There is an incredible amount of misinformation about the humble nature of the tactical aviator. Here's a classic example of that sort of aircraft envy. What we've got is a rotor-head trying to characterize a fighter pilot. He's close, but he is nowhere near tall enough, handsome enough or talented enough to really be a fighter pilot.
There I was at 30,000 feet, one engine flamed out, the other on fire and a MiG on my tail...
11 comments:
I have often wondered what those louts down the road spend my hard earned taxpayer dollars on.
Certainly not modern equipment.
Of course their fearsome strike wing of 24 x A4 Skyhawks is locked in a hangar somwhere down country
hence the helicopter.
Occasionally they get their C130
Hercules or P3 Orions out and buzz off into the Pacific to save the whales.
OK Mr. Rasimus, fight's on! I told my "gun cover for the F-4s" tale in good sport but you defame an entire culture of war winners, lady seducers, and casual bar heroes. Taller, smarter, and just plain better looking in flight suits and sunglasses we are. I'm certain Darwin would agree that the helicopter pilot is the top of the aviator evoluationary chain and all without "the game" of Crud! Only the aviation challenged need set their butts on fire to go fast. I've found the average fighter pilot, and with the exception of BG Olds they are all average, to be a generally genial and well meaning lot, especially when in the company of adult leadership as provided by the rotary wing aviator! regards, Alemaster
I'm entirely too smart and good looking to get in between rotor heads and jet jockeys in a fight for Junior Birdman honors. I'll only say that I was Artillery, the King of Battle, and my cannon is bigger than either of yours.
Alemaster, many are the helicopters who would aspire to fly fighters. Conversely, extremely rare is the fighter pilot seeking rotary wing duty. That must mean something.
Mr. Rasimus, It's obviously easier up there and we can use the free time in flight pondering advanced math, curing world hunger and world politics. I can remember letting an F-4 pilot range officer fly a Huey out to Clear Creek Range from EAFB, AK. I think he scared himself more than he scared me. Same with "Blue Flash Six" from RAFT, TX. They looked fear in the eye and flinched! And Six, I've yet to see an artilleryman worth 40 pounds of jet fuel. All in good jest friends, thanks for your service! Alemaster
That would be "RAFB" vice "RAFT." Sixty three years old and finally made a mistake; have to blame it on The Bourbon ( nectar of the Gods ). I'll save the story about the two 12 FTW IPs blowing themselves out of a T-38A over New Berlin, TX for later. Alemaster
Oh, my fav "rotorhead" is gonna LOVE this.
Ahhh, there's only one time it's good to see a helicopter in flight. When it's hovering above you and the extraction cable is coming down.
Difficult to fly, yes. Flying a fighter is easy. Possessing the ability to employ a fighter's capability to the max, well....
There are fighter pilots and there are people who fly fighters, they are different.
Oh and by the way, Marion McPeak, if you're reading this, you (and most other USAF generals) fit in the latter definition
I guess it's actually Merrill. Marion fits though
juvat, I think you're right on some of your points (FWIW). But, maintaining SA in the three axis fight is pretty difficult; the rotary wing attack pilot has proven himself pretty adapt at that! A fighter pilot could probably be trained to become an OK attack helicopter pilot because of his aggressive nature (backhanded complement). General McPeak, well.... he did approve a different uniform. And, it was "Blue Streak" not "Flash." Damn Bourbon! regards, Alemaster
Post a Comment