You've got to be kidding?
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I know that's a bit old, but initial training takes a few years these days. I also understand that, in the AT world, they generally have to spend a tour as co-pilot before getting captaincy too!
Maybe when MFTS gets going they may be able to cut down on time-in-training and pilots will be able to become operational slightly sooner. Whatever the case, we do have Tornado captains who are much younger than 26!
Maybe when MFTS gets going they may be able to cut down on time-in-training and pilots will be able to become operational slightly sooner. Whatever the case, we do have Tornado captains who are much younger than 26!
Below the Glidepath - not correcting
Bit of a fetish on this site recently for equating age and experience with proficiency. I have nearly been first to arrive at the smoking hole in the ground courtesy of a 21 year old baby who knew nothing, and a 48 year old grizzled veteran who knew better. Luckily, I was ready for both of them on the day, trust nobody, check everything.
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Is it true that we have 26 year old C17 captains?
I very much doubt it- Firstly, there would be no need for 26 C17 Captins, and at a year old I doubt they would be halfway through learning to walk, let alone flying a multi-engined tactical airlifter
I know some of the co's these days don't look much older and don't speak as well, but at least they can sit in their seats without dribbling 
, saying that... where does that leave the old navs? 
I very much doubt it- Firstly, there would be no need for 26 C17 Captins, and at a year old I doubt they would be halfway through learning to walk, let alone flying a multi-engined tactical airlifter
I know some of the co's these days don't look much older and don't speak as well, but at least they can sit in their seats without dribbling , saying that... where does that leave the old navs?
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Bit of a fetish on this site recently for equating age and experience with proficiency. I have nearly been first to arrive at the smoking hole in the ground courtesy of a 21 year old baby who knew nothing, and a 48 year old grizzled veteran who knew better. Luckily, I was ready for both of them on the day, trust nobody, check everything.
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So would it be OK to take a single-seat jet to war? Admittedly not as expensive as a C17, but could you trust a 26 year old, or even a 23 year old with the resposnibility of following ROE and employing weapons. Not to mention less educated, younger soldiers under a good deal more stress making life and death decisions all over the globe right now.
Taxionewire, have a cup of cocoa and get over yourself.
PS. In my experience it would do the AT fleet a world of good to filter in new blood.
Taxionewire, have a cup of cocoa and get over yourself.
PS. In my experience it would do the AT fleet a world of good to filter in new blood.
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ReturnOfX you haven't really answered my question, nor has anyone else. Do we have 26 year C17 captains, or was it duff gen I heard, and secondly do you think its a good idea to have such a junior mate in what could be a very challenging position, (resisting the temptation for Gp2 banter), with nothing more than a quick co-pilots tour under his/her belt, have seen it all once before, thus qualifing them for command. It might, (hope it doesn't), happen, but surely its not the most sensible desicion.
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taxionewire,
Can I ask with what authority you speak of AT issues and specifically how that has lead you to believe that 26 is too young ?
Leave school at 18, onto a Multi Engine OCU say 21. So 5 years flying (2 tours) then captaincy is not unreasonable.
What age would you rather hear ? 27 ? 37 ?
Can I ask with what authority you speak of AT issues and specifically how that has lead you to believe that 26 is too young ?
Leave school at 18, onto a Multi Engine OCU say 21. So 5 years flying (2 tours) then captaincy is not unreasonable.
What age would you rather hear ? 27 ? 37 ?
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So why does a 28 year old with a "quick co-pilot's tour under their belt" make a better C17 captain than one 2 years younger? The guys on 99 Sqn see a lot in a short time (albeit a lot of crappy deserty places...)
On one of the other sqns at Brize, we have co-pilots ranging from v early 20s to mid 40s, an age has nothing to do with suitability for command.
Current OC Lyneham was, I believe, a Fg Off VIP VC10 captain when he was considerably younger than 26, and that was in the days when HRH and the PM used the 10 Sqn jets on a regular basis.
So I don't really understand the gist of your question.
(By the way, I think the answer is yes, if not actually 26 then not far off)
On one of the other sqns at Brize, we have co-pilots ranging from v early 20s to mid 40s, an age has nothing to do with suitability for command.
Current OC Lyneham was, I believe, a Fg Off VIP VC10 captain when he was considerably younger than 26, and that was in the days when HRH and the PM used the 10 Sqn jets on a regular basis.
So I don't really understand the gist of your question.
(By the way, I think the answer is yes, if not actually 26 then not far off)