Air Force Refueling and Atlas Air

[CCDiscoB]

Not to mention that you can't fly it across the NAT without a tanker...

I don't believe that. You're telling me the C-17 can't cross the North Atlantic without a tanker, why because of of HF or fuel range?

...all the money the government throws away... and they decide to try and save some on things like this??

I think its a great idea. If they want to throw money at a project, let the airlines catch it. I'd like to see World throw their hat into this project.

 

[Jafo73]

The C-17 has TERRIBLE range...

 

[hesham1]

the c-17 can make it eastbound depending on where it departed from, as long as its not fully loaded with cargo. westbound normally come back with minimal cargo so it doesnt need to hit a tanker.

the biggest problem with the C-17 is that it cruises too slow for the NATS (.76 or .78 depending on what theyre filed at) and therefore they get held down at lower altitudes which screws the fuel thing even worse

 

[MarineGrunt]

Does anyone work for or know anyone that works for Omega? I noticed under the 'employment inquiries' that they do not have "defined benefits" or "monthly guarantee of work." I'm wondering if this would be decent side job for a regional/guard type on the days off.

 

[KCPilot]

Does anyone work for or know anyone that works for Omega? I noticed under the 'employment inquiries' that they do not have "defined benefits" or "monthly guarantee of work." I'm wondering if this would be decent side job for a regional/guard type on the days off.

From what I understand, they are contract pilots and when the Navy has money, you work. Otherwise you don't get paid.

 

[TWA]

Does anyone work for or know anyone that works for Omega? I noticed under the 'employment inquiries' that they do not have "defined benefits" or "monthly guarantee of work." I'm wondering if this would be decent side job for a regional/guard type on the days off.

I was able to confirm (kind of) that almost all of the pilots are ex KC-135. Most of these guys are retired from the real world and are doing this because they want to, not because they need the money. And when I say ex KC-135, we're talking former SAC guys, not people that necessarily retired in the past 5 years. In short, some old guys that said "we can fly tankers again? sweet!" The one problem that will prevent most civilian guys from getting hired is you are required to have a B707 type before being hired. Good luck with that one. This info may or may not be correct, so don't hold me to it. Just what came through the grape vine on my end.

 

[bustinmins]

I think we may need to revamp the duty/rest rules if we're going to even look at this endeavor.

 

[bustinmins]

Ahhh... I see it now. Take off with max cargo, light on fuel and then schedule a tanker to fill up so that you can make the trip with more cargo.

That would have a significant impact on the long haul routes. This will be interesting to see how this pans out.

 

[CCDiscoB]

Take off with max cargo, light on fuel and then schedule a tanker to fill up so that you can make the trip with more cargo.

No kidding, how would that reclear flight plan work?