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MC-12 Flying

Old 08-02-2010, 11:06 AM
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Default MC-12 Flying

It looks like they're starting to advertise for some six-month rotations flying the MC-12. Without going into too much inappropriate detail, what has been the experience of those who are currently flying the MC-12? Is it a positive or negative one? Are you living in tents on the deployments? You can PM me if that works better. I'm being offered one of these gigs to Afghanistan. I'm a rated recallee working at one of the AOCs in Ramstein.
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Old 08-02-2010, 11:54 AM
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Oh NO! Not tents! Oh, the inhumanity....
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Old 08-02-2010, 12:39 PM
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Is it just for active duty, or ANG/USAFR guys as well?
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Old 08-02-2010, 02:41 PM
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My buds who have flown/are flying the MC-12 rave about it and its mission. The troops they're supporting on the ground have only one complaint - not enough of them. Lots of combat hours in a 6-month stretch, doing the business, and making real impact on the ground for the people who need it. Training at Huntsville - that will change in the future as the MC-12 finally beds down - then 6 month deployment, right back to where you are now. Better way to down a deployment than sitting behind a screen in the 'Deed, for sure.
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Old 08-04-2010, 04:12 AM
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Chris I wrote you a huge PM and my computer ate it.

Had a few folks at my last base go, I was interested in program and pumped for info both while deployed and after they returned. The very short version: although they had originally applied for and were accepted as initial cadre (i.e. permanent) to the program, both elected to return to their previous aircraft when done with deployment. Living conditions were AOR standard, hard billets with roommates, nothing horrible, nothing fancy. Assuming you've deployed won't be any kind of surprise. They flew a lot, felt like it was some important stuff. Keep in mind, the 12 was developed to augment the UAV fleet--they spent a lot of time orbiting sand.

On a personal note, there's nothing particularly hard core about it. There was a lot of rumint that you'd be shooting stuff, far as I know it went no where. Still, I think it's a cool idea, I like the idea of learning a completely new plane, then flying it a lot in a hot zone. As Wuzzo said, it beats the hell out of a lot of the other deployment "opportunities" out there. To me the only real downside of this particular deployment is that when you add on the training you're gone close to 8 months.

I seem to recall you were a Netjets guy so doubt it matters but the training nets you a type rating and ATP (true as of a year ago anyway). That's something.

If I were facing a deployment, I jump on one. Seeing as I'm not...I'm not. My wife has made clear her policy on me and voluntary deployments. But my commander knows I'm interested/willing.

If you want more, drop me a PM
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Old 08-04-2010, 04:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Sputnik View Post
Chris I wrote you a huge PM and my computer ate it.

Had a few folks at my last base go, I was interested in program and pumped for info both while deployed and after they returned. The very short version: although they had originally applied for and were accepted as initial cadre (i.e. permanent) to the program, both elected to return to their previous aircraft when done with deployment. Living conditions were AOR standard, hard billets with roommates, nothing horrible, nothing fancy. Assuming you've deployed won't be any kind of surprise. They flew a lot, felt like it was some important stuff. Keep in mind, the 12 was developed to augment the UAV fleet--they spent a lot of time orbiting sand.

On a personal note, there's nothing particularly hard core about it. There was a lot of rumint that you'd be shooting stuff, far as I know it went no where. Still, I think it's a cool idea, I like the idea of learning a completely new plane, then flying it a lot in a hot zone. As Wuzzo said, it beats the hell out of a lot of the other deployment "opportunities" out there. To me the only real downside of this particular deployment is that when you add on the training you're gone close to 8 months.

I seem to recall you were a Netjets guy so doubt it matters but the training nets you a type rating and ATP (true as of a year ago anyway). That's something.

If I were facing a deployment, I jump on one. Seeing as I'm not...I'm not. My wife has made clear her policy on me and voluntary deployments. But my commander knows I'm interested/willing.

If you want more, drop me a PM
Thanks for the reply. I decided not to volunteer, but I'm still on the very short list for being chosen anyway. Yeah, I'm furloughed from NJs, so I already have my ATP. I'd love to be flying again though.
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Old 08-04-2010, 01:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Sputnik View Post
the training nets you a type rating and ATP (true as of a year ago anyway). That's something.
If anyone is contemplating trying for the ATP at MC-12 training, make sure you get the ATP written done before you go!
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Old 08-04-2010, 03:44 PM
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Originally Posted by TBoneF15 View Post
If anyone is contemplating trying for the ATP at MC-12 training, make sure you get the ATP written done before you go!
Smart man right there!
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Old 08-05-2010, 02:42 AM
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Any recent gouge on if Flight Safety is letting fighter guys with a centerline-restricted commercial get the type and the ATP?

The Flight Safety policy on this has changed at least once, and I've heard different stories from people who have been there. The last written policy I read said that they were not.
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Old 08-05-2010, 05:00 AM
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Originally Posted by Hacker15e View Post
Any recent gouge on if Flight Safety is letting fighter guys with a centerline-restricted commercial get the type and the ATP?

The Flight Safety policy on this has changed at least once, and I've heard different stories from people who have been there. The last written policy I read said that they were not.
I'll ask my buds, but I don't think it's been an issue. Don't see why it should be - took one ride in a Seneca to remove the CL restriction from me.
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