<p>SAD DAY IN THE AF</p>
<p>To add onto the conversation on how outside factors will effect your path. All of the T-38’s are being grounded. They have lost their 2nd plane in 8 days, yesterday it was at Sheppard (ENJJPT), the other was at Columbus.</p>
<p>The saddest part is typically they have students in the plane, sometimes it is older guys (gray beards converting back into the jet and getting their instructor rides), but usually it is the Lts.,</p>
<p>No names have been released.</p>
<p>When they ground them it does put the class behind the 8 ball b/c they are usually grounded for about 2 weeks, and the funny thing about jets is if they aren’t flown for awhile they typically break down, which causes more delays.
Also, they will have to give the first few rides to the instructors, which will delay the class some more. No fear though in the end they will just double turn more to get the rides through on time…harder for students because they are being pushed a little faster, but also better since in a few months when they are operational they will have to endure the long days of double turning. Also they might find themselves at FTU being double crewed like Bullet did(too many pilots and not enough WSO’s, so he had to fly ea flight with 2 different pilots) and that is also very tiring.</p>
<p>Everyone say a prayer tonight for our fallen brethren. May their family find peace in this sorrowful time. Many people look at the missing man formation in beauty and awe, from someone who has endured watching them several times, it is something that will forever change your life. I have always said the reason they do it, is to muffle out the screams of the wives as they fly over. Please know that as morbid as this maybe, the unity within the squadron is amazing, even down to the fact that every flyer in flightsuit will place their nametag upside down for the day. </p>
<p>May we all tell our loved ones who are willing to serve that we love them…life is too short!</p>