EXCLUSIVE Look At The TA-4 Skyhawk

Take a peek into the life of operating the mighty A-4 Skyhawk. Join us as we shed some light on what it takes to fly this beautiful TA-4 Skyhawk “518.” Meet some of our crew and get some insight from Jerod on what it’s like to fly "The Scooter" or “Heinemann’s HotRod!”
#fighterjet #attackjet #aviation #airplane #pilot #fighterpilot
Music licensed through Artlist.io

[@joelk9603]

Flew the TA-4 in the Navy, smooth and sweet. You don't fly it, you wear it like a well-fitting suit. Jerod, you are livin' the dream!

[@debbiestimac5175]

The cockpit is so tiny in the single seat version, agreed you wear it just like an F-16... albeit with very poor rearward visibility in comparison, like a MiG-21.

[@rossdrysdale3968]

As an ex New Zealand AF A4 driver great to see the Kiwi air force roundel on your helmet 👍

[@JetJerod]

Glad you noticed it! NZ has rich A4 history, this aircraft has some NZ influence in the engine and such…plus my wife’s family are Kiwis!

[@nastya-4driver981]

Flew the Scooter as my primary ride from 1971 to 1989, A-4E, F, M, and TA-4, 4217 hrs. Thanks for a nice, unexpected 20-minute ride!

[@JetJerod]

Thanks for your service and thanks for watching!

[@DreadnautVS]

My dad had 3500+ hours in the A-4, including instructing in the TA-4J. He loved this airplane more than any that flew in his entire 30,000+ hour career in aviation. The F-11F was a very close second according to him. Sadly, we lost him unexpectedly last year. I would have loved to see about bringing him by to give this beautiful bird a look. Keep up the great work preserving an epic piece of history!

[@timclark607]

Sounds almost exactly like my Dad. He flew A-4C's E's, F's and TA-4. 3000 plus hours in A-4's. He also loved the F-11F and said it was the best formation aircraft he ever flew, but his true love was the A-4. I grew up with that Airplane.

[@DreadnautVS]

@@timclark607that’s awesome! What squadrons did he fly A-4’s in?

[@JetJerod]

So sorry for your loss. Folks like your dad are exactly the reason we keep pouring resources in to aircraft like this. We have to honor the history and sacrifice of those who came before us!

[@DreadnautVS]

@@JetJerodthanks bud, hope our aviation paths cross one of these days.

[@timclark607]

He flew in the first A-4E squadron, VA-23 the Black Knights. (I was born at Lemoore) He did his combat cruise in 1965 on the USS Midway. After Vietnam he got orders to be a test and evaluation pilot with VX-5 at China Lake. After his separation from active duty he flew A-4L's in the Navy reserve squadron VA-209 at NAS Glenview until it was disbanded in the early 70's. @@DreadnautVS

[@debbiestimac5175]

"...there are no simulators, to train to fly it, you have to do it in the real jet." (DCS's A4 sim pilots shedding tears)

[@thestrum71]

Love the scooter!!

[@jagermiesterftn]

You mentioned this jet formerly served with my first squadron, VC-1. I did a little research and turns out I was a plane captain for this very airplane up until its last day flying for the Navy in 1992! I moved on to different types of aircraft in my career but the A-4 was always my absolute favorite. I can hardly wrap my head around one of my very own that I loved so much is back in the air again. My flabber is gasted!

[@JetJerod]

@@jagermiesterftn wow that’s so cool! Not sure where you reside but this jet is currently sitting in Houston, TX (Lone Star Flight Museum) on display in all her glory and we do fly her about once per month!

[@65Max]

I flew a Skyhawk too, albeit the Cessna version. There's on on a "stick" along I-10 in the Florida Panhandle. I loved seeing it both from 2,000' in the Cessna and from the road, often stopping at the rest area to hang out with it. Thank you and FLY NAVY!

