Impressions of the C-17

[Heavy Set]

I have always admired the C-17 - it looks like a great airplane to fly with its short-field capability. I recently saw a flight-deck picture and I was impressed - nice EFIS and stick. Looks like a very comfortable cockpit as well - nice and wide for really long flights to Kabul or Iraq...

Just wondering about the flying impressions of those lucky pilots who are flying (or have flown) it. How does it compare with other MAC or airliner aircraft? Is it widely popular and difficult to bid among AF or ANG/Reserves pilots? Can you bid it out of Beechjet school and get it or do you normally have to wait for it.

Thanks!

 

[C40_Pilot]

C-17 is a sweet ride

Heavy,

I flew C-17's in Charleston and at Altus (the schoolhouse) for over 8 years. I'm currently flying the C-40, a BBJ used for VIP travel. There is a huge difference between basically the philosophies between the two types of aircraft. The C-17 was meant to be a combat aircraft. Much more redundancy and backed up systems. (13 total hydraulic pumps for example).

I think it is popular still among USAF heavy lifters. The stick is great, so is the Heads Up Display. You get to fly, like you said, assault landings plus air refuel, fly low-level, air drop, formation, combat--it really has a broad range of missions. (Just ask the pilots who were in a 9-ship on NVG's over Afghanistan).

Yes, you can bid a C-17 right out of UPT flying the Beechjet (T-1). I was lucky enough to fly the C-17 right out of UPT from the T-38. No waiting is required, it is bid like any other heavy lifter.

The C-17 is a great airframe. I hope she serves the pilots flying it now as well as she served me.

 

[MooseTrax]

I have to agree with the last post. As far as airlift goes it is the latest and greatest. If you are looking for the nice hotels and meals on board, then you need to build 3000 hours and fly the C-40.

 

[coexint]

C40_Pilot, Moose Trax......

I just got selected for OTS/SUPT and I have my sights set on the C-17.......how long did your, or does your first C-17 assignment last for? Do you have to bid a different airframe after your first assignment? What about becoming a C-17 instructor at Altus?
Thanks a lot......

David

 

[Nalo Boy]

My unit is about to transition to from c130h to c17. I plan on going in the initial cadre and would like to know what to expect. the unit is kicking and screaming about the conversion. I heat that the copilot duties and A/C duties are SOOOO different that you should become a copilot first ...then upgrade. INFO PLEASE

 

[MooseTrax]

Coexint:

C-17s are quite plentiful now as I understand. First assignment between 3-4 years. More than likely will do a second operational tour in the C-17 at another base or go to aaa UPT instructor billet. If you do two operation tours in a row, plan on Altus as a schoolhouse instructor or going to UPT instructor slot or UAV. If you do the UPT or UAV second, then back to an operational unit for the third assignment. If you wanted to I think it would be easy to stay in the C-17 for 9 years straight. Then expect the staff job. We'll talk about that in 5 years..............


Nalo Boy:

Most Guard/Reserve units are not sending their folks through the direct left seat program as you mentioned. It is a bit different, and as a traditional member your training in the direct left seat program will fade fast without a lot of proficiency flying. Trust me, simply taking off and landing via an instrument approach is rarely even addressed, we just expect it to be to such a level that we can focus on the tactical stuff and air refueling. With that being said, I would go to the copliot course, then your unit will have to put you on orders again to go to AC school (more full time days), that is if you are a part timer. Great airplane and great mission. It will be a sad day when I have to leave all the glass behind. I can't imagine flying in a round dial cockpit anymore after having all the bells and whistles.

Good luck to you both. There are a lot of great airplanes out there with very fun and interesting missions. Don't be fooled, there are are some not so great missions/deployments, etc. All flying jobs have them. I assure you will be amazed to see a 450,000 lb. airplane do an assault landing on a 4.5 to 5 degree glidepath and stop in about 3,000' on a 94' wide runway.

Regards,

 

[coexint]

Moose:

So what are the possibilities of incuring a staff job in a 10 year AD stretch? I wouldn't care about flying the C-17 for 9 years. It would be nice to see what other airframes/deployments are like. What has your career been like so far? Are you AD? What is UAV? Sorry for the boat load of questions, but this really helps!

David

 

[learherkjay]

If you want to get more flying time, practice flying skills on rmi and mechanical hsi, lose your hearing, and carry 5 pallets TACC could care less about, you'd be much better off flying the HERK!!!

 

[MooseTrax]

learherkjay,

got all that in the T-37 tour, hearing loss, rmi only, etc. As far as flying time, I have averaged 350 hours per year in the C-17. Guys at the operational level are getting lots more though. Flying the C-17 definitely will cause you basic flying skills to diminish if you don't force yourself to practice, but the good thing is all glass time, FMS, and HUD. I will admit, I do not miss dealing with TACC on a daily basis.


coexint,

I have flown for over 9 years straight. If I want to make Lt. Col. I should really do a staff job next, but I could keep flying too. UAV = unmanned aerial vehicle. I am active duty.

 

[coexint]

Why is it that you are only averaging 350 hours per year in the C-17? Why is your current tour different than that of a pilot on an operational level?

 

[MooseTrax]

As a schoolhouse instructor you will average less, but it is all instructor/evaluator time. During normal ops tempos (non-war/conflict time) you will average 350-400 hours. If you have an office job, less depending on the paperwork required.
Regards,