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I'd be interested to know was situation drove that kind of technique?

FastRope Insertion Extraction (FRIEs) Hoist victim out via litter, etc. PJs climb a Jacobs or caving ladder. If it's very time sensitive, they'll hook into metal rings woven into the rope and get "short hauled" to a tenable LZ.

16' 4" doesn't retract, and there's no extension. When we AR, the basket is actually under the rotor disk. As for LZ suitability, if you can't fastrope em' in/on, or FRIEs em' out chances are you're not landing in between buildings like the 60's or 6s'.

It is indeed true, the HH-47 is a go for the AF. The version they're getting will be a slightly modified model of the MH-47G. In fact, about a year ago one of our birds came off th Vertol line and made a detour to Nellis AFB for a month-long fly-off. The AF will probably opt for a different...

You ain't kidding. I found out the hard way that the purchase price is just the tip of the iceberg. I had a partnership in a T-34A, owned a Citabria, now a Cub. It's easy to buy a plane, 4 months later, you get the tax bill (several thousand dollars based on the sale price and state of...

We take off as a flight of 4 from an FOB (night), get about 30 minutes into the flight as WX deteriorates to about 500/1. The Flight lead calls a separation by time along the course (we're in canyons), chalk two slows to 100 kts, 3 slows to 90, etc. just as everyone reports established on course...

CDR Marcinko was indeed well respected by men who worked for him. He was a visionary and did much to advance the technology and culture that the Teams' benefit from today. However, his transgressions, and ultimately criminal acts somewhat tarnished his accomplishments. What can one say about...

Old 46D Crewchief 90-93. Now the black bus. Bigger doesn't always equate to better...if you were wondering.

Another traditional favorite true 6-seater is the Cherokee 6 (300 HP). Fixed gear, but 140kts with 3 adults, and you can get a nice one with a good panel for way under $150K. The Piper line will always come in behind the Cessna, and such, demand a higher price. If you read through any used...

If you are stuck on bonanzas, you should consider a Debonair. It's got the same engine, slightly different window configuration, and it was designed as an "Economy Bonanza" Also, a nice one can be had for about $60K Also, the Piper Commanche 250 shouln't overlooked. You can find a decent one in...

Thull, Please refrain from dispensing career advice...or associating yourself with any branch of the armed services. When you complete boot camp and can (intelligently) articulate the different roles and mission of Rangers, Force Recon, then feel free to provide helpful input to perspective...

Festo, I prefer the less demeaning "Two Palm Trees Having Sex in a Dumpster" label. You Hornet guys are so un-cultured. Hajii calls it the Black Bus of Death...

The only thing prohibiting the T-34A/B fleet from taking to the air is the $40,000+ AD or AMOC (alternate means of compliance), which is why most flying clubs are ridding the plane from their lines. I got out from under mine just in time! The air combat schools in GA and TX screwed all the other...

The Navy will indeed let you out of any contractual obligation if you get selected for any service's commisioning program. The one and only time I screwed the Navy; I re-enlisted for a (big) SEAL bonus in February, got 50%, and left for Army flight school in June. Got to keep the 50%. I don't...

Does anyone have any idea where I may get ahold of (purchase if need be)a CH-46D NATOPs. Since it's put of the inventory, I'm sure it's considered rare and collectable now, but if if you guys have any tips... Mike-

Any of you guys from NASNI or Camp Pendleton been to Imperial Valley airport lately? We're planning to stge out of the FBO there for a few days, and wondered about the facilities, service, etc. The information available on Airnav.com is scarce, and upon calling them, they of course said the...

I looked at getting my R/W CFI add-on in a R-22. Roughly $10,000, that's w/o MGIB. On top of that, if you're going to actually use that CFI in a Robinson, you have to attend the Robinson factory safety course in Torrance, CA for another $500 before anyone will insure you. By the way, R-22s' are...

Ft Campbell, KY: A/MH-6, MH-60K/L, MH-47E Savannah, GA: MH-60L, MH-47G Ft Lewis, WA: MH-47G, MH-60M

You're correct, you will retire at the highest grade attained. But if you make CW4/5 it may be a better deal than O-3. I can only say that our mission and they way we do business is completely different than Naval Aviation. Army aviation in general, our requirements, plus the added dimension of...

You can't imagine how many times that pipe dream has been revived for a year or two, then killed again. The bottom line is the Navy won't give up aircraft and crews to SOCOM. Even with SOCOM funding that's still a large number of pilots, crewman, amd maint folks taken out of the fleet system...

A few months ago, I saw we picked up a USMC CPT 46' driver at WTI who's now going through our pipeline (as a CW2). We also had a USCG (HITRON) LT who's now flying gunships, and a Navy LT who screened, but I don't believe got picked up. If you're willing to take a commision as a CW2(with CW3 in 2...

We've had an slot in the assault company for years that has gone unfilled for years precisely as Rotor stated. The AH-6 slot is always manned by a USMC MAJ. Yeah, I'm not sure what the Navy would get our of it except future policy makers with a vast understanding of joint special operations, not...

Would you believe we have the same navigation problems in the MH-47G? We have dual EGI(GPS)/ INS, Doppler, four-axis auto pilot, and the ability to couple TCN, GPS, ILS (even back crs), VOR, etc. Still, technically we aren't allowed to conduct GPS approaches in the terminal area because our data...

I think Gator and I joined forces on a discussion of forward firing GAUs some months ago. It briefs well and sounds pretty cool. However, I can tell you from experience,(As can the skid pilots) it takes weekly work on a range to be profficient enough to support anything (safely) more exacting...