[@ShadesOClarity]

I live around MCAS Cherry Point and occasionally I'll see some A4s flying around based out of Kinston's Global Transpark. Draken International had Dale "Snort" Snodgrass as their chief pilot when they were based in Florida. Draken does contract red air for the Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy's fighter pilots. Their founder Jared Isaacman, the former owner and CEO of Draken, was a jet-rated civilian. I think the Transpark has at least one Draken squadron.

[@volleyswim95]

Love seeing this jet fly! 518 sure is a special bird!

[@JetJerod]

Sure is!! Honor and a privilege!

[@slacker7781]

Thank you. Like the way you presednt it,. Great job, former A-4 pilot back in the 1960's. So nice to see it fly.

[@JetJerod]

Thanks so much for your service and appreciate the kind words!

[@brotherbob3569]

I was an enlisted Operator/ Instructor on the 2F90 Operational Flight Trainer at NAS Meridian, Ms. Many hours in the TA-4J simulater. 50 yrs. later I'm working right across the canal from Joint Reserve Base Belle Chase, where F15's, F18's, F-22's & other aircraft are overhead. 2 of my uncles were crewmen on the Navys airships in the 30's. My dad was a crew chief on Navy Blimps in the 40's & 50's. My older brother was on the Forrestall. Geaux Navy.

[@skyhawk61]

A4’s forever!!! 2000+ hours!!

[@JetJerod]

Wow! Thanks for your service! 🫡 A4’s 4ever!

[@user-ml5op9bd9s]

I was a jet mechanic in Va-113 stationed in Lemoore Ca. In the sixties. Loved working on this little plane. In 1963 we departed on the Kitty Hawk for my last cruise to wespac. Great plane to work on.

[@JetJerod]

That’s so cool! Thank you for your service. I was able to fly the air show demo in this jet at Lemoore a few years back, they said it was the first time in a loooong time that an A4 had been there

[@Airshowpilot]

I have not talked to MAJ in many years. Freaking love that guy!

[@JetJerod]

He’s the best!

[@skycraftstudios]

Cool to see all the work that goes on behind the scenes. She's a beauty.

[@JetJerod]

A few great people with some focus and intention can accomplish amazing things!

[@brucelawson642]

SCOOTER !!!😊

[@JetJerod]

SCOOTER!!! Haha

[@OhioHurricanes]

Scoo Scoo Scooter! Love her. ❤❤

[@JetJerod]

Us, too! Such an amazing aircraft!

[@cmtuna11ify]

I built more than 100 of them A4M AND A4N, AND YES TA4J, 1971 THUR 1975, LOVED EVER MINUTE OF IT.. THANKS FOR MEMORIES. QUESTION, HAVE YOU EVER DID A MACH 1 TAKE OFF? SAW 2 NAVY PILOTS DO TOGETHER AT DOUGLAS AIRCRAFT, LONG BEACH, CA.😂

[@JetJerod]

Thanks for watching! I’ve never taken the A-4 over Mach .97 myself!

[@brianeisner492]

I love the A4 Skyhawk; beautiful jet. Thanks for sharing this.👍

[@JetJerod]

Thank you so much!

[@acsjr222]

My Dad was E.O. of VMFA-121 that carrier qualified the A-4 and all weapons delivery. A 12 month deployment I think the longest in the Navy, three different carriers. Hard on our family. He was stationed at El Toro. When he wasn't at sea, I spent alot of time with him and the A-4. He took me up twice in a A-4 trainer. They later on transitioned to F-4. He refused. Went to the Commandant to explain why. The Commandant allowed some squadrons to stay with the A-4.

[@JetJerod]

I can imagine, thanks so much for his service!

[@dalezjc]

Ex-Navy here. I worked on A-4s (among others) while attached to VX-5 from 72-76. Loved that aircraft!

[@JetJerod]

Thanks for your service! Definitely an awesome experience to fly!

[@mikesanservino8306]

My favorite aircraft that I flew in the Navy. You just felt like to strapped on a set of delta wings and a jet. Just a freaking joy to fly. I miss those days!

[@acw400]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to see the next one!

[@JetJerod]

Thank you! We’re excited about the next one! Going to be a big one for us!

