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So, my base is getting A-10Cs starting in July (last word). I don't want to ruffle any feathers or anything (honest question), but what is the community consensus about door art. Do we leave the door art as is, or do we make it our own? Most likely we'll be keeping them until boneyard time...that's how we operate, so we'll be the final keepers.

What I've heard from pilots is the pilot and CC get together and decide what kind of art goes on the door...like a bond between the two most important people in the USAF. However I'd be kind of uncomfortable if we shouldn't change what may already be there when we get them.

Or heck, do they paint the entire acft at depot before they ship off?

What say you folks?

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SoWW #2485
Cave Putorium!

I say if you like what's on it keep it! If you don't like what's already on it then take a high res photo for Dice Man and then change it! You can get pilot input if you like but it's your jet so let the creative juices flow and come up with some original stuff!
I'm in phase right now and just took my door off today to change the Frankenhawg. I haven't decided what to do yet? Any suggestions?

I didn't ask anyone at all about what I should/could put on my door at Eielson. Not the pilot, not my ACC, Super, OIC... no one. After all, it was MY jet.

I didnt paint over my door in Korea because although I had a few ideas, I didn't have anything really firm in mind, and even though I wasn't a huge fan of the style already on the door, I thought it was very well done, so I left it alone. If I had a real solid idea that I wanted, I wouldn't have felt bad painting over it.

I'm a little disappointed in some comments here...

I think you should at least speak with the pilot before painting. I've seen stuff that if it showed up on a jet, I would not have my name on the jet.

It's a team thing. Besides, that's how you lose door art is by not cooperating.

I agree that the gaining unit can start over, just do everything you can to preserve the heritage.

I agree with you Coach! My current door \"Frankenhawg\" was for my last pilot who's callsign was \"FRANK\", short for frankenstein. I'm all about making it a team effort but there are also some pilots who don't really care what's on it. In some cases i've asked for input only to be told \"I'll get back with you on that\", and then not hearing from them again before phase is over. Realistically a pilot is going to step to whatever jet is greened up and is configured for his mission so how many times is He/Her really flying their own jet each month or year? I'm not trying to minimize pilot input, just putting it into perspective.

Normally, a pilot will rarely fly the jet with his name on it. But having a jet with your name on it is an exciting and important event in one's career. That changes with rank, of course. When I was Shark-1, if 175 was on the schedule and I was on the schedule, 175 was in my line.

Back to the topic...it should be a team approach between the DCC, ACC and the pilot what goes on the door...the jet has everyone's name on it.

Coach

I agree with Coach. It is nice to have a pilot that wants to participate. I've found that it is a much better deal if you have a pilot and a Crew Chief that have been together for a long time. I know I know, not everyone is a guard bum, but it is nice to be paired with a pilot for years. As far as changing it, thats tough. After crewing the same jet for so long, I'll have to reserve comment.

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YGBSM !

Thanks for the replies!

It's true for the most part that our drivers rarely get to fly the jet their name is on...all depends on what type of mission it's set up for. I do know they are proud to have their name on one though. As a Guard guy we do keep pilots for a long time, and I'll be sure to get my driver's input.

As far as ACC...my ACCs change every other month it seems...heh. It all depends on the manning which changes all the time with new guys coming in or guys getting out. My last weekender ACC is now a Lt getting ready to head for UPT...heck, it might be cool if I could get him as my pilot. Thought about putting his Lt name on my F-16 as ACC.

I'll have to start thinking about something cool, and look through Dice's pics for inspiration. I do have a DSLR Canon Rebel Eos camera so I'll be sure to get a great shot of what's there and get it to Dice before anything happens. Most likely I'll try to get before and after shots of all the doors when we get them.

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SoWW #2485
Cave Putorium!

Weasel, I say make it your own that's what door art is all about. As far as asking the pilot I've got doors where the CC didn't ask the pilots opinion and doors where the pilot didn't ask the CC. I would talk to the pilot and if he/she seems interested then go from there.

I personally don't mind CC's painting over doors what I hate is when a nice or historic door is painted over by the command or unit for PC reasons. When you get your jet let me know what's on the door and if I have any info on it I'll be happy to give it to you to help with your decision.

Of course I would be grateful for images of any doors new and old.

Have to agree with Coach, you should get your pilots input. While he may not fly it all the time, his name is also on the side of the aircraft. As to painting over a door, I see no problem with that. Because the whole idea behind door art is to have something, you’re proud of. However, I wouldn't paint the door right away, give it sometime so that you can learn the aircrafts personality first. (Makes no sense naming a jet code1 candy when it comes back code 3 the majority of the time)

Hehe, good point!

The aircraft I put a bid on for my own is 80-0217 from Osan. Only picture I've found was on Airliners.net and at the time it was a demo team bird from Moody.

I picked 217 because my F-16C is 86-0207 and my F-4G was 69-7207. 217 was the closest on the list of our jets.

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SoWW #2485
Cave Putorium!

Door art for 217 while it was in Korea sometime around 03 or 04.

I have the sister ship, 80-0221. They were probably on the assembly line together!

I'm way behind,

But I know things are differant now, but before when Your Pilot and the DCC were close The Ladder Doors we're a \"Joint \" thing. When the 76th painted the doors The Pilots paid for it and some of the pilots \"Painted what they wanted \"
A 1st Lt even told his DCC \" Hey I paid for it, I'll put whatever the F- I want on it\" After the DCC wanted to know why he couldn't of asked for his imput or idea first?

Good thing He wasn't my Pilot. It wouldn't of been there the next day.

My ladder door was a \"joint effort\" and I offered to help pay for my half, but Capt Goose said \" No\" , but if I would take care of it. I kept it Waxed.

Goose

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\"Live Free Or Die\"