This one seems mild compared to some that I've heard of… Mainly the tied to a chair, and having the contents of the fridge emptied upon the person. (mustard, ketchup, relish, and so on…)
This is an old tradition, still practices amongst pilots of all aircraft platforms. I am a controller at a USAF base and we see this all the time. Usually you will see firetrucks waiting for the aircraft and as it passes by, they spray the plane down. Once the -retiring- pilot deplanes, he is sprayed down by his commander, family, and/or coworkers. It is pretty fun to watch. This appears to be a pilot's ceremony while deployed; note the desert environment and firearms worn by some of the personnel(we don't have weapons on us stateside).
They also do this when a pilot reaches a milestone in hours flown. I was there when my buddies dad flew his 3000 hour for the air guard. The fire truck was waiting for him when he taxied in. I have a bunch of pictures that look just like this, and they used ketchup, mustard, and shaving cream.
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Is this some kind of age old tradition, or did the guy actually deserve this?
You've never encountered a fighter pilot's ego, have you?
Now I call that a memorable last day. sweet way to throw in the towel
It's a tradition, after the final flight.
This one seems mild compared to some that I've heard of… Mainly the tied to a chair, and having the contents of the fridge emptied upon the person. (mustard, ketchup, relish, and so on…)
Unit is from Spangdahlem (SP Tail code in #2)
Last flight as in retiring or last flight of the Campaign
Generally the last flight a pilot has with a unit. Before a PCS, or retirement. I don't work flightline, so I only know stories 2nd hand.
nothing like some good old military hazing haha
life's boring, hazing makes for a good story…and, in my opinion, stories are the good stuff in life
#12 "TURN OFF THE WATER, OR I'LL STICK ARTICLE 15's IN ALL OF YOUR PERSONNEL JACKETS!"
Hazing never did anything for me
This is an old tradition, still practices amongst pilots of all aircraft platforms. I am a controller at a USAF base and we see this all the time. Usually you will see firetrucks waiting for the aircraft and as it passes by, they spray the plane down. Once the -retiring- pilot deplanes, he is sprayed down by his commander, family, and/or coworkers. It is pretty fun to watch. This appears to be a pilot's ceremony while deployed; note the desert environment and firearms worn by some of the personnel(we don't have weapons on us stateside).
They also do this when a pilot reaches a milestone in hours flown. I was there when my buddies dad flew his 3000 hour for the air guard. The fire truck was waiting for him when he taxied in. I have a bunch of pictures that look just like this, and they used ketchup, mustard, and shaving cream.