Interview With a U-2 Pilot | From KC-10s to the U-2: How Splint Became a U-2 Pilot (Part One)

[@BrandonBaunach]

But srsly what an inspiration. You think when you think of a U2 pilot you think you gotta be like someone who oriented their life for that goal since age 10. Someone with a aerospace engineering degree, someone with tons of military experience and connections etc. But this guy was 23, has a marketing degree, and quit his job with no plans, and STILL ended up a U2 pilot. So awesome

[@Splint993]

Haha you'll see me pretty much say that in part 2. If you told me that 10 years ago that I'd be doing what I do now, I would have just laughed. When Mover approached me to do an interview a while ago, I had to be talked into being on the channel. But really, some of the best memories I have as a military pilot, were the same ones I had as a kid with pilots at airshows just talking about what it's like and how they can do this for a living too. I feel like this reaches a bigger audience than I do at airshows and if just one more person realizes that it's not too late to pursue their dreams, I feel like this was a huge success.

[@joshuapetrolo709]

@splint993 KC10s!!! That’s awesome man!!! Last year I was flying one of the last 3 crew DC10s in the world. Such an awesome airplane!

[@charliec9720]

@@Splint993 if you're at Beale come by our martial arts gym sonetime. 623 Plumas St Yuba City Ca. My dad worked in the U2 and SR programs.

[@beckhamemerson2063]

instablaster...

[@Grant-vk6zo]

I love this man's view of things. He took what came his way gracefully and learned the KC-10 platform. This led him to something else that is truly special.

[@Splint993]

Great chatting with you Mover, still feels like yesterday when I was in pilot training and you brought the Viper out for show and tell with all of us wingless Lieutenants... but I feel old when I look at how long ago it really was! Cheers and hope you have a great Thanksgiving

[@CWLemoine]

Same to you brother. Thanks for telling your story and inspiring the next generation.

[@Splint993]

RKW1138 my class actually didn’t have a drop night video.

[@Splint993]

RKW1138 it just wasn’t a thing back then, for anyone. There aren’t any drop night/assignment night videos posted from when I went through. As far as drawing the short straw, I think our entire class did ok despite the lack of fighters on original assignment night. None of us went to unmanned aircraft, several are now flying fighters, others went to the B-2, and all are succeeding where they ended up. Not sure how to interpret your comment, but earning wings and flying any aircraft as a military aviator is something I think anyone can be proud of accomplishing.

[@lylewojciechowski5526]

@@Splint993 One of the most easy going Os I have had the pleasure to work with. See you in the tower when I get back from leave Sir.

[@Splint993]

Lyle Wojciechowski haha glad to hear! I enjoy working with you guys as the Airboss and talking shop with y’all. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving

[@isaaccopeland2]

Love how his story starts. I also got my Business Degree and am waiting to see if I get picked up during the next selection board. Encouraging to hear that someone's story is so identical.

[@Splint993]

Isaac Copeland fingers crossed for ya dude. Whether it’s this board or a future one, keep trying. We need pilots!

[@kristinfrostlazerbeams]

Did ya get it?

[@natefcod9361]

He really made something good out of something unfortunate at that time. I really was looking forward to this video and was smiling the whole way through watching the whole video. Really great inspiration and a living motto of "Make Them tell You No!" Thank you for making these videos Mover Can't wait for Part 2!

[@Splint993]

Nate-[COD] Fida biggest thing I have to say, is that while it may seem “unfortunate” when your initial dream is to fly fighters, you have to remember that even just having the opportunity to fly for a living is a dream for so many more... The KC-10 introduced me to some of my best friends I’ve ever had and I got to travel the world with them. I wouldn’t trade my experiences or the people I met along that timeline of my life for anything. It’s funny how things work out. I’m incredibly fortunate

[@adamdurham16]

I am at beale and I get to watch the U2s everyday. Love it. Wish I flew, but I'm just happy to be a part of it all.

[@bobshaw4063]

Enjoyed listening to his story how he wound up becoming a U - 2 Pilot after being a K - 10 Pilot . I'm an Air Force Veteran & I had never heard of the K - 10 . I was familiar with the KC - 135 as there was a bunch of them at McConnell AFB , Wichita . Kansas when I was stationed there .

[@56hueycobra]

@C.W. Lemoine I'm a Retired A&P Mechanic That Worked on Helicopters & Business Jets & I Like Helicopters BEST Like the HUGHES-500D Sir & I Really Like When You Went FLYING With the Lady U.S. ARMY Helicopter Pilot at the Sheriff Air Operation in Louisiana Brother & GOD Bless You................JESUS is LORD

[@lic2kil007]

Went thru Shepard AFB for medic training in 90. Wichita Falls was booming city than, now it's a shell of itself. Life throws at you what you need not what you want.

