Category Archives: The Book

Flying “Tweets”

Posted on 14/02/2013 by Bobo

The T-37 was our primary jet trainer when I went through UPT (Undergraduate Pilot Training). It was built by Cessna, and served its function well as our primary jet trainer, at the time.  It may have been ‘slow,’ (in relative … Continue reading →

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UPT Student Critiques

Posted on 13/02/2013 by Bobo

As students finished up they were offered the opportunity to submit Flight Line Critiques.  I took over “O” Flight in the 25th FTS in Feb ’76.  The class we had at the time was about a third of the way … Continue reading →

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Perspective: UPT Operations

Posted on 07/02/2013 by Bobo

When I went through UPT (Undergraduate Pilot Training) in 1970/71, we had 11 pilot training bases.  In the late ’60’s, early ’70’s, we were producing around 2,500 pilots per year.  With a “wash-out” rate of nearly 50%, that meant taking … Continue reading →

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I Flew…

Posted on 07/02/2013 by Bobo
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What Will We Do with You Now?

Posted on 06/02/2013 by Bobo

In January 1984 I came out on the Air Force Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col.) list.  Shortly thereafter I was called into the Boss’s office after flying one day.  I really liked my commander at the time, Nick A., so I … Continue reading →

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Fighter Pilot Piano Player

Posted on 05/02/2013 by Bobo

FIGHTER PILOT PIANO PLAYER A ragged, old, derelict shuffled into a down and dirty bar.  Stinking of  stale whisky and cigarettes, his hands shook as he took the “Piano Player Wanted” sign from the window and handed it to the … Continue reading →

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From an OUTSTANDING to an Excellent – in 17 Seconds…

Posted on 03/02/2013 by Bobo

I took a Navigation check ride on 15 May 1984 as part of an Air Training Command (ATC) Headquarters Stan/Eval inspection.  At the time I was the Chief of Check Section in the 560th FTS.  I was tagged to fly … Continue reading →

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Leather Jacket Boys

Posted on 03/02/2013 by Bobo

We began to see a serious ‘pilot-retention’ problem in the USAF in the early ’80’s.  The airlines were hiring, and we were between “hot” wars.  With the Vietnam War over, we saw a lot of “warriors” leave the service, back-filled … Continue reading →

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The Story Behind ‘Major Two Dogs…’

Posted on 02/02/2013 by Bobo

After Clinton took office, his administration instituted several initiatives to mandate ‘cultural diversity’ within the federal government.  Well, fine… After a while it occurred to one of their ‘college boys’ that they had missed bringing cultural diversity to the AF … Continue reading →

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A View from the Back Seat

Posted on 24/01/2013 by Bobo

I had a great T-38 IP (instructor pilot) in pilot training – Capt. Rick Vaile.  One day I asked him if he would take my picture on final, from the back seat.  It was towards the end of the program; … Continue reading →

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