A question: What’s the aviation slang for “idiot”?
This question came up on a flying related email list I participate in, and it seams we are collectively drawing a blank. I’d wager the fine folks that frequent these parts probably have all sorts of good monikers.
So, let’s hear it: What’s a good slang word for “idiot” that’s distinctly aviation related?
Posted by Foobert
On February 5th, 2009 under Flying, Small Stuff.
Comments: 14
Comments
Comment from Jason
Time: February 5, 2009, 9:25 pm
Whickey Delta for Weak D#ck? That’s the closest I could think of although I thought it meant someone who can’t hack it.
Comment from ManlyDad
Time: February 5, 2009, 9:47 pm
Plumber? I recall seeing cartoons of a doofus sitting on a chair, getting some stick time with a plumber’s helper stuck on the floor in front of him. Tongue hanging out the side of his mouth, flies buzzing over his head as he envisioned the great beyond.
Comment from G-man
Time: February 6, 2009, 7:15 am
We used to use “blivet” which I recall being the actual term for one of those transportable fuel bladders for forward area arm/refuel points.
The size was pretty much constant in that when empty it didn’t completely deflate. Kind of like those vacuous fools that do Delta Sierra crap in airplanes.
Comment from lex
Time: February 7, 2009, 10:58 am
“Plumber” has the connotation of poor flying skills. “Dilbert” was an older reference. “Dumb ass,” is pretty much the common description these days…
Sometimes we borrow from the broader culture.
Comment from Foobert
Time: February 8, 2009, 10:58 pm
Yeah, I ‘spose the “broader culture” has it on this one.
Thanks, all, for the comments.
Comment from Nose
Time: February 11, 2009, 1:36 pm
Well, the first one I can think of is “Lieutenant Colonel”
I like “Plumber”
“Dumb dumbass” is a good one.
“Hamfist” also refers to one who is not particularly smooth on controls…
Comment from OldRetiredChief
Time: February 11, 2009, 2:09 pm
We used the word ‘FlangeHead’.
Comment from claudio
Time: February 13, 2009, 6:51 pm
We used SPED at one of my old squadrons.
Special Ed. As in Short bus. Actually a S-3 Driver’s callsign was Short Bus. So either works.
Comment from gunnerkev
Time: February 15, 2009, 8:41 pm
c’mon brownshoes…the classic “wingnut”
Comment from virgil xenophon
Time: February 21, 2009, 1:10 pm
“Weak Sister” is one from my generation and way before, actually. “Weak Stick” another. “Harvey Hamfist” was also used…Any perceived defect in the design of the particular aircraft one was flying “must have been designed by a Colonel.”
Comment from b2
Time: March 2, 2009, 7:23 am
“Delta Sierra”
“knucklehead” (gentler form of “D.S.”)
“D.W.E.”
“Buffoon”
“Hinges”
“N.A.F.O.D.”
“Maverick”
“Buddy F’..er”
“Simple”
“Butt Shark”
There are others such as above but that is all I remember.
b2
Comment from SpazSinbad
Time: March 6, 2009, 1:05 pm
In Australian air arms “Rock Ape” was an old term for an “idiot pilot”. I believe the term comes from the legendary ‘Rock Apes of Gibraltar’. Whereas in the RAAF/ RAN FAA a “knuck” or “knuckhead” was a deprecatory term of endearment OR mockery depending on context. Cultures change slang a lot.
Comment from Glenn Cassel AMH1(AW) USN RET
Time: March 8, 2009, 10:02 am
Dilbert. Every Naval Air guy knows him.
Comment from dee
Time: May 5, 2010, 6:14 pm
Any idea what ROGA means? Anhelp h
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