[@richardcoleman1863]

I can only imagine what the other U2 guys were thinking when they heard that a couple Marine Harrier guys got selected... probably resembled the ending scene of Space Balls!

[@Splint993]

Richard Coleman the great thing about the U-2 is we have pilots from nearly every airframe, so we get all of the knowledge and experience that comes with that to make how we do things even better since we can take the good, and leave out the bad! Only thing about hiring Marines is our crayons keep disappearing. 🤔

[@richardcoleman1863]

@@Splint993 I know Scrat very well, he was my QAO at VMAT-203 and spoke at my retirement ceremony. Great boss and all around good dude. He speaks very highly of the U2 community and I hope he does well in the training pipeline.

[@Splint993]

Richard Coleman hes doing great! We’re happy to have him here

[@dirtyeric]

Most of the holders of Wings of Gold were top drivers of the Lady when I worked her. They made in flight troubleshooting easier too, not afraid to do what we needed to try and fix systems in flight. Loved my 10 years working the Lady.

[@dannywalker176]

Mover and Splint great job on the videos. Too many young people today just have a lack of confidence that they can achieve any real success. Keep up the good work.

[@DaveNarn]

I once heard a food tube story.. Not mentioned was the heater in the left side console - just a receptacle the tube sits upright in to warm up. For some reason the raspberry dessert tube overheated and exploded all over the interior of the canopy creating a mess and initial shock to the ground crew upon landing.

[@calebmenges2578]

Never get tired of watching your videos Mover, awesome interview. KEEP ‘EM COMIN!

[@Mors_Inimicis]

A really fascinating interview. There are some great videos on KZbin of the U2 on its U.K. deployment and it’s always good to see the launch and recovery procedures. Looking forward to Part 2

[@justachipn3039]

THE VIEW ALONE MAKES IT ALL WORTH IT !!! Hope he goes into that Pt 2

[@jeffbradley7435]

Man, do I remember “Piddle Packs” - we used them when flying sorties in the O-2A/OV-10A back in the early 80’s. What a PITA it was. In the OV-10A there was a “pilot relief tube” but it was never used, due to un-sanitary conditions. Was based out of Patrick AFB, FL in the early to mid-80;s. And also, I did spend some time at Sheppard AFB, TX in 84 - it was an Air Training Command (ATC) base at the time; lots of foreign nationals learning fighter UPT. Good times with fond memories. We also flew a modified version of the “Tweet” - an OT-37B which really just had additional radios to support the FAC (Forward Air Control) mission,. The OT-37B was the easiest plane I’ve ever flown - no frills; just a basic Cessna with two turbojet engines. And to top off my point, we had a couple of U-2’s stationed at Patrick. Saw them daily - way back when...

[@alec_f1]

I love the Bronco, one of my favorite "modern" aircraft. Luftwaffe still uses them. Fantastic COIN aircraft developed for Nam. Like scaled down A-10's with the four .50's and all that ordinance on an aerobatic frame. Must have been a thrill to fly and engage targets.

[@Splint993]

Jeff Bradley I got to sit in a Cal Fire OV-10 a few months back. What a cool aircraft!!!

[@jcheck6]

Jeff, we called them OA-37's when I flew them at DM.

[@jeffbradley7435]

jcheck6 J - You are correct about the OA-37B “Dragonfly” version - however we had the standard “Tweet” version with additional radios (to support the FAC mission) and or A/C didn’t have the non-uprated engines / in-flight refueling / mini-gun, etc. Our HQ, at the time, was based out of Shaw AFB, SC and we were based out of Patrick AFB, FL (Tail insignia was either PF or SR) with a purpose of a “FAC School House” back during the late 70’s to the mid-to-late 80’s. I have a photo that I’d like to share with you so you can see what I’ve described,, but I’m sure how to post it on KZbin BTW: It’s been many years since I was at DM - Tucson - damn its so dry out there lol! I did however help to deliver a 4-ship, O-2A flight back in ‘86 to be mothballed at AMARG (but back then it was AMARC)- talk about a historical military museum! And, I did spend a month or so ,just SW, at Fort Huachuca AZ back in ‘99 during a business trip. Anyway, thanks for the reply - its nice to know about others with the same interests!

