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Back in 1988, while I was in the USAF, I won a few competitions (Load Crew of the Month and Load Crew of the Quarter). By winning these competitions I was awarded an "incentive ride" in the F-16B for our squadron (79-428).
Here are some photos from that day. The first shot shows me strapped into the back seat and searching for some important switch.
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The second shot is pure fun as I've got the oxygen mask on and visor down. I was a fighter pilot for a day!
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The third shot here is when we were taxiing out to the runway. At this point, I'm about as excited as I can get.
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This fourth shot shows us overhead after takeoff. There is nothing like a full afterburner takeoff in the F-16. The engine puts out 25,000 lbs of thrust and our aircraft was slick (no pylons or fuel tanks). I was completely blown away by the force of acceleration. Incredible.
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8_4GnCTp578/R9oLWt_DkaI/AAAAAAAAAYM/sIwb5HwqNd0/s400/Return.jpg)
This last shot is after we returned and were taxiing back. The flight lasted about 45 minutes and I was able to fly the plane for about 15 minutes. Let me tell you that flying the F-16 was a blast, but nothing prepares you for the g-forces you will experience. My badge of honor was that I didn't puke from the ride, though I did grey-out during a high g pull-out.
I knew when I joined the USAF I was going to do whatever it took to get a ride. If it took winning competitions, I was going to do it. I was so hooked after that flight that I went on to win two more competitions and was awarded another incentive flight. I never got the second ride since they pulled out some old policy thing that said you were only allowed one flight per tour of duty.
Happy Friday!
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