Formation: Intro to 3 and 4 Ship basic T-38 formation flying.

[@ShadesOClarity]

I read a book that had a collection of stories/excerpts from other books. One was about all the trouble pilots had taking off from the UK aerodromes in early WWII The weather was usually so bad that the lead flew instruments to get on top of the weather and wingmen had to fly off lead's wing. So up they go and there were so many collisions and crashes back then. The B-17 mission stories are about the best.

[@JMdfcv]

Reese, late 88 or early 89. 4-ship with 2 & 4 solo (I’m 4). The lead IP briefs if the flight aborts but your side of the runway in front of you is clear, continue your takeoff. Lineup on 17C. First element rolls, second element rolls, 1 calls “aborting” with 2 continuing his takeoff. 3 calls aborting, I look and my side is clear so, as briefed, I continue my takeoff. Slight bank to start clearing the runway as I’m pulling my gear up passing (more like zipping by) 1. I thought to myself that seemed potentially dangerous (but exciting). Visual 2 and pull lead to rejoin when over the radio “DADE 4, do not rejoin on 2. Split the airspace!” Fly the sortie & RTB. Debrief, the DO enters the flight room and starts chewing. Good on the Lead IP for explaining to the DO that we (2 & 4) executed as briefed. They (DO & both IPs) debriefed in the Flt/CC’s office. Lessons were learned.

[@JMdfcv]

Same system in 1988 (Reese 89-05). FAR/TTB (Fight/Atk/Rec / Tkr/Trp/Bmb) assignment in our Flight Room (Dragons). Stand at attention by the podium. Story time from the IPs. Presented a can of beer, hold said can next to your cranium, yell “Mao!” and pull the tab. If the contents of said beer can exploded: FAR’d. If the contents of said beer can remained inside: TTB’d. Aircraft assignments were not known until the later assignment night ceremony. Fill out the “Dream Sheet” and hope for the best also aligned with the needs of the USAF. Fast forward to late 93 or early 94, CBM. We (49FTS, IFF AT-38B) were “voluntold” to attend a SUPT (I think it was called that by then with the T-1 or maybe a year or two later…?) class’s assignment night at the O’Club pool. They had floaties in the pool with aircraft marker’d on them. Assignee would proceed onto the diving board, std story time, assignee would jump into desired aircraft floatie. First several jumped into heavy aircraft (?). About halfway thru, we discovered the students already knew what their assignment was before the “ceremony”, YGBSM! That’s when we filed back to the bar.

[@mr.crites]

I rarely leave comments, but had to for this. Thanks so much for your video, sir. I graduated UPT at ENJJPT this past Friday, and your videos helped me get through it. I found this video after I hooked my 4-ship 2 check (the ride just prior to the checkride - we normally call it ‘end of block’ these days). I felt quite nervous about my ability to pass, but your videos gave me confidence. They allowed me to realize that hundreds of students had struggled before me and had turned out fine. Thanks!

[@threesin7107]

First of all, Congratulations on winning your Wings! Quite an accomplishment. Second, I am thrilled to see the lessons you learned along the way. Never Quit. Prepare best you can, then know you gave your best! Take pride in your achievement, yet remain humble. I obviously don't know you, but I am Proud of you! Thanks for your kind comments here. Bobo

[@bobwilson758]

Good video ! Thanks big buddy -->

[@DCSHacks]

Great Episode! Quick Question - I absolutely love your thumbnails - Your pictures?

[@threesin7107]

For the most part the thumbnails are found on the internet. Others I've either taken, or collected over the years.

[@nealdenison]

I have to say my assignment to O-2 wasn’t at the lower end of the class but more in the middle. SAC upped their pool when all returning from SEA got tankers or bombers.

[@threesin7107]

There were so many variables back then, that seemed to change daily! What class were you in?

[@nealdenison]

UPT 71-07 at Laughlin. Flew O2-A out of DaNang, KC-135Q at Beale, RC-135S at Eielson and finished up as T-37 IP at Sheppard. SAC didn't take kindly to me informing them the 135 wasn't a weapons system.@@threesin7107

[@nealdenison]

Laughlin 71-07. O2-A DaNang, KC-135Q Beale, RC-135S Eielson, T-37 Sheppard.SAC just couldn't understand why the 135 wasn't a weapon system.@@threesin7107

[@Iceman7107]

Hey Neal--DJ AMA here

[@bobwilson758]

A real life rodeo ! 😂 damn - Yee ha 😮