[@adamrogers7718]

This is the dream! You inspire me so much to do what you do!

[@JetJerod]

Thanks for the kind words! That’s really the main reason I post this kind of stuff, I’m passionate about it and I want to inspire people like I have been inspired. Also, if someone like me can do it, anyone can! 🤣

[@adamrogers7718]

@@JetJerod thanks so much for your reply and will see you in the skies sometime!😃😊😄🛩️🛩️💪🏼💪🏼

[@JetJerod]

Sounds good! Fly safe!

[@mytubehkjt]

Thank you for keeping that beautiful old bird alive. Very special memories for me. Cheers.

[@JetJerod]

Of course! I’m just happy to be a small part of the effort.

[@keithross4511]

Had so many great experiences in getting to go up in A-4 ‘s at NAS Kingsville VT-22 in Kingsville, TX during 1971 and 1972 numerous times. Great aircraft! What memories this video brings back.

[@JetJerod]

Thanks for the comment! Stay tuned, we will be releasing several more A4 videos this year!

[@shawnomack45]

Wow flying formation with 2 f18s. That's insane. Would absolutely love to see that at a airshow in New England. We never get to see older military jets like a4 harrier. Man. I hope some day I get to experience that. I probably won't because I'm just a blue collar guy and I have to put all my energy into putting food on the table and cloths on my daughters and roof over there head. It's hard enough now a days just to do that let alone trying to get to fly a jet. So unfortunately that will most likely never happen. But definitely glad to see the videos. Love them. Keep em coming

[@JetJerod]

Definitely a ton of fun and an honor to have been in that formation! Hope we get to do it again someday!

[@shawnomack45]

Wow I wish I could give my kids that kind of experience and life. That's so awesome

[@JetJerod]

Definitely a very cool and interesting childhood to grow up around such historical aircraft!

[@NicholasJ84]

Just too awesome! Living the dream. 👍🏻

[@JetJerod]

Definitely! So much fun to fly!

[@pakkelly]

Great explanation of how a private pilot achieves this A-4 dream. Superb flying footage! Very interesting huffer and slats explanation. Looking forward to more videos on the feeding and watering of your Heinemann hotrod.

[@JetJerod]

Thank you! I love sharing this stuff with people, it’s really the best part of aviation if you ask me.

[@donricci4899]

kKep these comin Jerod! A great video on one amazing piece of history! thik I have watched it 4 times already! learned a ton!

[@JetJerod]

Awesome, thank you! We’re enjoying compiling the content!

[@patriciomadariaga3243]

Incredible video, a legendary and incredible aircraft for its size, I have some models in 1/144 and one in 1/72 of the Marines OA-4... I congratulate you for maintaining and flying this legend, thank you for sharing your experiences, A great greeting from Chile, cordial greetings.

[@JetJerod]

Thank you! It certainly takes a team of dedicated folks, certainly worth it!

[@sundownerstudios4614]

Awesome look at the Scooter! I love how you honor the legacy of the Skyhawk. Looking forward to seeing your journey into other types.

[@JetJerod]

Thanks for the kind words! We love taking care of these awesome pieces of history! If you like this, I’m confident you’ll love what we have coming soon!

[@fly_with_alexis]

Amazing video Jerod!!!✈️

[@JetJerod]

Thank you!! So glad to have all of y’all’s support on this new KZbin journey of ours!

[@chasenhorizons]

Absotlely amazing stuff! Seriously living it up at epic speeds.

[@JetJerod]

Thank you! Very fortunate to be able to help take care of these beauties

[@sierra1005sb]

My dad worked on them in the Marines for 30 years!!!

[@JetJerod]

Awesome! Thanks for his service! 🫡

[@SkyhawkSteve]

Having spent 4 years as an avionics tech on A-4M's and TA-4's, I love seeing a Skyhawk airborne! I even got a few hours in the backseat of our T-birds, so I can attest that it is a fun and nimble aircraft. I'd love a few more videos of the aircraft details. In this video, two things stood out... 1. It was fun to see you pump up the canopy! I can't imagine how many times I did that... and from the front seat too. 2. Those little drop-tank shaped huffers were just being taken out of service when I showed up, but I did hear stories about people riding them. It sure seems like trouble waiting to happen. ... thanks for the video!

