German fighter pilots train IN THE USA?! Visit Sheppard Air Force Base with me!

[@FelifromGermany]

22:26 Would you be able to make it through one of these flights without getting airsick? 😅Not me... 🙏A huge shoutout to Florian for letting us accompany him as well as to Oliver Schmidt, Michael Schill, and Eva & Daniel Zivney for taking the time to answer all of our questions, and to Ben for the great camera work! www.btsm3dia.com/ ++ Edit: At 8:58 I say that M stands for mom but it's actually *mob* ++

[@WilliamCooper-l6f]

The one thing that I would like to see these pilots do, is also get aircraft carrier trained, because you never know when one will have to need one or be asked to serve on one. In other words, they should be ready for any eventuality. The same can be said with ground forces, cross-training with weapons and vehicles, would be the best method; especially for officers, at the very least. Awesome show, your best show ever. Next time you're this close to me, you need to let me know so I can get you to buy my dinner. 😋 Oh my gosh, I just realized how adorable I am. 🤗

[@lsees5753]

No, I have an inner ear that doesn’t even like the tea cup, or the pirate ship ride. You know the phrase “…a disturbance in the Force…”? I couldn’t walk for at least an hour and a half after getting off a carnival space force ride.

[@andimachovec2719]

Nein, ich würd ganz sicher kotzen :-) Vielen Dank für das super interessante Video und liebe Grüsse aus Österreich.

[@Canthus13]

30 years ago? Sure. Today? I'd probably get dizzy climbing into an F-16.

[@kenwalker687]

FELI : What a surprise to see you in this video setting. I wondered what your real job is. I see that you have a bright and wonderful future. Being an international news reporter/commentator could be in your future. Keep up your great work.

[@highlordstevious]

We have just watched Feli transform from KZbinr to journalist. Very nicely done, Feli!

[@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710]

Hello, she did her best. Well done. "Hey! "

[@davesaunders7080]

​​@jeremyschipp She did journalism work in Germany and studied it there in University

[@cygnusx-3217]

This isn't journalism. Not one critical question was asked. This was military propaganda. It has erased Feli's previous good work.

[@regbs8952]

⁠failure of a comment. You're the one who eats propaganda. She provided facts. That news of the "day," as in "jour."

[@Rob_F8F]

​@cygnusx-3217 What are the critical questions that you would have wanted asked? The relatively low rate of aircraft availability in the Luftwaffe? The scarcity of airspace for training in Germany? The relative lack of opportunities for operational experience for Luftwaffe aircrew?

[@huskydogable]

DW should hire you as their US based correspondent.

[@NenadTrajkovic]

original DW report!

[@mrjaspersrevenge]

That’s actually a pretty good idea.

[@marcosdeida1440]

They don't pay enough...

[@swan4163]

Why would she give up creative control to work for a paycheck from a corporation? I guess there’s still a bias that KZbinrs and internet creators are not working a “real” job, and getting a full time job with a big company is what everyone should strive for. Kind of a 20th century view of the current economy.

[@ericcousino2068]

@@swan4163 well whose says working for DW means giving up creative control? She still could do her own channel. Plus DW would have resources she could use. All and all though her You Tube channel is doing just fine so she doesn’t need to.

[@julesmo323]

I saw a German Luftwaffe jet fly right over me in the middle of New Mexico once. The plane was no more than 100-200 feet off the ground. We exchanged hand waves as the jet flew past me. What an amazing experience.

[@avigator]

Might have been a Tornado from Holloman AFB.

[@Rocketsong]

Luftwaffe used to fly Tornados out of Holloman. Don't know if they still do.

[@erwindickenscheid2131]

Over Germany imposible......... i live beetween Hahn (today private) and Pferdsfeld (near Sommerloch/Nahe Rhineland-Pfalz Palatine ) and still remember to days of Starfighter F 104 and later, Mc Donell Phantoms F 4.........

[@avigator]

@@Rocketsong Nope. Luftwaffe flight training from Holloman stopped in 2017. Luftwaffe Fighter Weapons School transferred back to Germany.

[@julesmo323]

@@avigator I'm pretty sure it was.

[@mgreene1409]

I couldn't help but smile for Florian when he got the jet he wanted. Congratulations LT Florian!

[@andrewcharlton4053]

Making his own bread with German yeast, that's a true German. Good man.

[@ronclark9724]

Wichita Falls in Texas doesn't have a major bakery like Mrs. Bairds in Fort Worth. Texans prefer American "soft" sliced loaf bread and Mexican tortillas... Not "hard" European rolls or French bread. Even the hamburger buns are "soft" unless they are toasted on a grill as are buttermilk biscuits "soft" baked in an oven. It is what it is, don't expect German food in America... Duh...

[@kostyaa1990]

Because he can't eat the poison sold in the states.

[@Worldwar1944]

⁠​⁠@@ronclark9724Wichita falls isn’t that far from Fort Worth.

[@EEVOL]

Feli, wow this is a HUGE jump in your content. This is what we like to see, branch out of Cinci and looking at German/American collaboration/history! I love it!

