Making Flying A Gas

While watching my DUMP1090 page tonight, I noticed a KC-135 out and about. This is the track for tail number 58-0117, based at Pittsburgh International and operated by the 171st Air Refueling Wing.

These things - the planes, the radio and computer technology and the behind-the-scenes peek at military operations - all fascinate me.

I can't help wondering what the crew was thinking. Is this kind of operation a royal PITA or it it a real kick? I wonder if it was loaded with fuel or if it was doing any air-to-air refueling tonight. And that particular aircraft is 43 years old, which is probably almost twice as old as the average crew member. What does any plane in regular use look like inside at that age?

Better than I did, I hope.