Re: Questions Regarding Becoming a Marine Fighter Pilot. ? Thanks!

On 2 Dec 2003 06:18:49 -0800, [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Lee Shores)
wrote:

Although I'm not a Marine, I did spend last night in a Holiday Inn
Express, so I'll offer some answers.

>How many Gs can a pilot withstand before blacking out?

Varies with training and pilot physical condition. Usually aircraft
structural limits are the standard--approximately 9 G on current
systems. Duration of the G load is probably the controlling issue for
going to sleep. 
>
>If an ejection seat failed, how would one get out of the plane?

Unstrap, jettison canopy, trim nose down and release stick. 
>
>What's the caliber of an M-16?  

.223 or 5.56mm
>
>Do all fighter pilots carry a sidearm?

Not in peacetime operations. 
>
>What's the order of rank for pilots?

Same as non-flyers. 2/lt, 1/lt, Capt, Major, Lt. Col, Col. (Navy is
Ensign, Lt/JG, Lt, Lt. Commander, Commander, Captain. 
>
>Thanks!!!!
>
>Suppose after college someone wants to become a Marine Fighter Pilot:
>
>How long would that take?

Approximately 2 years. 
>
>Where would the fighter pilot training take place?  Anywhere in
>Colorado?

No US military pilot training is done in Colorado. Marines and USN
train in Pensacola FL initially. 
>
>If they were shot down, what would a common rifle and sidearm be of
>the Taliban?

AK-47. 
>
>At what altitude does a parachute automatically open?

A barometric sensor delays opening for automatic deployment until
below 14,500 feet MSL. 
>
>What's the equivalent horse power of a fighter jet?

BTSOM. Who cares?
>
>Two any two-pilot or pilot/navigator planes take off from aircraft
>carriers?  If so, what planes?

F/A-18, F-14.
>
>Suppose they opt to fly missions from Aircraft carriers.  How long
>would this take? (Basic training, flight school, etc.)

I assume you mean training. All USMC and USN aviators are carqual.
About two years. 
>
>What would they be commissioned as, if they went ROTC in college?

Same as the service academies--2/Lt. 
>
>What's the standard Marine sidearm?  What's the preferred sidearm? 
>What do they train with?  What's the pilot's standard sidearm?

Beretta 92--9mm. Preferred? I'd like a 1911 clone in .45. Pilots train
with the M-16 and 9mm. Some units get the Sig P-228, but most use the
Beretta. 
>
>What plane(s) would they be flying from an aircraft carrier for
>bombing missions?  What are the most advanced planes and what are the
>preferred planes?

F/A-18. 

>
>How long is the landing deck on an aircraft carrier?


Just long enough. 
>
>
>
>What would the typical fighter jet be armed with for a bombing
>mission?

Depends upon the target. Now, probably  JDAMs.