[@FelifromGermany]

Have you seen these videos in the past? 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKGtiGqvrLqjl9U kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2HSeHSNr7GdbNU

[@EEVOL]

@@FelifromGermany I have! And I love them! As someone with non-German ancestry I thoroughly love your video. I once visited western Germany in 2010 to visit family that were stationed in Geilenkirchen during my summer break from college and I fell in love with it. The culture, the people, and naturally I fell in love with the architecture as an engineering student. I drove a Volkswagen and just love German engineering. One of these days I'd like to go back and visit. ♥

[@DavidZinselmeier]

Be careful...you will see that in all her videos she will try to convince you that Germany does "everything" better than America could ever do. She loves to show us how bad we are and how Germany is soooo much better

[@gregjones8996]

​@@DavidZinselmeier. Not an accurate statement . Don't be a douche

[@hctim96]

@@DavidZinselmeier Yup, Germany is SOoo much better that she is going for US CITIZEN SHIP... When you know what your talking about you can come back...Now off to the corner your on time out....

[@brentdeen7165]

Very, very well done. I speak with the perspective of a retired USAF and Luftwaffe pilot, who has also been a member of the NATO civilian staff: your presentation was clear and concise, remaining interesting without dumbing down or sensationalizing any of the content. I could use your episode to explain ENJJPT to anyone and everyone, and convince them of the importance and mutual benefit gained from the NATO Alliance, and Germany’s ongoing role in it. And I agree: this style and quality of reporting should have you working for either the BMVg, the Auswärtiges Amt, or DW. Keep up the great work!

[@skyhawkpilot3608]

How could you be both GAF and USAF Pilot and what did you flew ?

[@brentdeen7165]

@@skyhawkpilot3608 I was a USAF pilot who did an exchange officer tour as a Luftwaffe pilot; flew Lockheed C-5s for the USAF, and Airbus A-310s for the Luftwaffe. There are a (very) few of us out there who got to experience the exchange program, and fully integrate into each other’s air forces for a time.

[@skyhawkpilot3608]

@@brentdeen7165 Wow awesome I sat in the A310 Cockpit of the Luftwaffe always as a child on the Berlin Air Show and even on the Globemaster Cockpit. Now I am thinking to make my Hobby to my Job.

[@brentdeen7165]

@@skyhawkpilot3608 I was at the Berlin Air Show in 2008…perhaps we crossed paths. It is a good life - can recommend.

[@derinderruheliegt]

@@brentdeen7165 Hey, it’s “good deal” Brent! Ha, just kiddin’ man. Awesome you got to do that gig!

[@tett4483]

The Camera work was excellent in this video and the editing. Wow! Congrats on this interview to everyone on your team behind the scenes! Fantastisch!

[@FelifromGermany]

Camera credits go to Ben, editing to myself 😊 Thanks for the kind feedback!

[@dave_n8pu]

@@FelifromGermany It was awesome!

[@Cheesesteak70-d1v]

The Luftwaffe has always produced the finest pilots in the world! As well as the planes themselves, it is a shame they do not develop and build more today! They have always been extremely professional and honorable in any situation no matter what leadership they fell under In the past. I often say the Luftwaffe as our allies is one of the greatest deterrence for possible aggression upon us!

[@higgme1ster]

@@FelifromGermany I kinda wondered if Ben was with you. You are a great team.

[@josephclayton1835]

@@FelifromGermanyBen did a great job!

[@redbullbundy]

I love watching KZbin channels blow up like this. Feli started in her bedroom filming with her phone talking about the move from Germany to USA. This video is a full cinematic masterpiece. You have flight cameras and everything. Congratulations Feli on all your channels success. I want to thank all the pilots for the sacrifices and service for their countries. Having all these nations together makes the world a safer place.

[@hellskitchen10036]

I was born in the 40's , this story was hard for me to get my head around ! When I was a kid I had to hide the fact that my grandmother was German and now the Luftwaffe is in Texas !!

[@bulukacarlos4751]

Excellent video, an Argentine here. 1- It is remarkable how Florian, a German pilot, when he says "Barrel Roll" or "Loops" does not make the gesture with his hands explaining what it is. A Latin American pilot would automatically make the gesture without even thinking about it. 2- If you send this video to a German television network, I suppose you will have a great chance of getting a job as a correspondent. Greetings from Patagonia.

[@VinyZikss]

Very true, it's always curious and interesting to see these little differences. Greetings from your neighbor in Brazil :D

[@hannahbellebraden1883]

I am a Texas girl, born and raised! I got so excited when you posted on your Instagram story that you and Ben were here in Texas! This is really exciting to see! Please, please, please come back and visit our Texas "German Belt"!!!

[@rockyracoon3233]

I've been to the German belt in Texas! Couldn't believe all the awesomely beautiful women I encountered!

[@karlchen81]

Bless your Heart! 🌺

[@Marktheshark-e7f]

I have a brother in San Antonio. When I visited we had to go to New Braunfels. Food and beer awesome. Everyone was really nice also. I definitely recommend!

[@rockyracoon3233]

@@Marktheshark-e7f. Jawohl to dat brotha!

[@StevenDietrich-k2w]

Great video Feli. So glad to see that Florian got his wish, the Eurofighter. Fun to watch them celebrate.

