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Enthusiast Joined: Aug 02, 2006 Posts: 62 Status: Offline

Hello!
One thing has bothered me for a while. Well actually I'm pretty sure that there are differences between air forces but I decided to ask it anyway. I've seen pilot's names on USAF fighter jets quite often. Like here: http://www.airliners.net/photo/USA---Ai ... 310755/L/2
Are these planes their "personal jets" or is it just for a show?

I'd guess that during briefings pilots are given orders which plane is available for the mission. And it means that there are no individual jets for anyone.

Or am I completely wrong? I'd like to hear your opinion too!

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The typical USAF fighter squadron has around 20 jets and around 35 to 40 pilots assigned and attached (i.e Wing staff )
Generally, it's the most senior pilots assigned to the squadron that get their name on a jet.

Pilots fly what ever jets are programmed into the schedule. Jets are rotated through the flying schedule for maintenance purposes and to more evenly distribute flight hour accumulation. Flying "their" jet usually has no consideration when building the schedule.

Enthusiast Joined: Jun 03, 2006 Posts: 49 Status: Offline

Well the pilots have their names on jets as you can see in numerous pictures. They do sometimes fly "their" planes if it is on the flying schedule and if the jet has the same config that he is going to fly, if its easy to do a tail swap, they might do it. Crew chiefs usually crew their jet all the time, its kind of a the more you work it the more you know your own jet, and pilots like to sometimes stay with their crew chief cuz they can get more info or feel more comfortable. I've probably launched my jet with my pilot only a handfull of times.[/url][/list][/list]

Enthusiast Joined: Jun 03, 2006 Posts: 49 Status: Offline

Well the pilots have their names on jets as you can see in numerous pictures. They do sometimes fly "their" planes if it is on the flying schedule and if the jet has the same config that he is going to fly, if its easy to do a tail swap, they might do it. Crew Chiefs usually crew their jet all the time, its kind of a the more you work it the more you know your own jet, and pilots like to sometimes stay with their crew chief cuz they can get more info or feel more comfortable. I've probably launched my jet with my pilot only a handfull of times.

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Forum: F-16 Procedures

Pilots and their fighters