[@JetJerod]

Wow! Had to be fun times! Thanks for watching, glad it brought back some memories!

[@SkyhawkSteve]

@@JetJerod I'm glad that there are some folks keeping the various Skyhawks airworthy. Well, I also like seeing the various F-5's, T-2B's, etc. being operated and shared with the public. The later jets, being more complex, seem rather unlikely to be flown and operated by private citizens. The Collings Foundation's F-4 Phantom might be the exception, along with any MiG-23 that doesn't end up dropped into a lake.

[@JetJerod]

Yea it’s definitely a large undertaking of effort and resources to keep any of these flying but I sure think it’s worth it. To a point there’s only so much we can do but it’s worth a shot!

[@greyguy69]

Cool video😊

[@JetJerod]

Thank you!

[@robflange]

Nice to see your helmet has a RNZAF sticker on it

[@JetJerod]

Thanks for noticing! Gotta show some support to the Kiwi’s!

[@georgesmith5624]

Nice to see the RNZAF emblem on your helmet,

[@JetJerod]

Gotta represent where I can!

[@AustinRadio]

We need a video break down on what it takes to maintain (hours, cost for parts, service intervals, cost of jet) I think repair videos would be good just to share the knowledge you have so then someone else may use it if they can’t find the info

[@JetJerod]

Yes I do get asked that quite a bit but the answer is…well there’s no straight answer! Maybe I can do a video on why that is, that could be helpful as well! Thanks for the comment

[@debbiestimac5175]

Sean (your son) is hot AF... women are laughing and grinning like idiots when you walk past dude! Ridiculously good looking, deep voice and the perfect physique! I'm sure most are speechless when you walk in the room. The other guys on your crew must give you so much trouble over it, Unfit older guys: "You know she didn't hear a word you were saying, was freakin' mesmerized... must be nice... now go sweep the hangar!" Lol, great to see how much you enjoy working with your dad, sincerely.

[@JetJerod]

@@debbiestimac5175 🤣 both father and son are great dudes!

[@lynottfan4four826]

Great video, thank you. I really enjoyed watching it. The A4 is one of my favourite aircraft, There is a "top aces" one at my local airfied ( RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk UK) at the moment, I go over there every chance I get to see it.

[@JetJerod]

Thank you! Yea the Gnat and the A4 are both absolutely spectacular aircraft! Hard to beat the sound of an A4 at full power!

[@leonidastullius2087]

Grew up watching the Blue Angels flying the A4 , my favorite plane of all time. Amazing video, you have a new subscriber.

[@JetJerod]

Thank you so much! Just honored to be a part of the team!

[@paulfletcher8544]

Great video of a great jet. I hope you’ve managed to keep the ejection seats functional for your safety.

[@EmanuelWecker]

That plane is the only plane defending Argentina 🇦🇷🇺🇲

[@erfgoedgidsveenhuizen]

Defending a country that no one wants? Must be hard😂

[@bernardanderson3758]

Love to ride Back seat 😊

[@JetJerod]

It’s a heck of a fun ride!

[@marklowe947]

Very good video Jerod! Curious as to what the G limit is with the external fuel tanks/buddy stores vs with them removed? Thanks! The A-4 has always been one of my favorite military jets! I wish I had the opportunity to fly one!

[@JetJerod]

Thanks for the kind words! Great question, here’s a simplified answer: the aircraft’s book shows +7G rating then decreases from there depending on factors like symmetrical flight, rolling pullouts, turbulence, asymmetrical loading, what you’re carrying on which racks..etc. For example, the limits for full 300 gallon drop tanks are +3/-1 G, also accompanied by speed limits, in this case 525 knots indicated or Mach .80, whichever is lower. So you can see that once you start hanging stuff on the jet and adding weight, the limits are quite reduced and you have to be cognizant of that. As a private operator, we take the limits in the book and reduce them a bit further just to take care of the jet. My max G limit for the jet is 5 and I limit speed to 500 knots/Mach .95, coming down from there if the drops are on and even more if they’re fueled. Hope that helps!