[@ropeburn6684]

Florian is pretty much the archetype of the German fighter pilot since 1955. The 80s style music for his introduction was spot on. 😂😂

[@SchnitzelFritz]

If you got such a mustache these days you don’t mess around.

[@norwacheese4566]

She is brainwashed

[@briansmith48]

😅 Yes, music straight from the 1980's Top Gun the movie. 😂

[@edwelndiobel1567]

@@norwacheese4566 🙄

[@la_old_salt2241]

​@@norwacheese4566 You weren't asked, buzz off.

[@kre4ture218]

As a Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel) once told me: „When you do one low flying exercise in Germany, 200 people will call the police and at least 50 people will sue over the noise. In the US you don’t have those problems because there are so many open areas without anyone living there.“

[@derinderruheliegt]

That checks.

[@jcheck6]

When I was stationed in Germany 50 years ago flying the F-4 Phantom that rarely happened because of the Cold War. I can see why it would happen today.

[@jacksdad734]

We celebrate flyovers. I live near an air force base and everyone loves it.

[@lzh4950]

1 of my countrymen euphemistically calls this noise the "sound of freedom" & finds it ungrateful for us to complain about it. The noise can be hard to avoid in my country (Singapore) as we're densely populated. My teachers in my secondary/middle school would get interrupted by C130s & F15s overflying us every hour though since there's an air base a few km NE from us, & my ex-boss would get interrupted by them too when we had Zoom meetings when he was working from home (as he lives near that air base)

[@mamavswild]

Not only that, but the citizens LOVE IT. They will gather at our base just to watch the aircraft!

[@michaelg2529]

This is a seriously pro-level documentary. This is high quality work. Well edited and very well polished, great work.

[@brealistic3542]

They have been training German fighter pilots since shortly after WW2. In fact Erich Hartman trained here a German ww2 ace with 352 victories on the F-104 starfighter. He absolutely loved it here and the Americans loved having him.

[@jimmunro4649]

WTF going teach man with 351 kills how fly a plane HAHA

[@jimmunro4649]

He should be the teacher

[@patrickhenry4675]

I had a brother that flew F-14's that met Erich Hartman. He had retired but was still considered a great guest to have at a Fighter Group Dining In.

[@patrickhenry4675]

@@jimmunro4649 How else can he transition to jets?

[@patrickhenry4675]

@@jimmunro4649 The man had never flown a jet. What is he going to teach?

[@DarkOmenX]

When a KZbinr creates a documentary that surpasses many professional documentary channels and production companies. Hats down & Respect! 👍👍👍👍Love it !

[@nerissacrawford8017]

I actually cried when Florian got the Eurofighter. The connection with an aircraft means a lot.

[@Herzschreiber]

Same here...... I could feel his happiness about that wish coming true and shared some tears.

[@myprivatewar]

pretty much all luftwaffe has as a fighter...typhoons, few old F4E's....maybe F35's soon...

[@jcheck6]

It's different now than the way we got our aircraft assignment out of pilot training. It was not a big event like in the video....we picked our plane by class standing.

[@Worldwar1944]

@@myprivatewarthe f4 phantom retired in Germany more then 4 years ago. The euro fighter is also a badass plane and is still modern in my opinion.

[@chrisbreezy-ryanbarbosa4320]

KZbinrs bringing better reports than actual news stations. Feli you are doing amazing work! We Love your channel!

[@juergenwest]

This was a really great piece of journalism and reporting Feli. I found it amusing that the “we kind of f’d up” was left in the interview with Florian describing his training flight. Made it more real.

[@rossworsdale2984]

It was really fantstic to see how happy Florian was at the end of the video getting his dream position, flying the eurofighter. The video was great, thanks Feli!

[@davidshofstahl]

This is a whole new level of "Feli from Germany." Well done!!

[@frederickgoman9121]

Had a great deal of fun with the Luftwaffe boys at Ft. Bliss who were training on the HAWK missile system. On the weekends they’d go out to a restaurant/stable in the desert and ride horses going cowboy, “Yippee!” It was a hoot to watch them go cowboy! Got to visit a German unit in the field in Hesse near Bad Hersfeld! What rations they had! Gave me a ride in their helicopter! Wonderful guys.

[@echaunceysmith]

Small world, I was a hawker with the USMC at Bliss in 1982

[@frederickgoman9121]

I was an Army Lt on my way to Hawker Hell in Germany. Holiday and weekend killer and home and wife killer. I remember the large contingent of Marines there. Had an incident where a private failed to salute me-I started to say something and a Corporal was on it and asked me if he could handle it and boy he did!! I was impressed!

[@pvccannon1966]

HAWK !? my father was army elpaso in 1960 with hawk missle batterys. Two on the bottom one on top. My dad said he got the hawk to lock on to the altinator noise coming off a duce and a half out in the desert. But it can be the same missle as back then.

[@arailway8809]

I flew commercial out of El Paso in 1975. German uniforms are the best.

[@Dicegeek75]

I was there as part of the Luftwaffe in '96 for Roving Sands!

