B-1b

[Huggyu2]

Questions and comments:
- I got a backseat sortie in a C-model at Moody. I loved the PMP, but the glass stuff seemed overkill for non-IFF training. I don't know that it really enhances that much. Plus, I hear that students are trained to land using the flight path marker now, and that landing without the HUD (like you do in the A model) is some sort of "special syllabus requirement" that students only do a few times. Comments?
- How would you like to fly an A-model with PMP? Seems like it would be a rock-and-roll sports car, with the higher thrust, and a weight lower than a C-model (BTW, what's the C weigh?) Do non-IFF pilots really need the glass?
- I saw the NASA jets 3 years ago. The seat had little padding, and felt like sitting on concrete. It looked like one of the canopies (the front, I think) used det cord, but the rear canopy still came off via the conventional method. The det cord makes it a 0/0 seat since there's no issue any more with canopy separation below 50 KIAS.
- What are the integration issues with the C-model? What I mean is, day-to-day, what mx pains do you get: cockpit displays freezing up? Poor intercom or radios? etc...

 

[talondriver]

I have almost 1500 hrs in the "A" but I prefer the "C". There was an initial resistance to using the magic by old "white jet" retired civilians and generals ("back in the ol' days" mentality) at AETC syllabus staff...but the customer thing prevailed. AETC is starting to think F-22 and beyond. We use the F-16 HUD symbology but have the option of switching to mil standard (F-22). We still require students to show proficiency in "pie in the sky" and "pencil method" and other ol' skool maneuvers but we can assess their performance accurately instead of hoping we're not violated. We can call up HSD mode (horizontal sit display) on the MFD and have the areas set up. There is no excuse for busting out of the area now. HOTAS was incorporated, we have UHF and VHF, EGI/INS etc. etc. Does aiming at the overrun vs. putting the thing on the threshold make a better pilot? I don't think so. Yes, there is a requirement for HUD off landings both normal and EP. It's even a requirement on the contact check. A lot of the young IPs are coming back from the CAF and we don't hear a lot of complaints (if any) from them about the current training...and these guys just fought in the war. Remember, our only customer in the '38 world is IFF (and sometimes bomber RTU) so we're training to their needs...or trying to.

You should see how we go "extended trail" nowadays .

 

[psysicx]

Huggy how often are the T-38 flights RON's?

 

[SIG600]

Huggy how often are the T-38 flights are RON's?

God make it stop!

 

[Fury220]

Huggy how often are the T-38 flights are RON's?

As far as I'm concerned, that's not even English.


To try to answer your question: Not many. One 4 or 5 hop XC weekend per student is a part of the syllabus here at KSPS.



Proofreading > you.

 

[talondriver]

That's totally sweet -- integrated 'chutes. I doubt I'll see it here at Sheppard for a while. Probably not during my tour here as a FAIP. I actually doubt that I'll see the PMP.

On that note, why would Moody IFF get the PMP first? That makes little sense to me, as they rarely go XC. That is, unless the mod offers a degree of durability and lowers the chances of compressor stalls. I dunno...

Moody IFF has always been at the top of the '38 pyramid. They got the C models first. PMP was never meant for XC. From what I hear, except for TOLD in the heat and Rockies, PMP doesn't give you any XC advantage. It doesn't add to the legs (it actually adds drag because of the new inlets). The guys say the only time it's noticable is during takeoff and it's not very noticable during the fighting.

 

[Slye]

Yeah, I heard the PiMP jets have a higher sea level static thrust but it actually has less thrust at higher altitudes than it did before. Not the best for fighting depending upon how high you are. Also, with the chute-integrated Martin Baker seats, I was told there will no longer be space in the seat pan to store XC bags, and the space between the seat and the floor will be gone as well. Man is that going to make packing interesting, unless you can get some pods.

 

[Fury220]

Yeah, I heard the PiMP jets have a higher sea level static thrust but it actually has less thrust at higher altitudes than it did before. Not the best for fighting depending upon how high you are. Also, with the chute-integrated Martin Baker seats, I was told there will no longer be space in the seat pan to store XC bags, and the space between the seat and the floor will be gone as well. Man is that going to make packing interesting, unless you can get some pods.

Ugh -- I can wait on the new seats then. I'll gladly trade lugging the 'chute out to the jet every day for a little extra XC packing space.

 

[psysicx]

Fury is it hard for IP's to pick up cross countries?

 

[Fury220]

Fury is it hard for IP's to pick up cross countries?

Not at all. Just make it known that you're willing (sts) and people will typically seek you out.

Don't forget that the '38 IP job is an ALPHA tour for most guys, meaning this is a nice tour for them to be home with their families, get some more schooling done, and generally chill out more than in the CAF. With that in mind, some dudes get sick of being gone half of the weekends each month...


...and that's where the single FAIP Mafia guys come in.

 

[GulfstreamSDL]

Pardon my ignorance on some of the military stuff, but as you speak of the need for runways >10K, is that for insurance in case of single engine operations??

On a side note, I go to school here at Arizona State (east) and live on campus at Williams Gateway - where 38s are getting the C upgrade..... Lots of Laughlin birds in the hangar right now.
BealeBoys and HO's used to come in here a lot on XC but their visits have died down a little these past months...too hot?

 

[Huggyu2]

Pardon my ignorance on some of the military stuff, but as you speak of the need for runways >10K, is that for insurance in case of single engine operations??

Don't apologize! Smart question, which is asked often. You are basically correct. When the density altitude is high enough, and the runway is short enough, there is a time on the takeoff roll when, should you lose an engine, you can't get it stopped, nor get it airborne, in the remaining runway.

The A-model jets at Beale and Holloman are limited at Willy in the summer, but as things begin cooling off in the coming weeks, you'll see them back.

 

[psysicx]

What company does upgrades at Williams? And could an IP take a jet out by himself on a xc?

 

[SIG600]

Hey Fury (or others)... are the making you guys RVSM compliant with the C upgrade?

 

[Fury220]

Hey Fury (or others)... are the making you guys RVSM compliant with the C upgrade?

I don't think so, but I bet Talondriver could speak better on it.

Altitude hold equipment? I wish.