Getting your name painted on squadron aircraft

[helolumpy]

My last det we had 2 birds and 5 pilots. Not to screw the junior guy we didn't put names on the bird.
In HS-3 (RIP) we had pilots, aircrew and PC's on the birds. You had to be a HAC and have seniority. It screwed the NAVCAD since he was a rank junior to all the regular commissioning source folks.

 

[a_m]

It's a bit easier for VFA types (from what I've seen in most squadrons). I had my name on a jet before I showed up. If there's space for a name, a name goes on.

 

[bunk22]

I'

I've flown a plane with my name on it plenty of times. Probably due to the fact that while in a COD detachment, there are only two planes I saw that my name is on a T-45C, number 267. I have yet to even see aircraft 267, not even sure if it exists but I've seen the official aircraft/name list.

 

[HuggyU2]

Let's see some pics

 

[eas7888]

Let's see some pics

I like the paint scheme.

 

[AllAmerican75]

Let's see some pics

Out of curiosity, are the USAF's policies for painting names on the side of aircraft the same as the Navy's?

 

[bigfish]

Our squadron only has one aircraft with a pilot's name on it and it is proceeded by LtCol. No one ever really flies their aircraft anyway. As far as the "good to go" thing or earning it or whatever, I think it all depends on the squadron you are in I think West coast HMLAs put names on the birds but east coast really don't, well except the CO. By the way immediately following the COs name being put on the bird it was dropped into phase and didn't come up for about a month post phase!

 

[KBayDog]

bigfish,

1. Yes, West Sieed HMLAs put phat names on their whips.
2. A month post phase? You need to get yourself some new FCPs.*

*I'll send you my resume via PM, if your organization is hiring. My company, like many of our competitors, is downsizing...er, "rightsizing", as well as outsourcing work to a newer, younger labor pool from Bell/Textron. I am about to be a victim of this downsizing/outsourcing.

 

[phrogdriver]

Our squadron only has one aircraft with a pilot's name on it and it is proceeded by LtCol. No one ever really flies their aircraft anyway. As far as the "good to go" thing or earning it or whatever, I think it all depends on the squadron you are in I think West coast HMLAs put names on the birds but east coast really don't, well except the CO. By the way immediately following the COs name being put on the bird it was dropped into phase and didn't come up for about a month post phase!

My East Coast HMMs and VMMs always put pilots' names on aircraft, along with crew chief and first mechs. While composite, at least, our skid, 53, and Harrier dets did as well.

 

[HuggyU2]

Out of curiosity, are the USAF's policies for painting names on the side of aircraft the same as the Navy's?

USAF squadrons pretty much decide whose name goes on the jets. In our squadron, a list was made, the commander signed it, it was sent to maintenance, and the names were put on. Simple (unlike most things in the AF).