[@alandahlstrom7213]

Feli, this was an outstanding video for the camera work, editing and the content. I was completely unaware of this program, but love the fact that we have it. Congratulations to Florian!

[@Thunder_6278]

Feli, this is a great illustration of your interview skills. Well done. You would make a great addition to the German embassy. Danke.

[@stanhernandez6075]

Feli, I’m retired USAF. Spent 21 years in Germany. I was stationed on a German Air Base (Leipheim) now closed. This brought back a lot of good memories. Outstanding piece of work.

[@erraldstyler]

These were A-10´s, right?

[@stanhernandez6075]

@@erraldstyler Yes, we were Det 2, 81st TFW.

[@alexkoronec4326]

I was also retired USAF. I was stationed in Germany at Zweibrucken Afb. That has been closed

[@stanhernandez6075]

@@alexkoronec4326 I was also stationed at Zweibrucken from 81-83, I then PCS’d to Leipheim.

[@Kalle800]

@@stanhernandez6075 and what were the Germans like? Did you feel comfortable? Did they welcome you? I still remember the time when many American soldiers walked up and down the street with us. That was a time that is no longer imaginable today. I think there were 5 barracks in the city

[@BrianD-ds4dx]

My dad was career AF officer retired as a squadron commander at Sheppard. Went to the now closed catholic school in Wichita Falls. There was a small German school on that property supported by the German government for the younger kids. The older ones went to high school with us. We had German, Belgian, and Norwegian kids in class in junior high and high school, while my neighbor across the street for a few years was a Dutch IP. Having moved to Wichita from 3 years living in German and 2 years in the Netherlands, the international flair of my education in Wichita Falls helped keep the love of not only my country but our allies alive and well in me. Thanks for a great video. Haven’t been back to Wichita Falls for going on 2 decades so it brought back memories of a place with special people coming from all over to live and work and learn together

[@arnojunke9643]

NDHS Sr. Class 1980. Remember our "language and civics lessons" sponsored by the German Government and conducted by the German teacher once a week. Attendance was mandatory. Stayed in touch with my high school buddies and went back to see them last year. Notre Dame High School is no more, but memories remain. Go Knights!

[@lawrenceedger292]

Feli: when I was stationed at Luke AFB Arizona, the base was responsible for training all German F-104 Starfighter pilots. The F-104 sitting outside next to the main gate was painted with USAF markings on one side and Luftwaffe markings on the other. Local folk lore was that the reason the Luftwaffe side wasn’t visible to the public was done so as to avoid pissing off the American World War II veterans living near the base!

[@hctim96]

F-104 Starfighter aka the widow maker...

[@dontworrybehappy8080]

@@hctim96 That's the name of my Harley.

[@anthropologo3496]

my uncle was one of the USAF F-104 instructors, my father taught HAWK SAM defense to german troops at Ft Bliss / Biggs Field....

[@clinthowe7629]

The German markings not being visible probably doesn’t have anything to do with offending old ww2 pilots, they never had any hatred.

[@Tillersweep]

In 1972 I was at Luke and the german pilots were in the O club playing German beer drinking songs.

[@BoJangles42]

The celebration when he found out he’ll be flying the Eurofughter was very heartwarming ❤ Wonderful video, great job Feli!!! Congratulations to Florian! I’m retired from the US Air Force, thank you for doing this!

[@silkscreenart5515]

Feli. You could absolutely be a tv newscaster here in the USA. Keep doing what you are doing.

[@MichaelBurggraf-gm8vl]

She would be great news presenter in Germany too!

[@mrchrislatino]

This video is in my top 5 videos 'EVER' on youtube. Your collaboration with the Embassy is genius. You've always stuck to your niche' in a smart and educational way and now your growth is showing. Your career, like those planes, the sky is the limit. I think this video shows Americans the importance of NATO and can help change the image of what we think when hear the word 'Luftwaffe'. I've always thought of combatants in the old Germany as professional fighters being commanded by bad politicians. It also shows Germans that their contribution matters and also that it's okay to be openly proud of their military unclouded by history. Glückwunsch

[@mcrsdad]

I was stationed at Sheppard AFB from 1964 until 1967. After the 494th SAC left in 1965 we were assigned to support German Air Force training - T-37 & T-38 aircraft. So, the history of Sheppards support of the German Air Force goes much further back in time than 1981. This video brought back many memories and brought to light the incredible advances in air training. Well done, better than good. Thank you.

[@bammab977]

. I grew up under one of the flight tracks. I miss the screams of the Tweets In the patterns

[@fuzzball7836]

@@mcrsdad a very long time ago. What did you do for the NATO training experience?? I joined up with ATC in the RAPCON 84-87. Yea, like you mentioned, brings back memories. I got lucky being assigned to Tempelhof Berlin. After the wall came down, the Germans looked for help and gave a large group of us jobs which the FAA didn't - the US regretted that as they realized they had a shortage

[@mcrsdad]

@@fuzzball7836 I was an Aircrew Life Support Specialist (Personal Equipment Specialist as we were called back then). We maintained aircrews helmets, oxygen masks, communications, parachutes, survival kits, etc.

