Category Archives: USAF

The B-47

Posted on 18/02/2013 by Bobo

This is a B-47, on take-off: I first saw them fly at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ (Tucson.)  They were loud and smokey, even without the JATO (jet assisted take off) bottles. While the B-47 takeoff is impressive, I would have liked … Continue reading →

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The Ramey AFB O’Club Pool

Posted on 18/02/2013 by Bobo

This is the pool at the Ramey AFB Officer’s Club: I wouldn’t have a clue who any of those folks are, but I sure recognize the pool, the eating area and the bar!  For the better part of 3 years, … Continue reading →

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On My Way to Work…

Posted on 17/02/2013 by Bobo

This is what it looked like when I was on my way to work; It looks like a departure off Rwy 32R at Randolph AFB, TX.  The gear retraction “may be” a “bit soon,” but Gawd, was it ever FUN!  … Continue reading →

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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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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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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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K2Bs?

Posted on 24/01/2013 by Bobo

I hadn’t heard of”K2B’s” either, until I entered pilot training in 1970.  This was the designation of our flight suits at the time.  They were sage green, made of poplin; lightweight and comfortable. These K2Bs weren’t the most ‘stylish,’ but … Continue reading →

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