Privatizing Red Air Gaining Momentum

Great concept, but given the fickle nature of government contracts and
option years ("Sorry, we're a little behind on the paperwork ... can you
just fold up shop for a quarter or two?") somebody could lose their ass
as
well as their sanity in this line of work. But a chance to fly
single-seat
A-4's as adversary ... what a briar patch.

Somebody has already "los[t] their ass," and it wasn't Pearson or McBride
or the
investors... A few weeks ago one of the ATSI pilots punched out of an A-4
over
the Great Salt Lake. He was too low when he went out.

A good buddy of mine works at ATSI; he did a lot of the repair work on the
Israeli A-4s and flew a couple of them back to the US. He's 60 and has
nothing
better to do, but it's a risky business...

Actually, I was thinking of it more in a financial and figurative sense.
Sorry to hear of the loss. I had a very good friend who became disoriented
in a desert engagement and left a long flat ground scar where his A-4
impacted.

Adversary work is incredibly rewarding. The single seat A-4 is my favorite
ride. But the obstacles to making this a week-in week-out viable program
are significant.

R / John

sid- The article focuses primarily on Advanced Training Systems
International (ATSI) Inc, headed by VAdm. (ret.) Larry (Hoss)
Pearson-a former U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration team
commander, combat veteran and test pilot. BRBR

Retired as a O-6, as CO of Miramar. Was CO of VX-4( I was his XO), but not a
TPS grad...

Flew the F-8 at Bug Roach's memorial service..from Thunderbird Aviation..great
guy.
P. C. Chisholm
CDR, USN(ret.)
Old Phart Phormer Phantom, Turkey, Viper, Scooter and Combat Buckeye Phlyer

Just before I retired I spent about 3 years as a reserve Forces
Advisor in the 31TFW working with the Baltimore, Syracuse, WashDC and
Puerto ZRico ANG plus the Reserve unit at Homestead AFB. I was
extremely impressed with what selective retention and stable
assignments did in raising the level of performance. I was curious as
to whether a privately contracted 'Blue Force' Fighter Wing would be
viable. I didn't do a lot more than 'back of the envelope' but it
convinced me that with the exception of procuring aircraft AGE weapons
and fuel the idea was feasible, since a large savings in manpower and
training FNGs and non-necessity of 'tail' manning and facilities would
eventuate.
Ed mentioned the TDYs nowadays as people return from overseas. This
was a huge factor in the loss of TAC pilots back in the 60s. Six
months in Europe, Far East or Turkey and as soon as they got back home
it was off to exercises, etc. Lots of Mommas said "It's the USAF or
me, baby, make your choice." A lot of good guys voted with their feet
.. . . . And after a year, remote, I can affirm that home is where they
want to be. Been there, done that.
Walt BJ

dano- When were you at VX-4? (I may know some people you flew with.)
BRBR

Apr '88-Dec '89-


P. C. Chisholm
CDR, USN(ret.)
Old Phart Phormer Phantom, Turkey, Viper, Scooter and Combat Buckeye Phlyer