[@TSmith-ns45]

Me too. I was an instrument navigation flight instructor at 3630th FTW at Sheppard. One of the first to arrive in July 1966, we literally changed the old 494th SAC area into the 3630th. Our first student class was half American and half German students. The civilian draftsman for 3630th (Chuck Weir) and several of us painted a red carpet on the tarmac prior to the arrival of Chancellor of Germany, Willie Brandt, who gave the speech for the first graduating class. I left Sheppard in 1975. In the intervening years the 3630th became the 80th NATO Wing and saw the first females in pilot training from several nations.

[@jamesmeadrs9309]

I’m so happy that it turned out Germany and the US have become allies because I love Germany! I spent 5 years of my life there and I had such a great time there!

[@Winona493]

Where did you stay, if I may ask?

[@00calvinlee00]

I can relate! I have several friends from Austria and Germany, wonderful people! My father served in the USAF and did flight training with West German pilots and he always spoke highly of them.

[@erbman89b]

I did not attend USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training, but I have many friends who did and work daily with USAF pilots. Your video was amazingly well done. Well written and delivered. No unnecessary sensationalism. Journalists who can tell the story straight and correctly are true gems to be valued.

[@joelbrown3479]

Very challenging and impressive interview. Great coverage!

[@frankteunissen6118]

About the weather: I met a few pilots of the Colorado Air National Guard who were in the Netherlands for an exercise in the 1980s. They said two things had shocked them profoundly in Europe. One was the weather. It was November and you know what the sky in Europe looks like in November: solid grey with a cloud base at 300ft or less. The other thing was dispersal. No flight line on European air bases. Upon landing they were met by a car with a lit sign saying “Follow me” which led them taxiing for kilometers through a forest to a reinforced concrete bunker, half dug into the ground, which they had to go around and enter from the rear after which massive steel doors slid shut behind them. That brought it home to them that this was the front line.

[@jcheck6]

Weather was bad in the winter months in Germany but we still flew plenty.

[@shaggydogsales]

Great job feli, and camera person. Really well done and informative. You have a new calling Also impressed by Florian for his discipline and desire. Fun to see he received his pick of the eurofighter on drop night.

[@KanoneOlaf]

Hallo Feli ! Ich verfolge Deinen Kanal schon ziemlich lange. Und Deine "Themen" rund um die deutsch-amerikanischen Gegensätze bzw. Gemeinsamkeiten waren schon immer toll. Aber mit diesem Film hast Du noch mal einen "draufgelegt" ! Sehr gut gemachter Film. Danke. Und auch für den Support unserer Luftwaffe. Ist heutzutage leider nicht so selbstverständlich. Also: "Mach´weiter so" !!!👍👍

[@WendellChap]

The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his action.

[@kindnuguz]

The end when Florian was selected for the Euro Fighter was the best. Those moments are priceless I hope this shows how committed to each other our countries are and this is what makes it the best in the world. Not just one country but all of them together Thank you

[@danielberger1378]

Most documentaries on TV aren't even close to this level. Very well done ❤

[@ChristinaMotzer]

Danke für euren Dienst

[@kenwalker687]

I'm glad Google has a decent translator. Some things even can't or worn't translate.

[@dirkeusterbrock2665]

Wow! Super professional production! Well done!

[@chrishusing227]

Feli I am a former USAF historian. You did an amazing job on this video!

[@bulldog6925]

Thanks for the memories! My wife and I were stationed at Sheppard AFB from 1963 to 1970. If I recall correctly, training with the German Air Force at Sheppard AFB started in the mid-1960's flying T-37 and T-38 aircraft with the current program starting in the 1980's. I have many memories of that time period!

[@robertarthurs328]

I'm not familiar with airforce but interacted the army frequently late 70's- late 80's great guys . Russians are different. To be nice

[@flyfshjimsinclair3981]

I was there 78-82 and there were several nationalities pilots training there then . I was CES and worked on the runway and flight line a lot. Pretty cool to be around the aircraft that close all the time.

[@JonathanSirico]

I was in an AMF(L) U.S. Army Engineer unit. Nato units training with allies is nothing new. In 3 years, I trained with Norwegians in Northern Norway, Germans in Germany, Italains in Italy, and several other nations in joint exercises. All were awesome experiences.

[@bleggett29]

Nice. I was in 16th EN BN 1993-1995 Erlangen/Bamberg, and 82nd EN BN 1996-1998 Bamberg.

[@markhansen9467]

Outstanding Feli! This was my favorite of all your productions. Thank you for your hard work putting this together and big thanks to all the men and women in uniform around the globe defending our freedom every day and night. A dear college friend from Illinois, Col. Robert Winkler, USAF, Ret., graduated the ENJJPT school in the early '90's, only to eventually become 52nd Operations Group Commander at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Naturally, we are all very proud and thankful for his service. Bob has always credited his Euro-NATO training at Sheppard, as the bed rock foundation to his career. War is a team effort and the best team usually wins.

[@donallen7990]

I was trained at Sheppard to be a Reciprocating Aircraft Engine Mechanic from Jan. '63 to May '63. There was a SAC Wing there at that time flying B-52s. It was fun to watch those big birds 'flap' their wings as they took off.

