On 22 Feb 2004 21:48:30 -0800, (AKav8r) wrote:

Michael Kelly wrote in message . com...
AKav8r,

I wouldn't be too disappointed if I got a C-130 (multi-engine turbine
time), but the problem is that I would be locked into only flying the
C-130. The C-130 can do some awesome things as far as assault
landings, short/rough field ops (beta range is cool), and of course
there's the AC-130.... The airplane I would most like to fly is the
C-17. I know it would be kind of hard to go directly from UPT to the
C-17, but if I get a jet there are ways to train into different
aircraft within that category (C-5, C-141...).

Airlift is airlift. If you go into the heavies, you are pretty much
flexible in moving between types. If you went into AC-130 and Special
Ops, however, you are likely going to stay there. Depending upon the
system, you'll spend more than a year in co-pilot duties (maybe a lot
more) before moving into the left seat. You get to see the
world--several hundred flightline snack bars and BOQ rooms.


Of course if I got
assigned a fighter I wouldn't cry either. Although, I wonder about
the value of single-engine-turbine time (F-16) for a career outside of
the AF after retirement. Any comments on that anyone?

If you aren't firmly committed to fighters, don't consider it.

As for "career outside", I assume you aspire to be a professional
bus-driver and make huge amounts of money flogging an airliner.
Fighter folks are very desireable in that arena. They generally have a
lot of experience in decision making (managing their own system), and
often are viewed as having better aircraft control skills. Some
airlines like tactical types while some airlines prefer heavy jet
experience.

I know a lot of former tactical aviators working for United, American,
Delta, SW and Continental.


Ed Rasimus
Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret)
"When Thunder Rolled"
Smithsonian Institution Press
ISBN #1-58834-103-8