You could always come to the U-2 program. You get jet PIC in the U-2 and ME jet PIC in the T-38. We still have the T-38 as our companion trainer. TDY schedule is managable and you can go cross country in the -38 about every weekend if you want.

 

Razor-
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. Plus, I could be the T-38 IP/OGV/SEFE type dude to finish out my UPT commitment. But don't tell anyone. I should know in about three weeks if my life is on track or if I'm packing my bags for the Army.

 

The T-6 is a single engine prop. While it is "turbine" time, it's not ME time. It won't be a problem if you finish in the AC IF you have enough ME PIC time in other aircraft. If you are low time in ME PIC, it may be a problem for some carriers.

The T-38 will be MUCH better for you, if you can get it. No issues there.

 

asupilot--I faced something similar about 10 years ago. The flesh peddlers had me penciled in for a predator. I was pushing hard to get to Beale on the U-2--but MPC would not release me to compete. So I found something else to do. If you look at Southwest's application, I think you'll find that SE turbine time won't hurt--they don't break out ME vs SE time. I haven't researched other airlines though.

 

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.

 

The tube food was "BAD" in 1968. We did not have a "relief" system in the suit - not even a diaper. Came home in pain, almost ankle deep, many times.

Absolutely right about the view. Wish we had digital cameras in 1968 - over Alaska at 70,000 with northern lights surounding you in "sheets of green light."

Also it will be the finest group of professionals you will ever work with in your life. The best USAF assignment I ever had.

The new U-2 cockpit is amazing. NASA is about to upgrade their WB (RB) -57F cockpit. There is even talk about new engines. This is what we lived with in the "old days."

 

Here's some free advice...worth what you paid.

Go to T-38s and work hard. Don't sandbag. Be ready for the U-2 or B-1 follow on. Do your PME. Don't be a d1ck to the boss--even when he deserves it. Take pride in training your guys...

Here are three possible outcomes if you do that...

--You go to airlines after your tour. But you walk out with your head held high after a job well done.

--You go to an ANG unit--because the ANG/Reserve trainees went home and talked you up to their home units

--You go on to a follow on assignment. You are STUNNED you stayed in, but based on professional and family considerations at the time it seemed like the right thing to do...

I did option 3. I NEVER thought I'd stay past my initial committment. But...there I was in 96...signing the bonus and hanging on for a few more years. Made O-5 in the ANG and had a great ride. I've met a lot of guys who THOUGHT they were bailing out suddenly find out that life had a different plan. Don't pee in your own fishbowl and mess things up for yourself--work hard every day and enjoy the ride. That way--whatever you do--you'll have some good options.

And if CBM wanted a 42 year old O-5 to show up and teach in a T-6 or T-38 I'd probably do it in a heartbeat. Instead--I think my F15 fini back in January will close that chapter for good...

 

Albief15-
I will be lucky to get the T-38C assignment...again. Things are crazy in ACC right now, especially for bomber guys. We have the "luck" of facing the likely possibility of an ALO or UAV assignment. I won't bore you with the details, but getting a white jet is equivelant to winning the lottery. In fact, I'd pay for the assignment. Still no words on the assignments yet. Big blue standard...everything will happen at the last possible minute. I'll let everyone know how it turns out for me. Hopefully I can weather the storm...

 

Could be worse, you could be sittin in Baghdad, oh no wait, that's me.