[@raymondlaing5868]

Well done, Feli! A very informative video!

[@paulmerritt418]

Great video I can tell you that when I was stationed near Nurnberg in the mid’80’s, we routinely trained with the German Army at Grafenwohr (I was an artilleryman). Always a great experience and built longstanding friendships.

[@hudiniimagician18]

Know that after 4 mins...kk ;-)

[@r2d2rxr]

He has the Top Gun mustache 😮! And the music too!! 🛩️

[@WiesoNurMistnamen]

mustache is the only beard fighter pilots can wear because of the oxygen mask

[@Gizathecat2]

Nah. The rights to the Kenny Loggins song are too expensive.

[@benhobe]

Nice job Feli. Very professional!

[@r.c.brousseau9655]

Hi Feli, I’ve watched your channel for a long while now. I’m a Canadian with some Germanic DNA, I absolutely love watching your channel. Keep up the good work! Hugs from Canada!

[@Finn_Fuenffarbflecktarn]

Feli, I rarely comment on your videos, but this time I feel like I am obliged to. This is a massive quality jump for your channel, from simple entertainment/lifestyle content towards actual journalism. And you’ve done a marvelous job! The subject is exciting and perfectly fitting for your channel concept. I do hope we will see more such journalistic work in the future

[@michaelmedlinger6399]

Ich war gerade dabei, ins Bett zu gehen, als ich den Titel des Videos sah, und ich MUSSTE sofort schauen! Es ist zu witzig. Ich bin in Wichita Falls geboren und bin in einem kleinen Dorf keine 20 km von Shepherd aufgewachsen. Mein Onkel war Pilot bei der US-Marine und flog häufig Shepherd an, wenn er die Familie besucht hat. Noch dazu waren etliche meiner Klassenkameraden Kinder von Luftwaffenpersonal, und ich war häufig auf dem Stützpunkt. Später war es witzig, wenn ich meine Eltern besucht habe, weil ich häufig in den Läden in WF Deutsch gehört habe. Die Leute waren immer erstaunt, wenn ich sie auf Deutsch angesprochen habe. Als ich ein Kind war, flogen die B-52s immer über unserem Haus bei der Landung. Sie waren bereits dann so tief, dass man glaubte, sie fast berühren zu können.

[@jamesrogers2780]

Wilkommen from fallstown. I don't know if you're still in the area, but earlier this year the f22s put on quite a show.

[@jerrygelder8373]

Americans dont call them villages.

[@fritzmueller1337]

Also Du wurdest in Amerika geboren und Deine Eltern sind Amerikaner. Deutsch sprechen und schreiben hast Du Dir alles selbst beigebracht? Du schreibst besser Deutsch als sehr viele Deutsche. Das finde ich schon sehr beachtlich. Sehr gut gemacht. Hättest Du nicht geschrieben, dass Du Amerikaner bist, hätte ich niemals gedacht, dass Deutsch NICHT Deine Muttersprache ist.

[@michaelmedlinger6399]

@@jamesrogers2780 Thank you! I haven‘t lived in the area since I was 18 when I left for university. I haven‘t been back at all since my mother died in 2017.

[@michaelmedlinger6399]

@@fritzmueller1337 Vielen Dank für die Blumen! Im Prinzip ist alles, was du schreibst, richtig. Allerdings würde ich nicht unbedingt sagen, ich hätte mir das alles „selbst“ beigebracht. Es fing mit einem Germanistikstudium in den USA an. Anschließend bekam ich ein Stipendium für die Universität Hamburg. Obwohl vorgesehen war, dass ich nur ein Jahr bleibe, habe ich gegen Ende dieser Zeit Arbeit gesucht und gefunden, und ich lebe seitdem in Hamburg. Zwischendurch habe ich auch 3 1/2 Jahre Jura an der Uni Hamburg studiert, aber letztendlich eingesehen, dass der Beruf nichts für mich ist. Ich bin auch Übersetzer für Deutsch/Englisch (Schwerpunkte: Rechtstexte und Geschäftsberichte). In einigen Tagen feiere ich auch 50 Jahre Hamburg! Seit 10 Jahren bin ich deutscher Staatsbürger.

[@ianmurphy9955]

This is why I love this channel. Your content Feli just keeps getting better and better.

[@djsmith2871]

Ok. I have followed military aviation since I was in Grade 2 many, MANY years ago, so I've watched and read a lot on the subject. I am SO impressed by this video. Your use of terminology, how you explain it, and how you interview is off the charts good. It is like you had a background in the subject before going in. What you focused on also stood out. It is so common to have civilian, non "experts" in media butcher these types of stories by focusing on the cliches and almost trivial flashy things. You went a couple levels deep in a few areas that made me think you had some sort of background already. In a relatively short piece, you got to the heart of the matter - literally, as it was easy to care for Florian after you subtly revealed his personality. That drop celebration for him was awesome. Very easy guy to root for. Finally, I did not notice a single technical error in your story either, which is very uncommon. Overall, I can't say enough how impressive this piece was. Well done!

