Nine Things Air Force Pilots Say

Learn the jargon used by America's top aces.

1. Tanker

Michigan Air National Guard

TANKER: The unofficial nickname for any USAF aeriel refueling aircraft, such as KC-135 Stratotanker. A KC-135 "tanker" from the Michigan Air National Guard prepares to pass fuel while in flight to an A-10 "Warthog."

2. Good Stick

Michigan Air National Guard

GOOD STICK: A pilot, who handles the control stick of the aircraft with an expert touch. A Michigan Air National Guard pilot flies an A-10 "Warthog."

3. Pull Chocks

Michigan Air National Guard

PULL CHOCKS: To leave. The crew chief removes the chocks, wooden blocks placed in front of and behind the wheels, that prevent an aircraft from rolling.

4. Warthog

Michigan Air National Guard

WARTHOG: Unofficial nickname of the A-10 Thunderbolt II, an air-to-ground attack aircraft. So named because the appearance of the aircraft somewhat resembles the animal.

5. RTB

Michigan Air National Guard

RTB: Return to Base. A KC-135 Stratotanker lands at its home base, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich.

6. Dash-1

Michigan Air National Guard

DASH-1: A reference to an aircraft's parent regulation. The Dash-1 contains all the normal operation and emergency procedures required to safely operate the aircraft and is the final authority as to the official limits of the aircraft.

7. Heavy

http://U.S. Air Force

HEAVY: Any large, multi-engine, non-fighter aircraft, such as this C-130 Hercules.

8. Step

Michigan Air National Guard

STEP: To depart from the squadron building and to enter the aircraft in preparation for takeoff.

9. Winchester

Michigan Air National Guard

WINCHESTER: To be out of ammunition. Here an Airman loads 30mm rounds into an A-10 "Warthog."