CALL911

iTrader: (17)

Thanks man. I was just trying to get my foot in the door for a pilot spot through OTS (Officer Training School), after that would be pilot training, and then they would decide if I were to fly heavies, or the fast moovers. At this point I have everything needed to get the pilot spot, its just up to the Air Force if they want me out of their very many applicants and their very few pilot spots. This board said "no". I am going to apply once more in March, and possibly once more for the Air National Guard unit in Ft Wayne (the F-16's you may see fly around from time to time). While I was deployed a few months ago they were as well and I talked to quite a few of them while giving them gas so they know I will be applying for them. We will see what happens, but for now it looks like I am Ft Wayne bound in March when my enlistment is up.

CALL911

iTrader: (17)

Here's a few pics of the Blacksnakes I took;

Ponyhntr

iTrader: (9)

Those pics are awesome Ben!

EPP

iTrader: (22)

Really cool pic's. Fort Wayne's Air guard base is one of the best in the country, hopefully you get in there as a pilot. Bob

CALL911

iTrader: (17)

Living back in the Fort, and getting to do the pilot thing would be the best out of both worlds, but it will depend on thier needs and the timing. Thanks Bob.

GMMillwright

iTrader: (4)

KC135? Or is that a KC10?

A friend of mine is the landlord for two of the Blacksnake pilots. My friend has promised an introduction, but because of deployments and the busy schedules of everyone involved, I haven't had the chance yet.

I've toured the Air Guard base here and it's pretty sweet. The son of a family friend of my wife's parents was a Colonel in the Marine Corps reserves. He was the squadon CO and flew F/A 18As. He flew one into FWA several summers ago. I got to go though the base and saw most of the flight op's rooms. He took us out onto the tarmac and let us walk around the -18. Pretty awesome stuff. I asked him about his experiences during the first Gulf War and carrier op's. He definently has some good stories/experiences to share. I asked the usual questions like, "How many g's has he pulled and how much the g-suit reduces the effects." 9.2 was the highest and he said the suit's worth 1 to 1.5 g's. He said night landings on carriers are the hardest thing he's ever done. He's retired from the Corps now, but flies A320s for FedEx out of Memphis.

CALL911

iTrader: (17)

I am a Boom Operator (in flight refueler) on the KC-10. If the pilot thing doesn't work out the Reserves at Grissom AFB in Indiana told me they would love to have me be a Boom Operator for them (KC-135's).

I won't go into all the details, but I have gotten an extremly awesome opportunity given to me in my short Air Force career. I have been to the desert countless times and been a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) among several others several of which are classified. It has been one of the single most important experiences of my life, and I have loved every minute of it.

Here's a picture an FA-18 pilot took of my plane while I was giving his wingman gas over Afghanistan. The picture ended up on some Navy website somewhere.

kdogc5

iTrader: (2)

is that full serve or do they pay at the pump?????? ...all kidding aside those are killer pics

SS1875

iTrader: (34)

Awesome pics Ben...I just hope everything works okay with the refueling system...only because my Nephew works on them..haha. He's in Korea right now but coming back to the states soon and will be based in Georgia.

CALL911

iTrader: (17)

The KC-10 is the newer of the two tankers, yet it is still is old as I am, so as you can imagine they do break, and at times break often. As far as paying at the pump goes, trust me, you wouldn't want the bill (lol).

Jon@BruteSpeed

iTrader: (3)

Nice pics,
If you want a tour of the base at Fort Wayne and visit the Blacksnakes up close let me know. I am the full time flightline weapons expediter there. I could help hook you up...I know quite a few pilots.

Take care,
Jon

CALL911

iTrader: (17)

Thanks Jon, I think I remember Bob saying that you worked for the Guard there in Ft. Wayne. Its been a while since I had a tour of the 122nd. What I really need is to get in touch with the squadron commander. Every time I call him, he is out. Not sure if they are all back from their deployment yet or not.

Jon@BruteSpeed

iTrader: (3)

We are all back... and they have one pilot slot coming open this spring.

Jon@BruteSpeed

iTrader: (3)

By the way, thanks for gassing our jets!!

CALL911

iTrader: (17)

Just fueling the fight We all play our part to get the job done. And nothing is more gratifying than giving gas to a fully loaded guy that comes back later and has no ordnance left. Thats a feeling little can compare to knowing that you played a key part in getting the job done.

Thanks for the info. I'll persist with the calls, and maybe I'll get lucky.

digitalsolo

iTrader: (24)

Badass pics man. Thanks for being out there keeping our asses safe and free.

I've got a few friends in Security Forces at the Fort Wayne base, they've been cool enough to get me on the flight line for some night flights a few times. Gotta love watching them take off in the dark.

-Blake

edit: My LPE heads fell through (I'm really sick of people comitting to things and changing their minds at the last minute), but I just picked up a set of Stage III Vinci heads with some pretty good flow numbers. Should be more then overkill for my current little motor. I think I may need to step my cam up though.

Joe, I may give you a call, I know you've got a good guy for cam spec'ing; my 224/230, .581/.591 is probably a little small for the new setup.

Jon@BruteSpeed

iTrader: (3)

The night launches are bad ***, gotta love the flame bouncing off the runway when they rotate.

The Trans Am Kid

Nice pictures. Oh, and I don't think I have introduced myself here on the Fort Wayne Thread, but I am Eric. I live in Fort Wayne. haha I think I have seen some of your cars around. I know Joe (JPH) and Jeff Peterson used to be my boss, but other then that I am fairly new. Just thought I would say hey!

CALL911

iTrader: (17)

Welcome to the crowd.

Azar

iTrader: (13)

Those pics are ****** crazy.

In the best way possible of course.