[@skull1161]

I mean basically the same opinion for me, the level of detail this channel was able to go into is amazing. Especially the interviewer Feli, the questions she asked were amazing, you can tell she is listening and understanding simply by the questions asked. Usually with these types of videos you don't get the best glimpse in of what it's like at a base like this, but that video was 10/10. I'm trying to get my instrument certification as a private pilot here in the US now and this almost made me want to switch my goal of airline pilot to fighter pilot.

[@thecapturban]

Phenominal Job Feli! Expertly done showin how we all are responsible for each other and higjlighting all nations at the same time!

[@sluggo0202]

Wow great video Feli! Great job Florian. So much hard work. He's obviously focused and dedicated.

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

Very professionally done...one of your best yet

[@chrishutchison5031]

WOW!!! This was so well done! I love the construction of this video. Editing and direction was spot on.

[@PerryMcF]

Feli, this is a magnificent video! So glad that you were able to experience a little flight school life, and share it with the KZbin world! Fighter pilots are fun people!

[@paolanajera7107]

Feli this is documentary style!! Your interviews, the sound, etc. Congratulations ❤❤❤❤

[@RomanVarl]

European airspace is most congested in the world, it's impossible to train there. That's why a lot of training is done in the middle of USA, Alaska and even Australia.

[@kognak6640]

Northern Sweden and Northern Finland combined is about size of Germany and has around 1M inhabitants, most live in coastal cities around Gulf of Bothnia. Plenty of space. And yes, they do a lot of exercises there. There's one going on right now by Finnish Air Force, German Air Force is participating along with Americans. They practice road base operations. Edit: Couple videos about the exercise appeared today. Legacy Hornets(Fin), Typhoons(Ger) and F-35A's(US) From FDF channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZenZ3dqp892hsk And US military channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXzFmKefrdWZf8U

[@dunbar9finger]

That might be true of Germany (not enough rural area to practice) but not everywhere in Europe. There's lots of open areas in the north parts of Finland, Sweden, and Norway. But the weather is a good reason to pick Texas, that's true. While a dry open flat place with very little rain is boring on the ground, it provides lots of days you can fly on

[@ropeburn6684]

Right. The first thing German pilots do when coming back from the US, is getting familiarised with European airspace conditions. It's super crowded and above all, tiny. With a Eurofighter, you can cross Germany from north to south in some 20 minutes - and it's one of the larger countries. Means one "wrong turn", and you could cross several borders before you know it.

[@FM9k]

@@kognak6640 The second part behind "big open airspace" is "with hospitable weather". Flying hot dry sunny Texas and flying cold dark arctic winters are very different - and one is far more forgiving for newer pilots.

[@kognak6640]

@@FM9k Yes, it's a miracle how Swedes and Finns can train their rookie pilots. Ever lasting cold and darkness.

[@michaelking3185]

Feli, I've been watching your videos since you began posting - years ago. I want you to know this is by far your best video and you should be very proud of the documentary film producer you have become. It was really very interesting and your German access and perspective made it something only you could produce. Keep up the good work!

[@vodostar9134]

Very cool that they let Feli do this.

[@kenwalker687]

The PR people probably recruited her for this presentation. She has a KZbin following for German-American cultural comparisons.

[@danielzhang1916]

she's done German American history stuff, so they know her channel already

[@michaelsommers2356]

@@kenwalker687 Notice at the end it says "Produced in Collaboration with Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany". This is not the first project Miss Feli has done with them.

[@davidsonofart]

germans are such an incredible people. definitely have to respect/ admire them

[@mycroft16]

An excellent training program for all involved. Never underestimate what you can learn from others, no matter who you or they are. Those T-38s are kind of insane. They are quick and nimble. NASA trains astronauts in those things. Perfect for NATO pilot training. Well done on this whole video. This is solid journalism. Great mix of shots of things happening, detailed shots, and dialog with people, as well as narration. Truly, this is incredibly well produced.I hope you're considering doing this professionally, because you have the makings of a great journalist.

[@barryklinedinst6233]

It's great seeing my air force brothers and sisters training with our friends from Germany.

[@Karin_Aquatica]

Wow! Das war eine professionelle Doku, die in nichts der Doku nachsteht, die ich kürzlich über Kampfjets gesehen habe. Im Gegenteil, ich finde deine sogar besser und umfassend informativer.

[@stevecagle2317]

Outstanding video, Feli! Very impressive. I'm a retired airline pilot and this was one of the best aviation videos I've ever seen. You did your homework and preparation well and the videography and editing was beyond the level of some videos I've seen from networks like PBS and Smithsonian. Your questions were spot on and well researched. I give it 👍👍👍👍👍

[@eugenedewet1157]

Well done Feli, on a well-presented topic to watch. I really enjoyed watching this video. I actually watched it twice ! Floran is such a cool laid-back person but also a very focused pilot. I am very glad that he got his choice of plane at the end. Congratulations to you both.

