Originally Posted by
Ftrooppilot
Don't tell anyone, but one of the main reasons I want a T-38C so badly is so that I can acquire the necessary PIC to have the option to rush the U-2 program. For some weird reason, I think I'd like flying the U-2. . . .
Go home tonight and find the smallest closet in your house. Put an uncomfortable chair inside facing a small color TV (Screen pattern - no cable) Don a SCUBA wet suit or snowmobile suit, place a goldfish bowl over your head then walk into the closet with a straw and jar of liver baby food. Sit for eight hours in the dark, watching the screen pattern, suck the liver through a straw and every three hours pee down your leg. If you enjoy it, apply for the program.
AFter three years I decided that High altitude pressure suit flying gives you braging rights but it's dam unforfortable.
Been there, done that, got the T-SHirt. That's me 1968.
1. Agree with the small closet.
2. Use a confortable chair, but not one that reclines. (U-2 seat is very comfortable)
3. Use an HDTV tuned to Discovery HD. (the view out the window is awesome)
4. Fishbowl? tray a full faceplate motorcycle helmet.
5. Liver baby food?
Disgusting!! Tube food is much better than that how about applesauce?
After 12 years, over 300 high flights, and 2000 hours, I still think the U-2 program is great and I never get tired of the view. The suit takes some getting used to and it's not for everyone (which is why we put interviewees in it for a while), but it is tolerable. The tube food isn't bad...apparently, we have made some progress in that area since 1968. The cockpit is small, but not terribly uncomfortable. The missions are often long, but rewarding.
Good luck.