[@bmorsh]

🥰 I love this!! Quick question: why is it that every single A4 I see has external fuel tanks attached?

[@JetJerod]

You can take them off but they’re actually pretty handy to have! Typically they’ll be ran with 2 drop tanks, one on each side. Either 150 or 300 gallon “drops” are standard, in the event of a gear issue, you can even land on the tanks with minimal damage to the aircraft itself.

[@richardjackson3524]

Love seeing the scooters fly. My first airshow I ever saw was the Blue Angels in the A-4. May I ask what airport are you based out from...looks very familar.

[@JetJerod]

Awesome! Lots of folks really enjoyed the Blues flying the Skyhawk!

[@nickbayer7847]

Are flights in the backseat available ?

[@jontyII]

Great vid - is that an RNZAF kiwi on your helmet? The A4 spent many years serving with them and i sadly remember when they were retired as late as 2001.

[@JetJerod]

@@jontyII it is! I have some Kiwi family and I also wanted to honor the NZRAF’s long operation of the A4!

[@jontyII]

@@JetJerod That’s wonderful thanks from a Kiwi! I miss those jet so much. You are truly lucky and such a massive effort to be civilian rated. Would love to see you one day bring an A4 to NZ!

[@keithacline]

Is the jet still based in Henderson? I remember seeing it for sale a while back. I always run outside when I hear it flying over! You’re usually turning downwind to base over my house. I hope to see it many more times!

[@JetJerod]

For now it is! Still for sale, hopefully find a good home for her soon. I love flying her even though I “try” to stay quiet around Henderson, it’s pretty tough! Glad you enjoy the noise!

[@user-jg6vl9jo9r]

تحفة طائره احبها كتيرا

[@JetJerod]

Thank you! We try to keep her going as best we can!

[@gbrown9663]

I see a kiwi on your helmet.new Zealand had a4s before this flight wing disbanded

[@JetJerod]

Yea! Wanted to throw a small tribute to the Kiwis as well since A4’s have a special place in NZ history! I have a Kiwi roundel on the flap of the jet as well!

[@Plydrms]

Do you offer rides in the jet, and what does it cost? I'm a pilot, always loved the A-4...thanks

[@JetJerod]

We don’t in this one, unfortunately! But check with Collings Foundation, they were offering flights in theirs at one time.

[@Plydrms]

@@JetJerod Oh, ok. I think Collings was having some trouble for awhile. Do you use AOA to land your A-4 like the Navy pilots? I love flying the A-4 in DCS World...thanks.

[@Plydrms]

Any change on giving a ride status? I grew up around Navy Weymouth, MA. I chased looking at the A-4 my whole childhood. I flew corporate, fly a part91 Cessna Caravan now. I love the looks of the A-4, making several models of it....thanks--Rob@@JetJerod

[@JetJerod]

Yea Collings did, they might again soon once they get theirs back up and running. Yes I do use the AoA. I take the pressure altitude and runway length in to consideration then decide whether I want/need to do a 1.3 or 1.16 (or something in between) Vso landing, correlate that with the expected airspeed for the given landing weight then go from there! That way you have a target airspeed to check against your AoA on final approach. Thanks for the question!

[@justfunnystuff8834]

My father flew a sky hawk off the USS Saratoga CV60 VF34 have lots of cool pics and vids, but vids have no sound unfortunately.

[@JetJerod]

Wow, that’s so cool!

