Santa's got a new ride!

[flight2000]

There was discussion in the mid-90's to pull the A-10 into the Army fold, but it never happened.  My guess it was tied to $$$.  I don't have the full scoop on it, just speculation on my part.

Brian

[scottfromiowa]

Quote: 201er

Santa Claus, like all pilots, gets regular visits from the Federal Aviation Administration, and the FAA examiner arrived last week for the pre-Christmas flight check.

In preparation, Santa had the elves wash the sled and bathe all the reindeer. Santa got his logbook out and made sure all his paperwork was in order. He knew they would examine all his equipment and truly put Santa’s flying skills to the test…

The examiner walked slowly around the sled. He checked the reindeer harnesses, the landing gear, and Rudolph’s nose. He painstakingly reviewed Santa’s weight and balance calculations for the sled’s enormous payload.

Finally, they were ready for the checkride. Santa got in and fastened his seatbelt and shoulder harness and checked the compass. Then the examiner hopped in carrying, to Santa’s surprise, a shotgun.

“What’s that for?!?” asked Santa incredulously.

The examiner winked and said, “I’m not supposed to tell you this ahead of time,” as he leaned over to whisper in Santa’s ear, “but you’re gonna lose an engine on takeoff.”

[scottfromiowa]

George:

Enjoyed reading your article.  I hope your request comes to fruition.  Thank you for all YOU and your team do on a daily basis...whether X-mas or not.  Fly safe.

[KSMooniac]

Very nice and spot-on analysis, George!  Any thoughts on why the current admin surprisingly disqualified Hawker-Beech from the light attack program?

Thanks again for your service!

[GeorgePerry]

Quote: KSMooniac

Very nice and spot-on analysis, George!  Any thoughts on why the current admin surprisingly disqualified Hawker-Beech from the light attack program?

Thanks again for your service!

[aerobat95]

Quote: KSMooniac

Very nice and spot-on analysis, George!  Any thoughts on why the current admin surprisingly disqualified Hawker-Beech from the light attack program?

Thanks again for your service!

[Ned Gravel]

Quote: Hank

I was brought up by a career Marine, so I don't know a whole lot about the Army/Air Force split

but I always thought the A-10 WAS an Army bird . . . You mean it's NOT? That's ridiculous!!

[Ned Gravel]

double post deleted

[fantom]

Interesting F-22 with some F-35 info video. The best air offense keeps the air defense from ever taking off. That way the bad guys can't hit our troops from the air. The air war and mission profile Navy guys prepare for is much different than the air war the Air Force is charged with, even as we try to help each other out.

http://player.vimeo.com/video/3437045?autoplay=1

The technology developed in the F-22, the B-2, the F-35 and our newest drones will change everything, the F-16 and F-18 are becoming obsolete, and most air war fighter piloting will be done from the ground, behind a screen. Less expensive to build "planes" that don't need life support equipment, and we'll lose fewer pilots....maybe none.

Glad I won't be there to experience it. 

[GeorgePerry]

Quote: fantom

Interesting F-22 with some F-35 info video. The best air offense keeps the air defense from ever taking off. That way the bad guys can't hit our troops from the air. The air war and mission profile Navy guys prepare for is much different than the air war the Air Force is charged with, even as we try to help each other out.

http://player.vimeo.com/video/3437045?autoplay=1

The technology developed in the F-22, the B-2, the F-35 and our newest drones will change everything, the F-16 and F-18 are becoming obsolete, and most air war fighter piloting will be done from the ground, behind a screen. Less expensive to build "planes" that don't need life support equipment, and we'll lose fewer pilots....maybe none.

Glad I won't be there to experience it. 

[xftrplt]

George,

Thanks for your insightful comment.

Unfortunately, military aviators of my generation (last flew fighters in 1983) are loath to realize that when we comment on current military capabilities, it carries all the currency and credibility of a Doolittle Raider (1942) evaluating the B-1 (1974).

Check6

[fantom]

Quote: xftrplt

...when we comment on current military capabilities, it carries all the currency and credibility of a Doolittle Raider (1942) evaluating the B-1 (1974).