Thanks to Jacob Vincent for highlighting the KC-46 UPT announcement from McGuire AFB, NJ. Applications are due by July 31, 2026. This will be added to the Job Board shortly.
As threats become more advanced training to these become more difficult. More companies like Kestral and Top Aces allows us to training without having to loose our own jets to red air. While jets like F-5s are great they are very legacy and not to new threats. Getting newer 4th gen allows better training.
https://www.twz.com/air/f-a-18-super-hornets-eyed-to-replace-navys-remaining-f-5-adversaries
One major thing to really consider as military aviators, whether naval or airforce, is landing locations. When we discuss the pacific there is a major gap in locations versus the sheer size of the ocean. In the early days of military aviation sea planes were more relevant however there has been a slight gap needing filled. Here’s a look at how China is trying to fill their own gap and even adding hardpoints for potential weapons.
https://www.twz.com/air/chinas-bohai-sea-monster-reappears-with-apparent-weapons-hardpoints
Emergencies in an airplane are different than if you were driving in your car. As many of you have experienced during your civilian flying, training for these is crucial in making correct decisions. Luckily in most civil aircraft the glide ratio is significant and buys you a lot of time and flexibility, however in a fighter we are luckily to get a 1-to-1. Obviously it is different per type but the Air Force trains you in a way at UPT that helps break through the stress. When you get selected you’ll get the opportunity to participate in a “stand up” during UPT. These happen daily in the early stages of training and are still prevalent throughout. Your instructors give you a situation that happens airborne, they’ll show slides of what the cockpit looks like, and different readings in your gauges. After they give the situation they randomly select one person to stand up in front of everyone and go through analyzing the situation and making the correct decision. It is fun, not! But it makes a non-stressful situation into a stressful one. It is great learning for all and makes better pilots.
Here's a toast to those who have gone before us and paid the ultimate price. Here's a toast to those who have given their lives in both peacetime and war, safeguarding the freedoms that others take for granted. May we never forget to toast to those who can no longer toast with us!
Another example of how we and our peer threats are utilizing the advances in AI for offensive and defensive capabilities.
https://www.twz.com/air/u-s-militarys-lucas-kamikaze-drone-is-getting-hivemind-swarming-capability
AFOQT Webinar - Optimizing your AFOQT Wingman Experience
Wednesday, May 27 · 19:00 – 20:00
Time zone: America/Denver
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/uto-ojtv-kky
AFOQT Webinar - Optimizing your AFOQT Wingman Experience
Wednesday, May 20 · 19:00 – 20:00
Time zone: America/Denver
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/vum-zxsc-ots
Quick question for those who have been through this process already:
How do you approach multiple interview invites for the same aircraft/community when they fall on the same UTA weekend? Obviously, I can’t physically be at several places at once, so I was wondering how acceptable it is to respectfully request an alternate interview date from a unit.
I don’t want it to come across like the unit is not important to me, because every interview opportunity is something I’m extremely grateful for. At the same time, I also want to give myself the best possible chance of earning a pilot slot by interviewing at multiple places instead of turning others down for one interview that may not ultimately lead to an offer. Location is important but it's more important that I interview several places and receive UPT slot.
Would appreciate hearing how others navigated this professionally and respectfully.
Marines are now planning to retire all 4th gen hornets by 2030 and planning on fully being 5th gen with F-35s. Their plans call for 420 F-35s with 280 of them being the VTOL Bravo variant. Might be looking like more open cockpits that need filled!
https://www.military.com/marine-corps-to-retire-hornet-fleet-by-2030-in-shift-to-all-f35-fighters
