Who wants to be an NFO?

[Flathatter13]

The last time I checked, the crew flys and fights the aircraft. This would include enlisted aircrew in P-3's and helos. I would expect an attitude like this out of an Air Force UAV "pilot." So what is the difference between a kid that has 3000 hours playing Falcon 4.0 and a Predator pilot?

Not that I disagree at all with your statement.

I would however, distinguish the difference as the Predator pilot (maybe) has fired a real missle at something rather than just playing a computer game. Also when you crash a predator it actually cost money.

 

[phrogpilot73]

I can't believe that no-one else has commented on this...

My favorite line is the LCDR E-2C bubba that says "The pilot flies the plane, the NFO has a job INSIDE the plane."

 

[bunk22]

The last time I checked, the crew flys and fights the aircraft. This would include enlisted aircrew in P-3's and helos. I would expect an attitude like this out of an Air Force UAV "pilot." So what is the difference between a kid that has 3000 hours playing Falcon 4.0 and a Predator pilot?

NFO's don't fly P-3's, don't fly Hornets, they fly in them. They might be great officers, great at their job but to say they fly "X" aircraft is wrong. Not a big deal but it is what it is. I fly "in" a Hornet or in a P-3 would be correct. I'm not knocking NFO's so don't get all touchy feely on me. You might confuse me with someone who really gives a shit

 

[HAL Pilot]

We had this argument on airwarriors not to long ago. The pilots lost.

 

[phrogpilot73]

I don't see the big deal:
I have never heard a pilot ask an NFO what he flew "IN"
It is always: what do you fly?

I hate to agree with a triple-anchor window licker... But, I agree - I've never asked an NFO what he flew IN.

 

[Flathatter13]

I don't see the big deal:
I have never heard a pilot ask an NFO what he flew "IN"
It is always: what do you fly?

I think in the company of other pilots it is generally understood what the crew positions are. Most of us can read wings on a patch. :magnify_1
My wso always said he flew the F-15E and for sake of arguement a portion of that statement is true, the backseater does alot of the navigating and weapons control etc... probably very much like a prowler or 2 seat hornet crew.

But anywhere other than around pilots he would say he was part of the F-15E crew then explain what he does. Usually immediately afterwards pointing to me saying "he has the easy job of just moving the stick around."

 

[A4sForever]

I don't see the big deal:
I have never heard a pilot ask an NFO what he flew "IN"
It is always: what do you fly?

You are right: I only ask the NFO what he sleeps "IN" .... but then; I'm just trying to be kind ..... and would extend the same courtesy to any crewmember -- Officer or Enlisted, Aviator or NFO ...

 

[othromas]

My favorite line is the LCDR E-2C bubba that says "The pilot flies the plane, the NFO has a job INSIDE the plane."

I caught that too. Seemed like a very John Madden thing to say.

 

[a_m]

You might confuse me with someone who really gives a shit

Apparently enough to comment, though.

 

[bunk22]

Apparently enough to comment, though.

Ah, now thats the onion, isn't it? I really don't care but I will comment to bust balls, anytime, any chance. You might understand, one day, when you have wings........then you can join in. I of course don't ask what an NFO flew in, I just don't care enough

 

[HooverPilot]

[Good Natured ribbing]
oh gosh, what cliche' can I put in -

Self loading bagage?
GIB?
Ballast?

NFO's have a valid job but they don't fly the plane & they don't get traps. Of course most NFO's still count their traps, even if their in the back. (Congrats, you have had a pilot not kill you @ the boat 100 times!)

Smilies in effect!
[/Good Natured Ribbing]

 

[MasterBates]

Another reason C2's rock.

No Fo-Daddies.

(Yes Goober, I am aware of your desire to have me fly E-2s)

 

[bunk22]

Another reason C2's rock.

No Fo-Daddies.

(Yes Goober, I am aware of your desire to have me fly E-2s)

Wait until VAW-120, NFO heaven. Window lickers abound there my friend. God love 'em

 

[bunk22]

You guys can kiss my ass.

Right in the crack I bet

 

[Flying Low]

So then all aircrew can say they "Fly (insert A/C here)". My crewman always said they flew in the aircraft, not fly. I also doubt that growing up as a kid all those guys wanted to be a NFO. It beats being a shoe but come one. If all those guys had a million dollars then they would have gotten their eyesight fixed. Ok quick question. Raise your hand if after watching Topgun you wanted to be Goose.