthiness of all the women in a group based on the misrepresentation of a few.

marine receives british honor

2007-03-23T05:40:00.000-07:00

Bravery and service at its finist. Article here.

Major receives Distinguished Flying Cross at Buckingham Palace
March 21, 2007

LONDON -- The Queen of England presented the United Kingdom’s Distinguished Flying Cross to Maj. William D. Chesarek Jr., during an Investiture Ceremony held at Buckingham Palace, here March 21.

Chesarek, an AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter pilot, was recognized for his service as an exchange officer serving with the U. K.'s 847th Naval Air Squadron, Commando Helicopter Force during combat operations in Iraq in 2006. The award is a level three award for gallantry in the air while on active operation against the enemy and according to the U. K.’s Ministry of Defense office, this is first time this is being presented to an American service member since actions in World War II.

According to the U.K. award citation, during operations in the vicinity of Al Amarah on June 10-11, 2006, Chesarek, flying a Lynx AH7 helicopter, was providing communications relay support to the U.K.’s ground forces during a company sized search operation when the unit encountered insurgents armed with small arms and Rocket Propelled Grenades.

To assist the unit, Chesarek flew in to spot enemy fire and due to being trained as an airborne forward air controller he was able to coordinate, designate and control fixed wing assets in conducting close air support which resulted in dispersing the insurgents.

Additionally the citations states, being the only rotary winged aircraft in the area, Chesarek landed his helicopter adjacent to the scene and extracted a U.K. troop with a life threatening injury. Chesarek then flew the casualty to Shaibah Logistics Base and is credited with saving the life of the wounded soldier in addition to aiding in the safe extraction of the company.

“I am greatly honored and would like to accept this prestigious award for 847 NAS in memory of Lt. Cdr. Darren Chapman RN, Capt. David Dobson AAC, and Marine Paul Collins RM who were killed in action over Basrah in May 2006,” said Chesarek. “The awarded actions were only possible due to the combined effort of my combat crew; Lt. David Williams RN and Lance Cpl. Max Carter RM. My greatest sense of achievement that day is in knowing the ground troops all made it home.”

The first award of its kind since WWII. Well done brother. HT Chuck Simmins and Michelle Malkin.

if your dog needs some exercise

2007-03-21T11:03:00.000-07:00

Cesar recommends a treadmill, but this looks much more fun, and might keep their minds working too. Plus, if they're looking at the floor, your dog might not attack the TV (Mom!).