1685FCC

Thanks Serg! Dude I know what you mean man! Trust me that it will get worse before it gets better...LOL! So, is Wilkes going to Herks as well? I forgot all about that cat retraining. Take it easy bud and good luck down there man! Dave

Thanks Muff, for the advice and the great points. RZ, thanks for setting me straight...lol! Engineer from now on...lol! There is a lot of experience on this board and I enjoy learning and reading all your posts. Thanks again and god speed to you all! Dave

Damn Bob, you've been around a couple of days...lol! Thanks everyone for the words. Now I need to get my arse operational!! Dave

You know, I was thinking the same thing. I've been used to looking over my shoulder, and will be at least through indoc, but yeah, it will be wierd not having that extra safety buffer there, I guess. On the same hand, I kinda can't wait to get out there on my own and start proving myself to the rest of the crew.

Hey all. Finally, after two years of the retraining experience I've arrived and completed my initial checkride as a FE! Great feeling, but I know a lot of work remains; however, I'm going to enjoy this little victory! Just thought I would share. Have a good one everyone! Dave

Hey all, I have a gee whiz brake question here. The other I was told that the Navy has full system 3000 psi to the brakes unlike USAF aircraft that have 2030 psi to the brakes. Why do we limit our pressures? No big reason, just wandering why. The only thing I can think of is the possibility of leaks?? Have a good one! Dave

I thought Moldyhole and Eglin swapped out all the shadows?? How u doing Cebe?? 5828 and me go back a bit. That plane and me had a love/hate relationship when I had it...lol! I have the flag that was on 245 hanging in the garage here. Have a good one dude and I can't believe you couldn't find that light...geesh, jk dude!

last thing i heard was Dyess H1's to Little Rock and J's taking over for the 39th and 40th. Seems 53rd, 61st, and 62d will gain tails over the next few years and E's out the door. All subject to change and once again the rumor mill "churning"! Dave

Just thought I would share a little information. I am currently going through school here at LR for FE retraining and I've had the pleasure of having Mr. Sam McGoldrick as our instructor. He is getting ready to retire at the age of 71 and next week is his last of work. He told us a story today about a plane he was on that crashed in Kadena when #4 engine throttle cable broke and sent the engine to full power. The plane was tore all to hell and was deemed unrepairable (from what I've been told). The way he told the story was pretty amazing that no one was killed. The plane sounded like it was pretty well spent after all it went through. Anyway, I just thought if any of you out there would like to share any stories about Sam that would be pretty cool. He has over 50 some years of experience with the Herky Bird and I just think that is something amazing. Have a good one!! Dave

home Major! Very happy for the family! POW/MIA...Never forgotten, never!

check to make sure trunnion bolts and caps are tight. I see you have already changed the tires, so like another poster said to make sure that the treads are the same. Steering control valve could be the culprit, but normally it alwasy reverts back to the tires. Let us know what you find out. Dave

Patrick! I have decided to retrain as well and am currently getting ready to start SERE tomorrow. I start IQT at LR on the 19th of Feb and am currently assigned to the 61st AS. I've been in for 11 years all as a "Herkybird Chief". I know a couple people here that will be heading your way for instruction later this year or early next year for Kirtland FE training. This is a awesome board! I have taken a lot from here, so enjoy what everyone has to say. Take care and welcome! Dave

tells the whole story.

Been awhile since I've been on here, but thought I would share in this thread. I just graduated BFE back in October and one of the guys in my class had an Uncle that was a Loadmaster with the Desert One mission. I will have to get back with you on a name, but he has some burn marks from the mishap. The guy was telling me that his Uncle practically ripped the troop door off its tracks to get out of the burning Herk. Now with this information some of you might know who he is??? I'll be back with a name none the less. I will not forget the brave souls that truely had "The Guts To Try"! Good book by the way. Dave

Eric, I think you need to stay in as well man, besides if you make it to Little Rock you'll have to keep this young FE in check. You know, when I call out Hydro for a bullshit write up (never would happen, lol) and you can tell me to shut up and color and fly the damn airplane! I do agree though that times are really tuff right now and to get out w/o any guarantee jobs would be pretty scary in my book, especially after so many years of service. I know we've put up with some B.S. here, but at least we have a DEROS and can press on to try it again. I wish you luck though buddy in what ever decision you make. See ya around man! Dave