[@Nghilifa]

I hate to be that guy, but the squadron was VA-34 (not VF-34). V= Heavier Than Air, A= Attack (F denotes "Fighter"). The Squadron's name was VA-34 Blue Blasters. It was the second squadron designated VA-34 (the first one was re-designated VA-35 in 1950) and they were aboard Saratoga in 62-63. The squadron was disestablished in 1969. In 1970 another VA-34 was established, but this time flying A-6 Intruders (still using the Blue Blasters nickname and the same insignia, although the US Navy does not recognize lineage among squadrons with the same designation), it is still active today as VFA-34 (Strike Fighter Squadron 34) flying the F/A-18E Super Hornet.

[@saito125]

Awesome!! What's the tail number on this beauty??

[@JetJerod]

N518TA!

[@Mike4444x]

Do you offer rides in the A4?

[@JetJerod]

Hi! We don’t currently offer rides in this jet, unfortunately!

[@heydonray]

What makes this an “EXCLUSIVE” (all caps, no less) at the TA-4? Isn’t there already a lot of info available on this model?

[@JetJerod]

“INCLUSIVE look!” 🤣 According to one of Webster’s definitions of “exclusive” it can mean “stylish and/or fashionable” so I suppose it fits that meaning 😆 Anyhow, thanks for the comment and hope you enjoyed the video.

[@pakkelly]

Is that a Kiwi rondel on your helmet? Is this an ex-NZ A-4?

[@JetJerod]

It is! My wife’s family is from NZ and so is the engine in our beautiful TA-4 so I had to represent. NZ did the A4 proud and I’m not above recognizing it!

[@freefallu]

Landing seemed firm at 18:10 ish ?

[@JetJerod]

1.16 AoA on a 6000’ field not only shows a “Navy” style landing but also best for stopping distance on the relatively short runway. Might look firm but for this jet, it’s soft compared to what it was designed for on the boat! Thanks for watching!

[@HandgripsRaise]

How big are you, height/weight to fit in there?

[@JetJerod]

Almost too big! I’m 6’, as for weight..it varies..let’s just say my goal weight is 200 🤣

[@KutWrite]

My one vote (if I get one) is to lose the music when there's engine sound. Love the A-4. When I worked at TOPGUN, one of the instructors had engine trouble. He nursed it along to above a wild area, then punched out. I saw him right after. He had a few scratches, probably from the scrub trees he landed in, but though shaken, was not injured. I noticed a T-2 behind you in one shot. Is that your aircraft or was that still in Japan?

[@JetJerod]

Thanks! Yea we get 50/50 on having music in the videos. Unfortunately, the videos with music do 10x better than without so we tend to use it. I do like to just hear the engine noise, myself! But we also want the videos to get watched!

[@JetJerod]

The T-2 is owned by someone else, that was at SNA for the Pacific Air Show (Huntington Beach)

[@KutWrite]

@@JetJerod: I wonder,though, if that means people wouldn't watch the same vid with less music. I don't suggest zero music, just not during an active flight. If it's all straight & level, you probably have to jazz it up a bit. Just my 2c.

[@KutWrite]

@@JetJerod: I react that way to all Navy planes of my era.

[@JetJerod]

I agree with you! I want to hear the plane!

[@user-jg6vl9jo9r]

لماذا احبها مت الاشخاص الذين يعشقون السيارات هكذا هاته طائرة افضلها عن جميع طائرات لاني احبها

[@erfgoedgidsveenhuizen]

When the pilot is heavier than the jet..

[@JetJerod]

😂😂😂 truth, I’m working on it!

[@MiturBinEsderty]

I imagine they baby that jet. Pulling g’s will accelerate maintenance checks. It’s not like they can grab parts off a shelf. A jet like this will make your eyes water with how expensive it is to operate. Most of the active duty non trainers didn’t have that many flight hours when retired.

[@JetJerod]

We do try to take good care of her! We don’t fly her nearly as hard as she was designed to be flown. All about preserving the history and keeping her flying!

[@debbiestimac5175]

I would love to see you take www.youtube.com/@GrowlingSidewinder on a flight. Put him in the front seat and let him have a moment living what he has spent so much of his life simulating in DCS and other flight sims.

[@MiturBinEsderty]

Take me for a ride I’ll pay for the gas. It may cost thousands but I’m game.