"what if" fighter jet questions

[F18-FDX]

Furloboy, my thoughts exactly! Well put by Draginass/Eagleflip et al.


"Fighter pilots make movies, attack pilots make history"...it's nice to be in an airplane that does both!

 

[Hootie9750]

my 172 can beat up your archer

furloboy, beanfighter, f18fdx, you guys sound like you have something to say, go for it. I don't know much about f18 or navy aircraft for that matter, so whats the f18's story? is the F18 superior to af aircraft? I guess it depends on who you talk to, but still would like to hear your guys opinions on the topic.

 

[F18-FDX]

Honestly, I was just poking fun. However if you're wondering, the F/A-18 is probably most similar in capabilities to the F-16 (except of course it can land on a 500 foot runway that moves up, down & sideways he he). None of the above-mentioned aircraft are "superior" to any other. As was most aptly pointed out earlier, they each have their strong points. The marriage of these unique capabilities make the U.S. Air and Naval Air Forces the most powerful, respected and feared on the planet.

 

[AlbieF15]

Another commonality between the F-18, the F-16, and the F-15 (and you can throw in about any other fighter or trainer here) is that ANY of them are more fun than sitting on the *&%$ panel. I thank God every day for the ANG.

 

[F18-FDX]

Amen, Brother!

 

[BeanFighter]

and any panel job is better than a furloughed job....count your blessings.

 

[AlbieF15]

Blessings counted...and I am VERY lucky to be where I am. My point wasn't that FDX is a bad job (its great...), but rather that flying ANY fighter or pointy jet is tremendously satisfying and challenging, and yes....fun.

Managing the panel is for a great company is a great JOB. I'm greatful. The airline lifestyle is awesome, but for those adrenalin junkies out there it certainly doesn't compare to your military flying. I'm glad I still get to do both, and for those of you out there still leaving active duty to chase other dreams, I encourage you to find a part-time ANG or Reserve slot if at all possible. Each job will make you appreciate the other job for all its pros and cons.

 

[ExAF]

You don't just PLAY war!

Albie's doing what I hope to be doing some day. Flying for a major (panel or not) making a some good money, then get to play war every now and then in something that can see 4 digit airspeeds, AND get paid for that too! Mmmmmmmmmmm.... talk about the good life.

In the mean time............. "Dou-ble time!.... march!"

One thing you had better ingrain in your brain is that WAR is a serious business and it is not something you PLAY every now and then. If you are in the Guard or Reserves, you WILL be called on to participate and it won't be PLAY. I wish I had a dollar for every guardsman or reservist that punched after Desert Storm saying, "this is more than what I signed up for." This is not a slam on ANG or AFRES; they served and served well. The fact is they are getting the call far more frequently and for longer durations than any time in history. It is to the point that it really stretches the idea of it being a "part-time" commitment. I have a lot of friends that left the AF for ANG and AFRES jobs while flying for an airline only to find out they were gone from home more than if they had stayed in active duty. Then they were activated for Desert Storm and endured hardships they thought would never happen. Many quit because their quality of life got worse, not better. You had better make sure you really know what you are getting into before you sign on the dotted line and start "living the good life." You sound like you think it is all a big game.

 

[Hootie9750]

" I think I read somewhere that the majority of units that have enforced southern watch over Iraq have been Reserve and Gaurd Units, and they've been getting shot at for years. "

really? so you guys that fly fighters for the reserve and guard, where have you been deployed to in the world and for how long? and when you get shot at is it generally from the ground or air? and do you get to shoot back?

 

[Hootie9750]

any ang reserve guys want to answer my question about how long of deployment, where to and if youve been shot at?