The Pilot Training Machine Part III: Pilot Instructor Training

The Pilot Training Machine Part III: Pilot Instructor Training

If the general public was to perform a Google search for “USAF Pilot Training”, almost all of the search results would be from the four main pilot training bases; Laughlin, Vance, Columbus or Sheppard Air Force Bases. What is often lost in most media that covers pilot training is the instructor training program that makes safely training […]

High Threat Close Air Support (CAS): Myth or Reality?

High Threat Close Air Support (CAS): Myth or Reality?

In a recent War on the Rocks article by Col. Mike “Starbaby” Pietrucha, the author argues that using airpower in a high threat Close Air Support role is a myth and not as practical as using land based or sea based precision artillery. If you are the Air Force, what do you do when you your […]

Is US Military Aviation on the Brink of Total Failure?

Is US Military Aviation on the Brink of Total Failure?

A recent article in Aviation Week and Space Technology highlights a growing concern that the cannibalistic effects of sequestration and the high tempo of combat operations of the last decade have created a dangerous situation for US military pilots.  The article noted that from the end of May to the first week of June, 6 […]

Is the CIA in a State of Disarray?

Is the CIA in a State of Disarray?

The operational tempo of the CIA’s Counter-Terrorism Center (CTC), like that of U.S. special operations forces (SOF), has been intense over the past fifteen years, and significant turnover of leaders and mid-level officers has probably contributed to a feeling of inadequate leadership at times.

Ejection Seat Alternative for F-35 a Possibility

Ejection Seat Alternative for F-35 a Possibility

The US Air Force is looking into the possibility of replacing the Martin-Baker ejection seat on the F-35. Defensenews.com is reporting that the United Technologies ACES 5 model is under consideration. Air Force Lt. Gen. Arnold Bunch, the service’s top uniformed acquisition official, confirmed the service’s interest in the ACES 5 design. “We believe it is prudent to […]

Ejection Seat Alternative for F-35 a Possibility

Ejection Seat Alternative for F-35 a Possibility

The US Air Force is looking into the possibility of replacing the Martin-Baker ejection seat on the F-35. Defensenews.com is reporting that the United Technologies ACES 5 model is under consideration. Air Force Lt. Gen. Arnold Bunch, the service’s top uniformed acquisition official, confirmed the service’s interest in the ACES 5 design. “We believe it is […]

FAA Releases New Rules Regulating Small Commercial Drones

FAA Releases New Rules Regulating Small Commercial Drones

Today John S. Duncan, Director of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Flight Standards Service issued an Advisory Circular detailing new rules designed to regulate and phase in small commercial drones.   Read the full AC No: 107-2 here. It is a first step in the government’s efforts to properly regulate and harness the explosive growth in commercial drones.  […]

Russian SU-34’s Escalate Tensions between Moscow and US

Russian SU-34’s Escalate Tensions between Moscow and US

In a new twist between Russia and the US for the ongoing control of the campaign against ISIL in Syria, Russian warplanes bombed U.S. backed Syrian rebels near the Jordanian border on Friday. Pentagon officials say the Russian intervention from two SU-34 Fullbacks caused the U.S. to divert armed aircraft to the scene of the strike. Moscow […]