[@jeffbradley7435]

Splint993 Absolutely! What a beautiful and elegant aircraft she is!! Very simple to fly and with just the right amount of power, maneuverability and visibility made by North American Aviation / Rockwell Intl. They got got it right! After I left the USAF (right after Desert Storm) I worked on the Space Shuttle program as an engineer for Rockwell (then changed USA - United Space Alliance). So, I’m not sure of your experience, but. would highly recommend an aviation or engineer career! If you’re not already doing so. Cheers and Have Happy New Year!!!

[@mustezdcs6329]

thanks for giving us the chance to hear from these great pilots !

[@toddie4usa1]

Yes! Finally a Dragon Lady driver!

[@56hueycobra]

@C.W. Lemoine : Thank You For Your Service in the U.S NAVY as a F/A-18C Hornet Fighter Aviator to Our Country Sir & Thank You U-2 Pilot for Your Service to Our Country in the U.S.A.F. as a KC-10 Pilot and Then as a U-2 Pilot Sir & GOD Bless You Both...................JESUS is LORD

[@Karl-Hungus]

I was just wondering the other day how one would become a U-2 pilot....I was watching some vids this past week of U-2's that were in the UK this past week and was just thinking about how pilots end up in that program. THANKS for posting this Awesome!!!!

[@IronNam]

HEY, I KNOW SPLINT! Excellent pilot not just for his comradarie but for his professional ethics and great efforts to coordinate and communicate with the maintenance crews. Can't say enough good things about this guy

[@Splint993]

Kind words Nam. Was always fun chatting with you and seeing your badass car(s) out in the parking lot. It truly was a pleasure serving with you and I'm glad our paths had the opportunity to cross!

[@barryg41]

Awesome stuff man! Can't wait for the next episode.

[@danawalker55]

Great video! Throughly enjoyed the Q& A . Can't wait for the next episode.

[@dpeagles]

Super interesting. Most have no idea the work required to become a commercial working pilot much less a fighter pilot.

[@LaMerica94]

I was a boom on kc-10s and deployed with a pilot that went T-38s in UPT, he went back to instruct on T-38s not sure if he is still there

[@LaMerica94]

Also side note I remember they had a recruiting presentation at my squadron for the U-2

[@GeraldLaumeyer]

Great video really enjoyed it

[@johncollado1151]

Hi Mover.... very impressive... must be the closest thing to being in space. Looking forward to part 2.

[@lynnecheermom]

Interesting interview! Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for your service.

[@KellySmith4145]

Once again, an excellent video.

[@J_C7-1]

Happy thanksgiving mover! Keep up the great work!

[@mtjoeng]

U2 flying must be kind of out of this world, T/O and landing these on a carrier is a whole new chapter added to that, I'd guess. How many U2 pilots are assigned to that?

[@chrisreddick36]

Can’t wait for part 2

[@keithbrown2458]

I thoroughly enjoyed his interview I just wanted to say thank you

[@dougstitt1652]

a good vid sir love his attitude dont give up be poss. and do the best ya can to be a part of whatever

[@barryhuizing2804]

Thanks ! That was a great interview with a very interesting Pilot! Looking forward to part II.

[@Samuel-zw9rq]

Imagine not being subbed to C.W. Lemoine there would be no reason to live

[@keilylmm6377]

CW.. have a nice Thanksgiving buddy 🇱🇷

[@CWLemoine]

You too!

[@bro9479]

What are the biggest resume boosters that a college student who plans on going Guard/Reserve could get involved in?

[@Splint993]

Bro not a reservist/Guardsman so I can’t speak to that... but if I could go back and do things again. I’d spend my free time at a local airport at a flying club/EAA chapter/Commemorative Air Force/Flight School to volunteer washing planes, turning wrenches, sweeping hangars or doing anything to be around airplanes and pilots. You will learn a lot there and you’d be surprised how many people just love to share their passion for flying by taking others up that they get to know. I’d like to think that would look favorable on hiring boards that you’re taking initiative to be around aviation and that you’re truly passionate about it both for a career and outside of work too

[@Wpns175]

Get flying hours if you wanted to be rated. If not get some public service going. If your just trying to enlist go for it. Getting into pilot slot you are gonna want some hours.

[@theloopholeisntaahol]

I'm currently in the Marine Aviation pipeline. Did the Marine Pilots who went U-2s get conditionally released to another branch or did they have to wait until their 10 year contract was over first?

[@Splint993]

0621 Hertz if you or your bros are interested, contact our recruiter via the website provided in description of this video!

