My First Pond Crossing
Christopher Columbus did it in nine weeks. Lindbergh did it in only 33 and 1/2 hours. I would do it in eight, from South Carolina to Spain. I was a brand new wingman at Shaw flying my dream jet, the Block 50 F-16 Fighting Falcon, The Viper. I quickly got Mission Ready and was fully…
The Long Weekend Out
The Long Weekend Out I’m Not Going to be in Monday… One of the benefits of being an Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF) instructor was the unlimited use of the T-38C for weekend cross countries. IFF is a six week course designed to take the top pilot training graduates and prepare them to fly fighters.…
Regaining IFR Proficiency
“The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.” -Ernest Hemingway Jim was eight hours into his training to regain instrument proficiency. We did the basic maneuvers and flown several approaches in VFR. We did two international IFR flights. He is ready. He is in the left seat of…
Goodbye fair islands
All good things must come to an end. As it was, my girlfriend Kristy, the keeper of the calendar told us our departure date was upon us. We have a tradition in our little group, someone keeps the calendar. When we land, everyone takes off their watches and dispenses with electronics. The vacation begins. …
Back to the Islands
It had been ten years since I had flown to The Bahamas. That’s too long for anyone, it was time to go back! I gathered a foursome and planned a day trip from Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE) to South Bimini (MYBS) for some snorkeling. The daunting challenge this time was navigating through the myriad of…