My Brother's F-16 Flight

My brother Devin got the chance of a lifetime to go for a flight in the F-16 on April 25th. He is in the Reserve Officer Trainin Corps (ROTC) at Cedarville University and came down to SC with my parents over Easter weekend. Originally I told him the changes were almost nill, but to my surprise it was relatively easy for him to get a flight as an ROTC cadet...he also wants to be a fighter pilot! With a few phone calls and paperwork signed by our Wing Commander, Devin was good to go!

Before the flight Devin saw the flight doc, had physiology and ejection seat training, and got fit up with his flight gear. April 25th couldn't have had better weather...it was as clear as the eye could see. The flight was a 3-ship with me leading, Devin in the backseat of my #2's jet, and another Lt getting a flight in #3's jet. I gave a briefing similar to those we normally give so that Devin could see the normal flow for a flight...there's a lot more than just showing up to fly.

By the time we finished the brief, my parents, Lana, and Liam were at the squadron so they could go out on the flight line to take pictures and watch the takeoff. I helped Devin get strapped in and then went to my jet. Soon we taxied and were ready for takeoff. The flight went as follows:

- Unrestricted takeoff to 10,000' ft (afterburnner takeoff, accelerating on the deck to 450 kts and pulling up in the vertical)
- Rejoin close for pictures
- 2 vs 1 dogfighting
- 2 vs 1 intercepts at 500' ft / 500 kts
- 3-ship loop
- Shoot the gun on the range

In there somewhere Devin got a little sick, but he didn't mind. He also got the chance to fly a little bit from the backseat. After landing he said, "Someday I'll be flying the F-35 and shooting down your F-16!" Simulated of course, but good on him...he's motivated and set his goals high. It was a great day and one we'll both remember in the year ahead!! Devin is in the backseat of the jet below.