Hello,
Been lurking for a couple days, reading anonymously for a couple weeks before that.
My name is Ernie & I'm currently employed by my Uncle Sam and have the privilege to fly the MC-130H Combat Talon II. Currently stationed at Kirtland AFB teaching young Jedis the intricacies of Terrain Following Radar and throwing a big ugly plane around at very low altitudes.
I've been flying Herks since flight school, did slicks for about three years and special ops since - including a tour with the RAF's 47 SQN (SF) (that was a hoot!).
Trying to ponder my future as I've only got about 4 yrs left in this gig & the airlines really hold little appeal for me (they make you fly way up high, don't seem to like NVG landings to blacked out assault zones, & frown upon maneuvers that might spill passengers' drinks!
). So I'm searching for alternate means to fulfill my flying habits & keep my wife in the manner to which she has become accustomed!
Seriously considering a Part 135 operation running C-47/DC-3 out west here. Been researching it quite a bit, but still unsure I can make a go of it. But if yer gonna go broke, might as well enjoy it, right?!
Anyway, I don't know very much about classic warbirds specifically (can probably answer most C-130 questions!), but I do love them. I was fortunate to be able to go to Duxford for the 60th anniversary of the BoB - what a sight! While stationed in the UK, I think I did Duxford at least 7 times - still not enough!
Hope to learn a lot here, so please be patient with my silly questions & hopefully someone will ask a Herk question from time to time to help my self esteem!