Is Altus as bad as it sounds

[skibum11]

I have recently been sponsored by a KC 135 unit and was wondering what I can expect when I go to altus. I was also curious to see how you guys who fly a 135 like it and if it helped you get on an airline without having to go to a regional

 

[Mooseflyer]

I have recently been sponsored by a KC 135 unit and was wondering what I can expect when I go to altus. I was also curious to see how you guys who fly a 135 like it and if it helped you get on an airline without having to go to a regional

Bring something to do.......and your gym clothes.

PS - congrats on getting sponsored. Wish I would have known about the Guard/Reserve before I went on active duty.

 

[Phrogboy]

Ski,

Congrats on your acceptance into one of the best deals in aviation. The road before you is going to be very rewarding... and challanging.
Hate to break it to you, but Altus will be a cake walk.... after you finish UPT. I am currently at Vance AFB going through the T-1 program, which judging by your experience, you will be here too. Air Force flight training is a little more intense than civilian. I am sure that is what you expect, but from what I have seen from students with the same qualifications as you, you will be frustrated. You will not necessarily have problems getting through, but you are going to have to learn a whole new thought process that may not always seem the most logical at first... and sometimes never. They do not make it easy, so be prepared. Get your hands on as many pubs as you can and begin studying early. Start with systems and emergencies for the T-37, then go from there. The KC-135 is still a ways away I would bet, so start with the basics. Best of luck, and feel free to PM me with any questions.

 

[skibum11]

I know to take it a step at a time and I would like to find out more info and start studying for upt. Is there anywhere where i can find a systems and emergency manual for the T-37. Thanks, for the help

 

[Gatorman]

Born and raised in Lawton / Ft. Sill (just a couple clicks away)...like the man said, Bring something to do.

 

[C-5 MEM]

No More Altus

I just finished training at Atlus in Oct. I thought I would never go back, but I did for C-5. When you check in try and get building 76 or 78. They are the new buildings with new furniture. Also stated, take some gym clothes. Nothing to do except go to scooters on 25 cent beer night.

 

[Nalo Boy]

Aw man, never been there but going to c17 PIQ in a couple of months. Were in conversion. Anybody got any gouge?

Appreciate it.

 

[coho92]

The only good thing about Altus is that it has the same letters as Tulsa. Take the gym clothes and get that beach body back. As far as entertainment goes, I always spent my weekends in OKC or Dallas. The gym used to be open 24/7 and the club was the place to drink during the week. After my 4 visits I thank the aviation gods that I shouldn't have to go back. C-17 gouge look into www.dash-2.com. Peace out

 

[keydet96]

Live on base...walk to the golf course and play everyday (unlimited play for 50 bucks a month)....drink lots of beer at Charlie's.
Oh yeah, study some and go to class too.
For now, enjoy your free time. There will be plenty of opportunity to study pubs when you get to UPT.

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

The only good thing about Altus is that it has the same letters as Tulsa.

And that's good why???

 

[RJP]

Seems you're getting ahead of yourself with this one. First worry about getting to UPT in one piece. Second, pass UPT. THEN, you can worry about the nightlife at Altus-By-The-Sea.

It could always be worse.....

 

[Purple Haze]

Congrats Skibum. No, Altus isn't that bad. It is a great place for training because there are NO distractions (unless you consider wind to be a distraction).


Focus on doing well in UPT -- Altus will be a cakewalk in comparison. Good luck.

 

[GasPasser]

Life as a -135 tanker pilot

I can't comment on Altus, I went to Castle for my -135 training, A-model no less. Proving that the engineers were right, you can burn water and make thrust! I also got to see the end of the runway go under the nose just as the mains left the ground on T/O.....now there's a thrill!



Anyway, I've been in the tanker a long time, life is good in the guard/reserve as a 135 pilot. In my opinion it's the best deal. You get to see the world, spend a little time in some cool locations (more time than my C-series T-tail brethren), you get some tax-free time now and then, some international flight experience, and you are building ME heavy turbine time which is great for the future airline career. Plus, with the guard/reserves, you have it as a safety net and an extra source of income during the lean early years in the airlines. Like some of the others said, take things one step at a time, focus on getting through UPT. Good or bad, you are only in Altus for a few months. Congrats, and have fun dude!