Hi everyone,

I’m 18 and have always dreamed of becoming a military pilot, but I’m facing a pretty big issue . I currently take medications for MDD and insomnia (Mirtazapine, Seroquel, and Vyvanse ), which have been essential for helping me function. However, I know that being on these medications disqualifies me from becoming a military pilot.

I’m working toward this goal, but I’m not sure how to safely transition off these medications or how to manage without them while still maintaining my mental health and focus. I plan to work with my doctor to taper off, but I’m looking for advice, tips, or even personal stories from people who’ve been through something similar. • How did you prepare to transition off medications and manage symptoms naturally? • Are there alternative coping strategies, routines, or therapies that worked for you? • If you’ve gone through the military waiver process for mental health or medication, what was your experience? • For military pilots or aviators: How did you handle the mental and emotional challenges of your career?

I’m willing to put in the hard work and make sacrifices, but I want to be realistic about what’s possible and how to approach this in the best way.

Thanks in advance for any advice or insight! Posting this in a couple of places so sorry if you see this a couple of times.

Why not just fly AI-driven drones at 1/10 the cost?

Why do you need a manned aircraft when you satcoms and AV feeds back to, eg, Nellis?

It seems like a concept meant to keep manned flight relevant (somehow) in the age of AI and drones.

I’m worried that money spent on this is akin to building battleships in the 1930s.

Hi,

I'd like to identify some military aircrafts from google map, however it's kinda hard because I am not a specialist. I'd like to know if there was a website or database similar to https://warsearcher.com/shipsearcher/ but for aircrafts (warsearcher is for ships), where I have examples of what are common aircrafts for each countries, with some image examples ?

Thank you

It'd be nice to make friends who share similar passion! I'd love to chat and discuss about books related to aviation

(there's literally no one in my friend circle who's into such things so I felt I'd reach out!)

My friend claims he met a Blackwater Apache helicopter pilot. I know they operated AH-6 little birds but don't think they had AH-64, or did they and I am just dumb

We recently finished a documentary on a rather unusual aircraft -
The Boulton-Paul Defiant! Was this quirky aircraft doomed from the get go, or has it been unfairly judged by history?
Find out more below!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jt_EBxc529M

US is having budgetary problems, funding NGAD. US Navy's FA-XX program is said to be proceeding, but USN slowed its originally planned acquisition of F-35C because the cost of equipping all the carriers with the F-35 compatible systems (primarily computer systems and data management capabilities) was too expensive and slowed it down.

Recent views of 'special' Chinese jets being flown, were NOT prototypes, rather demonstrators, and except for speculation nothing much is known.

Other 6th Gen programs around the world, Tempest, FCAS, etc. aren't publishing their progress either.

Now, USAF is executing an $11B F-22 upgrade program. F-35 block IV is said to be making the jet have tons of new processing power - resulting in better sensor fusion and there's already a few programs underway to search for the next Gen F-35 engine, as the F135 currently is based on F22 and deemed too fuel hungry for possible conflict in Pacific (China) or striking deeper targets in Russia's Eastern and Middle territories.

The Chinese still don't have a similarly capable engine as the F119 or F135 for their fifth Gen fighters either.

So, by 2030/35, instead of 6th Gen fighters, is the probability higher that we'll see 5.5/5++ fighters, rather than a 6th Gen fighter? Will we see a SuperRaptor, or Thor'sLightning before we see NGAD/FA-XX/TEMPEST/FCAS?

(I know, the generation marking is more of a marketing term, rather than a real metric. But often, a new generation means a totally new revolutionary system included in the fighters which essentially changes the way aerial warfare is carried out. 4th Gen fighters were expected to be lost in heavy numbers, and SEAD was an important part of the 4th Gen based war plans. 5th Gen changed that completely with expected losses being lower and SEAD being needed for the 4th Gen participating in the fighter later, with the 5th Gen being the tip of the spear. What are the requirements for a jet to be even designated a 6th Gen fighter?).

Is there a genuine reason or just a coincidence?

https://preview.redd.it/xbcno0rtktbe1.png?width=1207&format=png&auto=webp&s=58aa140294e0d8afeaac234ca45a6922c949a045

This is the prototype TS-11 Iskra Bis BR200 single seater. I have a question: if the rocket pods further outside of the wing are the Mars-4 rocket pods (8 S-5 rockets), then what are the ones closer to the hull? (If they are rocket pods, it seems weird there would be 4 rockets in a rocket pod)

Ego’s aside can anyone as accurately as possible with the information available, talk about how skilled each countries pilots are?

How do you think it’d play out? I know both militaries say they are the best but realistically speaking how do we both compare?

Hello, I've wanted to fly for the military ever since I could remember, but due to poor life choices in my teens, I missed the gun on going to the USAF Academy or any other military academy. I'm now 21 in fair shape and currently getting sober from weed. I'm asking for advice from anyone currently/formerly flying on what pathways would be best to take to at least get me a chance at the cockpit.

Side note, if it's a pipe dream, it's a pipe dream, I've just heard the script from recruiters, so I'd like a gods honest answer from someone who knows. Thanks