[@sammysainz5]

Splint993 I have 20/70 vision which I heard is the Air Force limit to be a pilot. Is it worth getting laser eye surgery so I don’t have to lug around glasses and contacts? Thanks

[@Cameroon110]

Good video brother stay safe out there I got yer six.

[@Warman_12]

The views that man has seen...................................

[@quicksno]

I applied for a x-ray tech program at my local college. They take 20 applicants a year and there's over 100 I'm told. I jumped through a bunch of hoops and was basically in when I went to the local hospital for an observation shift which was the last hoop to jump through. The first thing I observed was the tech putting a catheter in a new born and the last thing I saw was a catheter being put in a middle aged man. I saw some crazy/nasty stuff in between as well, and needless to say I quietly withdrew from that program after that.

[@isaacalvarado2568]

I really want to be a Marine F-35B pilot, but I’m not so sure that’s going to happen because there’s basically no why I can get guaranteed that I will get an F-35, so that’s kind of sad.

[@CWLemoine]

There are no guarantees in life.

[@isaacalvarado2568]

Ya true. But I don’t want to go through all that training then get stuck on some old janky tanker.

[@notthatdonald1385]

I didn't know the U-2 was still flying.

[@joshuadelacerda7380]

Man talk about a amazing video.

[@MrRozzi20]

Mover for RIO 2020, also thanks mover for the great content!

[@CWLemoine]

TAKE IT BACK

[@MrRozzi20]

@@CWLemoine Never! Not until you replace Jester! haha

[@CWLemoine]

I HAVE REAL WINGS!

[@MrRozzi20]

C.W. Lemoine so do I! Aircrew wings it ain’t much but it’s honest work 😂😂

[@BrandonBaunach]

Damn he had 1200 hours in the dc10 at the time he applied for U2, did he say how long it took to get that 1200?

[@Splint993]

brandonbaunach I left with about 1800 hours in the KC-10 after 3 years of flying it.

[@BrandonBaunach]

Splint993 would you say the dc10 was a good choice also because you built time faster than if you were a fighter pilot? Or is it about the same?

[@BrandonBaunach]

KC10****

[@Splint993]

brandonbaunach you definitely build flight time rapidly in a heavy! Currently, we aren’t able to interview fighter pilots due to the shortage of them. We have some that want to though, just waiting for the Air Force to allow them.

[@uafbound]

Al Dalfra AB, UAE. Cool little spot.

[@carolynclaire5241]

The U2 is such a BA aircraft. #respect

[@hunterhalo2]

Flew with Splint a bunch as a Boom in the -10. I'd go to into the maw of hell with this guy! Let goooo!

[@DavidGeorge197]

Why would you give this a thumbs down?

[@Splint993]

DavidGeorge197 can’t make everyone happy! Just the way of the world.

[@dirtyeric]

Nothing worse than a full piss collector, that isn't the tank but where the overflow ends up. We use to make the driver clean it if they became habitual offenders.

[@glennholland2431]

Does Splint have astronaut wings also because of how high he has flown in the U2?

[@Splint993]

Glenn Holland en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Astronaut_Badge Gotta go just a bit higher to earn that! Good question though, we get asked that one a lot

[@withoutfurtheradoforever]

Thanks for the name drop, Bro!

[@keithmcfaul9204]

Very interesting video Mover. I know there are usually several variants to most military aircraft. I know the "U" in U-2 stands for "utility". The picture you showed of a U-2 I believe is actually a TR-1 which is also a variant of the U-2. The difference being the additional sensor pods on the wings. Could you tell me what the "TR" stands for in the TR-1?

[@Splint993]

Keith McFaul there is no structural difference between the U-2 and the TR-1. Same plane, today we fly the same exact tail numbers that used to be designated TR-1’s. TR stands for Tactical Reconnaissance. Here’s a snippet from an article by Airspacemag. “If NATO and Warsaw Pact armies had slugged it out, the aircraft would have been controlled by army commanders. They would have used it to find enemy forces behind the front lines and report on their numbers, their armament, and their location. That mission would have been tactical; hence the “TR” in TR-1 stood for tactical reconnaissance. As it was, TR-1s flew missions along the Iron Curtain until the cold war ended. But the strategic and tactical versions were essentially the same airplane. Making a distinction in designations also had a political purpose. After the downing of Powers and the revelation of the Central Intelligence Agency’s overflights, the United Kingdom and West Germany felt allowing U.S. spyplanes to operate from their territory was embarrassing-or awkward, as the British would have put it. The United States flew regular reconnaissance missions in four-engine RC-135s around the periphery of the Soviet Union, but those aircraft looked like innocuous transports. U-2s, on the other hand, looked the part. Changing the Dragon Lady’s designation to TR-1 accommodated our allies’ sensitivities. Eventually, juggling two separate sets of manuals and maintenance records that were essentially identical became a burden, and there was funding confusion, so in 1992, with the cold war at an end, the TR-1s were quietly rechristened U-2Rs, and the TR-1 was history.” Read more at www.airspacemag.com/how-things-work/the-u-deuce-7405385/#yTT0RXFd4CqF9qKo.99

