Originally Posted by buzzpat

That's the one thing I miss about the Air Force...hard work, commitment, integrity meant you rose above your peers. You weren't just a number. OTOH, being just a number has its merits also.

Originally Posted by Thunderbirds CO in AOPA

“Would you guys melt if you got past the city limits sign?” I asked. “Pretty much. We get to deal with the Tasers,” joked Lt. Col. Greg Moseley, commander of the 119-person U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron.

Since recruiting was limited mostly to Las Vegas in 2013, could we see an Elvis impersonator one day as team boss? “I’m hoping,” Moseley said. “I wish I could grow out those sideburns. If I could, I think I’d be a big hit.”

Thunderbird personnel have been to Las Vegas schools so often they are on a first-name basis with some of the students. “To be completely honest,” Moseley said from his office at Nellis Air Force Base, “probably the guidance counselors and principals got to the point where they were like, ‘Will you guys please leave? You’ve been here every week!’”

Enlisted personnel ended up checking passes at the front gate of Nellis Air Force Base and conducting base housing inspections. “I told my staff to put a person in a Thunderbird uniform on every corner at Nellis and find me a way to support the Nellis installation.”

All members of the U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Team were encouraged to take classes. Most were aimed at career advancement, but not all. Thunderbird 5, lead solo pilot Maj. Blaine Jones, got a master’s degree in bakery science and management—the family business he left to join the air force. You can see him talk about it on YouTube.

From April 5 to July 23 the Thunderbirds practiced the ground portion of their show and pilots were allowed to start up and taxi down the runway, but not to take off. “We joked around and called it the elephant walk,” Moseley said. “We taxied at less than 15 knots.”

Originally Posted by Bucking Bar

So, what have the Thunderbirds been up to this year?
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I know that is not what the Thunderbirds would have preferred to be doing.

Originally Posted by GunshipGuy

As do those that flew transports with big stinkin' guns on the left side that turn terrorists into little bitty pieces of dog food.

Originally Posted by TOGAANG

Everyone that I know who has not made it was because of the interview. The numbers I've seen are 8/9 and 6/8 hired. There have been a few others not hired but not sure of the class size. Those not picked are of both backgrounds, military and civilian.
That is why I posted about watching your attitude. Personally regardless of your background I believe we are all competent enough to pass the GK and COG test, but the interview is 100% based on your personality. It's not black and white.

Originally Posted by Catboatsailor

On the application, in regards to instrument approaches "flown", would you include those flown during your Recurrent Proficiency Check? I'd like to think the hand flown single engine ILS, non-precision, CAT II's would be worth something.
Thanks in advance

Originally Posted by Tumbleweed

I'd say those could be logged.

Originally Posted by hockeypilot44

Are they interviewing any SSP Endeavor pilots without college degrees? Just wondering if that vault letter actually existed.

Originally Posted by One Up

we deserve it after all we've been through.

Originally Posted by One Up

Dude, not to burst your bubble but I can tell you that DL WILL hire 90% + from the SSP degree or not, bedsides, we deserve it after all we've been through. I'm still looking forward to my interview!!

Originally Posted by itsokimapilot

Hahaha, you almost made me spit out my beer. Almost. Let me know how that entitlement attitude works for you in ANY interview. Flame away, but, no one DESERVES anything in this career.