As well as the cannon plug in the bottom photo. Unless that long ass piece of s/w is attaching it from the 90 degree fitting across from it?? Dave

We have only one MC/P w/o IFR here at Mildenhall and that would be the only aircraft to get use out of it. IFR, stated earlier, negates the use of Benson Tanks. We only install them these days just to leak check them. There was talk of getting rid of most of them and leaving two or three, just in case, but nothing has happened as of yet. Dave

Yeah, they dozed that over late last year. They are building new officer housing and a new housing development is being built across the street. Beck Row is booming! Dave

Hey, still here at Mildenhall, have been for the last 4 years (almost, only have 3 months left). Things have changed a little the last few years. The new post office opened shortly after I got here as well as the new track, car wash, several buildings have been torn down and parking lots made. A couple of dorms were torn down, but the 352 AMU building still stands, condemned and all. The bird and hand is still running strong, but I don't know about Mickey's. He is still there, but buisness has been hard, I'm sure. The exchange rate has gotten much better here, but the COLA has dropped like a rock. Currently we are sitting about $1.47=1lb, better than $2.17! My time here has been ok, but I am retraining out of MX and heading to the operational side of the house. We are leaving in July and heading to Little Rock and the 61st AS, as an FE. My first class date is Aug 21st and I can't wait to get going. If there are any other questions just let me know. Have a good one! Dave

mathis051606 wrote: Yeah well, I\'m currently in QA so my days of mx liking me have been over for awhile now anyway. I told myself when I started this gig that I wanted to be the FE everyone didn\'t despise when I stepped to the aircraft. Time will tell, but I think I will be in good shape. I also wanted to add that I am heading to the 39th AS. If anyone has any contacts there I\'ll be glad to take them. Hope everyone had a great Christmas and here is to a great New Year! :woohoo: DaveB)

Update: I have been approved from AFPC and have a class date of August 21st 2009. I also got my first choice of assignment to DYESS AFB, TX!! Man I can\'t wait until I can get this training started. Hope you all have a great week! DaveB)

Steve, Thanks for the observation! You are spot on! I told myself when I do this thing I would never forget about the MX side of the house. I have known Engineers that treat MX like...well you get the picture. I have the utmost respect for every single person that puts on the uniform each morning. I have also looked into flying after the military and keeping all options open. Dan, Thanks for the advice man!! I\'ll keep that one in mind. DaveB)

Hey all, I just wanted to throw this out there that so far I have been medically cleared to pursue my cross training into the Flight Engineer career field. After 10 years of \"Crew Dawg\" work and making TECH I hit my wall and cross road at the same time. I still have the whole approval process yet from AFPC, but so far things look good. I am getting pumped up again about a new path in my career. Any and all suggestions, comments, and tips are very much welcome. I\'ll keep you all posted. DaveB)

I am going to stay in current time, well at least 9 years ago. My first was to Las Vegas in \'99. We were part of the \"Denton Airlift\" carrying food, clothing, and other supplies across the country. I believe from Vegas we went to Selfridge ANG base, Michigan. Nothing really exciting happened...except I went to my first STRIP CLUB, pretty cool, Lol! Good times back at the ROCK during those times. DaveB)

I would also piggy back on the 24 hour check valve. It sounds like it might be slow acting to reseat after engine shut down allowing hydro in the wings to flow back to the reservoir. Unfortunately the Utility check valve is a little harder to get to. You may have to pull the inboard L/R tub, but I have seen others with skill get that thing out w/o taking the tub. Also, like Dan said earlier, when that thing fails totally then you\'ll have more than a pan full of Hydro. One thing I\'ve seen from this board that the posters usually have legitimate questions. That is one of the reasons I like coming here because people are helpful and don\'t drop smart a$$ remarks. If you can help than give your two cents, if not then don\'t, it\'s that simple. My two cents, later on everyone!! DaveB)