It was stated intially that MARSOC would be supported by their own air assets. However, we were told that they are able to request our sevices as well. That's usually in CONUS anyway. Overseas, we carry whoever wants a ride.

As far as rotary wing support, this is what we've heard through our twisted, grapevine: As MARSOC is officially under SOCOM now, we will provide support to them in the same manner as we have our other "customers." The most likely scenario, is that Marine air will continue to provide the support...

Fly, The original design for the leg/drop holster was to facilitate transitioning from a malfunctioning primary weapon (rifle) to your life-saving secondary (pistol). A properly adjusted and fitted drop-holster should ride right about where your shooting naturally drops along the side eof...

Augua, I don't remember in the message (the first post in this thread) whether it stated that age waivers would be accepted or not. I'd try to contact the POC listed in the message first to find out how, and in what format an age waiver should be sought.

S.O.B., First off, having seen both the inner workings of the Navy and Army, no where in the idealistic, recruiiting process from West Point, ROTC, or OCS does it let perspective commissioned aviators know that they will receive their minimums before being shuffled off to a staff billet...

It would be prudent to talk to one of the CWO/LDO NFOs selected 5 years or so ago from the now defunct program where they took senior AWs and sent em' to Pensacola for their wings. I'm good friends with a couple, and while they may be the minority, they got their one good sea)flying) tour and...

All American, All I can say is that I pissed away the same opportunity you've been afforded (at a time when slots are increasingly competitive), and throughout 12 years on a SEAL Team, and 4 years as a military aviator I've regretted it every day of my military career since. For what it's...

Mc, I had an S-1S (one-holer) for awhile and absolutely loved it! There are, a couple of factors to consider. 1. There are a couple of different 2-seat models; If you aren't planning on trying to compete at the unlimited level, the S-2A is a good bargain ($45-50k), it just has about 60...

I've got a good friend who left ther Teams for Navy flight school the same time I left for Army flight school. He's now flying Hornets for the USMC, and blends pretty well I hear cuz' he doesn't wear anything but his wings, Naval parachutist wings, and scuba insignia. As for anyone other than...

All American, Take a gander at my profile, PM me, or email me at work with your questions. I can pobably point you in the right direction. rutledgem@soar.army.mil-

Sounds like the Navy/USMC would be well served by re-incarnating the CH-53(X). I frequently work with the AFSOC MH-53Ms, who on a a hot/high day can't even move themselves out of the way. I have seen them infil a 10-man element...with 5 aircraft in OEF. In addition, they AR (air-refuel) twice...

For you Stallion guys...what's the max GWT on those things anyway? Also, do you always have all three engines up and running, or just as the load demands to save gas?

Florala did have some good chow, but I always liked the chick with the tank top in the golf cart...with the tatoo on her lower back...who when she spoke removed all possibility that she was working on her thesis after hours.

I guess it depends on what you consider a "good" story. I will tell you that I suffered from several months of culture shock after transfering over. The flying is great, but if you haven't grown up in the Army culture, it takes some getting used to. As for stories I lived in Coronado for 12...

For the Navy to fund a dedicated attack helicopter, it would probably take a demonstrated instance (or several) of side mounted weapons not being able to accomplish the mission. As for the MH-60L (DAP), extremely capable dedicated gunship. But, it's just that, a gunship. DAP pilots are on the...

Chuck, You hit the nail exactly. We don't advertise the inter-service recruiting. There's not much need with so many Army pilots to draw from. Total times and NVG hours aren't the sole deciding factor. We place a high value on personality, ability to adapt to stress and changes in a combat...

Gator, That's for the regular Army, you are assessing for direct assignment to the 160th SOAR. This just came about the last 6 months or so. There's been a couple of USMC skid guys with another HS pilot enroute so I hear. If you know anyone who's interested I'll send them in the correct...

There aren't any exchanges going on with Navy helo guys (only one USMC Cobra exchange), but I saw a Navy and USCG LT assessing a month ago. I have no idea if they made it or not, but we've been taking inter-service transfers on a case-by-case basis.

Fellow Aviators, I left San Diego in 02', but does anyone know if MCAS Mirimar retained the VAW (E-2C) squadrin that was stationed there. If so, any idea where I could find a duty number? I've called all over Mirimar, and the Marines haven't been able to confirm or deny that they (E-2Cs)...

MB, I will add a couple of closing comments. From what I've seen I will (painfully) say that Navy/Marine helo guys have an easier time transitioning to the commercial environment. This is because Army installations are so damned big that a pilot could spend his first tour (pre 9-11) and...

MartinBaker, A civilian employer (EMS, off-shore, heli-tours, etc) drive their hiring minimums soley on what will allow them to insure their aircraft and organization most cheaply, which currently is about 3,000TT, 1500 PIC (very round figure). Day for day, an Army Warrant will have more...

Yet another perspective that's been promulgated (at least in the military) is that since the hoist is on the right side, the pilot sits in the right seat to maintain visibility of hoisting operations/survivors.

Skid (or anyone else), if you want an electronic copy of the Joint Rotorcraft Handbook, send me a military email address and I'll fire it off to you. rutledgem@soar.army.mil

Guys, Thanks for the inputs. We used to conduct underways pretty frequently prior to 9-11, but not so much anymore. The only reason we keep our currency is because the boat is the preferred home base for the "customers." (i.e. USS Kittyhawk) We have been put in stbd D several times (LHA)...

Guys, I thoroughly enjoy sifting through the banter on here every couple of days, but now I actually have a legitimate question that can only be answered by a real, live Naval Aviator. Myself and the other pilots in my unit were reviewing shipboard (CV/LHA) procedures for an upcoming...