Fighter Jocks

[MikeD]

No F-4's. Straight to Tomcat. No F-4 choices in school and before the F/A-18's. I would of got a lot more hours going S-3s or A-6s.

RA-5 would've been a fun one.

 

[CaptBill]

RA-5 would've been a fun one.

Was that the Vigilante? There was one of those on the grounds in Pensacola as I recall that looked like it was going 1000 mph standing still.

 

[Flying Saluki]

So, I'm sitting on my back porch this morning and watching all the traffic come into KBAD, preparing for the air show this weekend. In fact, as I type this, a B-2 is on short final, (such a odd, cool plane to see flying in person). Also, this morning, a NASA's T-38 and the 2 solo Blue's were already out flying around the area. It got me thinking how fun those guys are having right now, even tho I know they're working. But, this question came to mind while watching this mini air show this morning.

I know you guys have non stop training missions, objectives, schools and God knows what else. But, do you guys ever get the chance to just fly for fun? What I mean is, say you're at the base, not much is going on, no training today, no missions to carry out...etc. The base is slow, the weather is perfect, it's a sunday afternoon and you're bored. Can you guys/gals get ok'd to just go out and fly for yourself, without a ton of red tape and knee deep paper work? I'm sure the answer is, "NO" for obvious reasons, but figured there may be the small chance that you pilots could actually get to take your jet out for a little, "fun".
Now, I know I'm sure tax paying citizens would get all up in arms over this idea, but I wouldn't. Hell, I would encourage it. I know that if I had all this training, I'd like to have a, "ME" day with my aircraft.

I know it's a silly question/idea, but I was just curious. These guys out here today look to be having fun.

Not for nothing, but the only 'fun' flights I know of are the GA pilots going for that $100 hamburger. Airliners, corporate jets, and military aircraft all fly for a purpose.

 

[Nark]

Not for nothing, but the only 'fun' flights I know of are the GA pilots going for that $100 hamburger. Airliners, corporate jets, and military aircraft all fly for a purpose.

As a guy who does all three: GA, 121 and military this is very true.

From start to end, GA flying is always fun. I can't say the same for the other two facets I do.

 

[scoobs]

For the AF guys are you allowed to come and go? Do you have to seat there for 14 hours or can you leave at 10?

 

[Pilot Fighter]

As a guy who does all three: GA, 121 and military this is very true.

From start to end, GA flying is always fun. I can't say the same for the other two facets I do.

My take is that [tacair] mil flying is often fun, but rarely if ever relaxing.

 

[Pilot Fighter]

Was that the Vigilante? There was one of those on the grounds in Pensacola as I recall that looked like it was going 1000 mph standing still.

There's one on a stick at SFB. Reminds me of my childhood. I thought the Viggie was the coolest plane there was.