[@keithmcfaul9204]

@@Splint993 Thanks for the explanation. I thought that is what it stood for but wasn't sure. There were some U-2s that did not have the wing pods (sensor pods) on them. I know they were all used as reconnaissance planes. Just wasn't sure what the "TR" stood for. Tactical Reconnaissance was the only thing I could come up with. When I was stationed in Thailand we had TR-1s assigned to the base where I was at. We actually had one go down and the pilot ejected on its way back to the States while I was there.

[@Splint993]

Keith McFaul so the wing pods are actually removable! Think of the plane like Mr Potatohead. You can pop things on and off to configure it exactly for what we need for each mission. You’ll see a lot of the videos taken at Beale show the jets without pods and a small training nose which is a training flight configuration. Here’s an article that kind of breaks it all down! Hope this helps! And Thailand! I got to visit there with the KC-10 a few years ago, it was an experience for sure. foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/a-spotters-guide-to-the-u-2-dragon-lady-and-its-many-1539282603

[@keithmcfaul9204]

@@Splint993 OK. I didn't know the pods were removable. I understand. Thank you very much for the explanation.

[@Splint993]

Keith McFaul Of course! Thanks for your service and I’m glad you got to see the U-2 in action!

[@MrEddieG420]

They better have carrier pilots, I mean the U2 can operate with a tail hook lol

[@johnokeyo2418]

Sweet!

[@JayStClair-mh5wv]

Does "Splint" have a youtube or social media site?

[@Splint993]

Jay St. Clair hey you can subscribe to this account. I plan on releasing content in the future actually!

[@BrandonBaunach]

Well you’re a KZbin pilot and a fighter pilot sooo

[@CoryBrinkmann]

Can Reserve flyers apply to the U2 program?

[@Splint993]

Cory Brinkmann it’s only an Active Duty program right now.

[@CoryBrinkmann]

Thanks dude

[@Splint993]

Cory Brinkmann no prob! We’ve been trying to get a reserve unit for years but no such luck! Hopefully we will in the future

[@wolf8900]

u are genius mate

[@BigJhits]

How old was he when he got is U-2 Pilot slot ?

[@modular182]

He said "14 Assignables". What does it mean to be Assignable?

[@Splint993]

Mod Man referring to active duty pilots that don’t have a follow on assignment to a particular aircraft/base. Reserve/Guard student pilots in most cases have an aircraft they’re going back to fly where they were hired. Also foreign pilots were in my class, so naturally we aren’t really competing with them either for an assignment

[@JimmyD_C172]

Pilots complain? Nah....

[@BigJhits]

I hear U2 Pilots are also in the reserves . Can anyone confirm? Also if thats the case, do the requirements change ?

[@CWLemoine]

No. Splint talks about this in part two. No reserve U-2 pilots at the moment.

[@BigJhits]

C.W. Lemoine Thank you Sir.

[@chadwinslow5493]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@anthonytorres337]

So no specific degree to become a pilot?

[@CWLemoine]

Nope.

[@Splint993]

In my opinion, get one in something you’d enjoy doing as a worst case scenario in case the pilot thing doesn’t work out. Always wise to have a backup plan.

[@phila3884]

No hard rules when playing the military game. Whatever your degree, just do the best you can possibly do. That will help you more in reaching your goals in the military, and life in general. (retired AF pilot)

[@jcheck6]

Tony I majored in sailing (U of Hawaii) before I went to UPT.

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

I bet Splint drives a C8...lol..

[@Splint993]

thereissomecoolstuff haha we talk cars in part 2! I did have a couple of mid engine cars... I saw the new C8 at the historic races at Laguna Seca back in August... I know Mover isn’t a big fan, but I like (most) of what they did with it.

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

@@Splint993 yeah mover is a big ZR1 dude.. his car is awesome. Glad to hear you like it. Still haven't seen one in person..thanks for sharing your story. Just think if you hadn't quit your first job...

[@IkeReedy]

45 minutes to go talk to someone isn’t that bad 😂

[@jcb3po]

BZ