Logistical Costs Burden Operations In Afghanistan

October 16, 2009 by Matthew Potter · 1 Comment
Filed under: Business Line, Congress, Countries, DLA, Department of Defense, Events, Federal Budget Process, Services, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, logistics

Wars are expensive there is no doubt. As part of the planning for adding troops to Afghanistan the U.S. Department of Defense was asked why it costs about a $1 billion a year for a 1,000 soldiers to operate there. One of the main expenses it turns out is fuel. To get one gallon of JP8 to a soldier or airman who needs it costs about $400 if all related costs are taken into account. This figure alone is giving Congress second thoughts.

That is because the gas is shipped to Pakistan and then trucked to Afghanistan. To get it to the various outposts and bases sometimes requires aircraft and helicopters. For a helicopter to carry a gallon of gas probably takes a few gallons of gas and at a high maintenance rate. There is also the cost of all the personnel and contractors to handle the gas and supplies.

This should not really surprise anyone. In John Ellis’ book about World War II soldiers, On The Front Lines, he estimated it took about eleven personnel to support one front line soldier in the Pacific and almost ten in the European. That counted everyone who touched a ton of supplies as it moved from the U.S. to the actual soldier. That cost alone was fairly high. Take into account the gas used to move it and the maintenance of the ships, trucks and aircraft and the costs go up even more. Afghanistan is remote and costs even more.

Tags: 1 billion, afghanistan, airman, Congress, Department of Defense, gallon of gas, helicopters, high maintenance, john ellis, jp8, no doubt, outposts, second thoughts, soldier, u s department, world war ii

Authorized Experimental Aircraft certificate issued to Viper Aircraft pilots — Press Release

June 26, 2009 by Matthew Potter · Comment
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Viper Aircraft, development program, production program

Authorized Experimental Aircraft certificate issued to Viper Aircraft pilots

Pasco, Washington—Viper Aircraft Corporation is pleased to announce that company pilot Alain Garcia and professional test pilot Len Fox of L.A. Fox Unlimited have both received their Authorized Experimental Aircraft certificate in the Viperjet aircraft.

“This is really an asset to our company and clients,” stated Scott Hanchette, president. “After completing the recommended training syllabus and fulfilling the certificate requirements, our clients will be able to add this designation to their license.” He further states, “To my knowledge, Viper Aircraft is the first experimental aviation company in its class to receive an
Authorized Experimental Aircraft certificate. It is in essence an Experimental Aircraft version of a Type Rating. The holder of this endorsement on their Airman’s Certificate will no longer need to receive a Letter of Authorization (LOA) from the FAA.”

The Authorized Experimental Aircraft certificate is part of the FAA Vintage and Experimental Program established to standardize pilot qualifications, training and certification in experimental U.S. and foreign aircraft. Pilots must pass a comprehensive review and flight evaluation by an FAA Designated Experimental Aircraft examiner.

To learn more about Viper Aircraft and the Viperjet LXR, contact Dan Hanchette at 509.543.3570 or dan@viper-aircraft.com.

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The Viperjet LXR is a two-place, tandem seat, fully aerobatic, composite personal jet aircraft designed and
manufactured by Viper Aircraft Corporation in Pasco, Washington.

Tags: aircraft pilots, airman, aviation company, certificate requirements, designation, endorsement, experimental aircraft, experimental aviation, faa, flight evaluation, len fox, letter of authorization, loa, lxr, personal jet aircraft, pilot qualifications, place tandem, professional test, test pilot, viper aircraft corporation