No one should be surprised at anything the MSM does these days, unless it's an oh-so-rare case of them doing the RIGHT thing.
And then there's this from the Usual USAF Source:
Positive Vector: No F-22 pilot has experienced an unexplained physiological incident in flight since March 8, a span covering some 10,000 sorties and more than 13,000 cockpit hours, said Maj. Gen. Charles Lyon, Air Combat Command's director of operations, in testimony on Capitol Hill on Sept. 13. "This is the longest period" without one such incident "in years," he told members of the House Armed Services Committee's tactical air and land forces panel during a hearing on F-22 pilot oxygen-deprivation issues. Lyon said the Air Force continues to transition the F-22 fleet back to normal flight operations. "The path to resuming normal flight operations hinges on the successful development, testing and fielding of the modified combat edge upper pressure garment valve," he said. Fielding of the valve is expected by year's end, he noted. Activity also continues to incorporate an automatic backup oxygen system in the jet; the first F-22 is slated to get this upgrade in January, he said. "We are certain the F-22 cockpit and surrounding workspace is a safe, effective place to operate," said Lyon. He added, "Continuous process improvements will ensure the safety of the F-22 workforce now and in the future." (Lyon's prepared statement)
I'm not diminishing the good news about the F-22's oxygen system, and the news IS good, but someone/anyone describing a fighter's cockpit as a "safe place" (a) raised my eyebrows and (b) made me laugh. Out loud.
"We are certain the F-22 cockpit and surrounding workspace is a safe, effective place to operate,"
ReplyDelete1) "Surrounding workspace" - Makes it sound like a flying cubicle.
2) "safe" - I guess it's good to know that your cockpit and life support systems aren't trying to kill you.
3) "Continuous process improvements" - Asinine corporate-speak for "do your job".
4) "F-22 workforce" - More asinine corporate-speak. Makes the pilots sound like they belong to a union, excuse me, "bargaining unit".
Does ACC's director of operations really have to talk like a corporate stuffed suit? Really? Oh, wait a minute, he's talking to Congress. I've answered my own question.
Though I'll betcha he didn't talk like that when he was a JO!
Though I'll betcha he didn't talk like that when he was a JO!
DeleteLyon reads like a First-Class JO today; He MIGHT have been one of those types with a distinctly darker complexion in the center of his face when he was an actual JO. You don't learn this type of BS-speak overnight.
I interpreted "surrounding workspace" as the air-to-air environment, where your adversaries are doing their level best to KILL you. That's why I laughed... but yer points are equally valid.
"Safe" is all relative, Buck, lol. PS: Upon strapping in for my fist "dollar ride" in my first Jet trainer, (The T-37 "Tweety-Bird" with side-by-side cockpit seating) my IP said: "One Safety Rule today, Just don't touch anything!" LOL!
ReplyDeleteI'm CERTAIN you fighter pilot types consider the cockpit "safe." Most o' you are never gonna die, either.
DeleteThe script is written such that, when speaking to members of congress, the listener does not conclude the speaker is talking about voters.
ReplyDeleteThat's bein' generous, Skip.
DeleteI am nothing, if not generous... particularly when it costs me nothing.
DeleteNekkid is right. And he is weak and skinny.
ReplyDeleteWhat Lou said immediately above. The water carrying has GOT to stop...seriously.
ReplyDeleteThe water carrying has GOT to stop...seriously.
DeleteHeh. When pigs fly.