[@elviejogo2008]

Thank you! Thank you, Thank you for this drop! I have a noncom airman that has devoted his life to the service, in his time he has achieved the highest rank as a non-com as possible, he's been all over the world interacting with countries of representative. I thoroughly understand what it means to accomplish your goals in any given area, but to have international brothers and sisters that know what it takes to keep the world safe and maintaining peace is ulti-important. I met some of these German nationals through my years of service to the my state. I applaud them, the coallition of NATO groups that have the interest and understanding that educations, training and camaraderie establish the foundation to be the best we can be together, no matter where in the world, we can come together as Homo-sapiens Sapiens and find our future, TOGETHER! Thank you for this drop and sharing it with us! To Florian and all the trainees and instructors, well done!

[@ksmit0111]

I was an Instructor Pilot there from 1989 until 1993. Great program, that was a follow on for me out of F-111F's out of RAF Lakenheath. Great joint Euro Nato Program. All it takes is all of us working together.

[@cdyjv118]

Lucky you got to fly the Pig back in the heyday!

[@smithnwesson990]

Question. Do you think the US should create a new fighter bomber concept like the F111? It seems we have a payload problem with the F35 and the F22 carry no air to ground munitions. A stealthy F111 type could be a game changer?

[@jcheck6]

What did you do after Shepard?

[@cdyjv118]

@@smithnwesson990 Its called the F-15E

[@johnmollet2637]

You two did a fantastic video, a refreshing positive credit to journalism!

[@dopemopey]

Wow. The production quality of this video is incredible. Excellent work.

[@Allagi22]

This was really compelling and interesting. Well paced too. I would watch this again

[@ralfkruse7565]

This is your best video up to now that I have seen. ( I have seen a lot of your videos) And big Congrats to all participants in front and behind the camera. And of course, to Florian for his promotion, fly safe!!!

[@Fonda-d3x]

Feli, I wish I knew you were doing this. Just to the west at Fort Bliss, TX our German partners train on the Patriot missile system (and to a lesser extent on the NASAMS). There is a huge German presence there and a really cool mix of cultures.

[@tommay6590]

Not anymore, they air defence scholl moved back to North German last year…

[@Fonda-d3x]

@@tommay6590 Oh no! Thanks for letting me know. The Unteroffizier Gemainschaft was such great place to hang out. Schade!

[@bleggett29]

The German AF was also at Holloman AFB New Mexico for many years until around 2017/2018.

[@longiusaescius2537]

@bleggett29 I read there was a large German population in Alamogordo, did they stick around after the Luftwaffe left?

[@halloweenmaster1573]

The German Patriot Training is now located at Fort Sill , OK ..

[@aljosha1994]

Sehr geil! This is something so different than you usually do on your channel but this video is very interesting and so well produced! I would love to see more of this kind of documentary type videos from you :)

[@FelifromGermany]

Have you seen these videos in the past? 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKGtiGqvrLqjl9U kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2HSeHSNr7GdbNU

[@TEXPHIN72]

Feli, amazing journalism. You’re American English is superb. Thank you for demonstrating how amazing our alliance is. The abundance of training aircraft is what separates us from others. Good to see a multinational effort protecting our common peace.

[@christianheller551]

We had German Pilots here at Cannon Airbase years ago.

[@solarwizzo8667]

Hey Feli! Super Video! Besser als alle DÖR Dokus, die ich in der Vergangenheit über die deutsche Piloten-Ausbildung gesehen habe. Hat mir viele Flashbacks gegeben, HA! Ich war selbst in der US-Navigator Ausbildung und bin dann viele Jahre TORNADO als WSO geflogen. Mit Michael Schill (für mich immer nur Schilli) bin ich einige Male geflogen. Und habe einige Bierchen mit ihm getrunken. Er war mein Student während der FWIC-Ausbildung in Holloman AFB, New Mexico 2003. Good Memories! So wie es aussieht, hat sich am SPIRIT der Flugschüler nix verändert! Immer noch das gleiche "LIVING ON THE EDGE" Feeling! Super! Ich lebe seit 20+ Jahren in New Mexico. Sind leider keine Deutschen mehr in Holloman und Fort Bliss. Nichtsdestotrotz - Bin hier hängen geblieben, liebe das Land und die Leute. Habe viele Deiner Videos angechaut! Servus und mach weiter so!

[@ians99]

Wow, Feli! A wonderful addition to your work.

[@cletenorris3558]

Feli…..I went thru ENJJPT in the mid 80s….my class was predominantly Danish and Dutch and US of course. My first assignment wound up being Bitburg Germany….the friendships I made at Sheppard continued in Europe….great times and a great program! The excitement Florian showed at drop night was the same for me getting a F-15C in Europe! Well done and captured the experience perfectly.

[@cdyjv118]

WGASF

[@jcheck6]

It's interesting to see these "Drop Nights." We didn't have them when I graduated from Willie in '73. You pretty much knew what you were going to get from your class standing.

[@kevinquirk4474]

You did an excellent job!

[@scottworley1479]

That celebration at the end was worth the whole video. How exhilarating that must be. Thanks for sharing

[@Dionysos.1337]

Grüße aus Kiel, ganz ehrlich eine der schönsten "Dokus" zur Luftwaffe die ich bis jetzt gesehen habe! die von JP war auch cool und gut gemacht.. aber dieser TopGun Flair und der Traum und die Emotionen der Piloten wurde hier unfassbar gut rübergebracht! Danke Felicia

[@MagMan4x4]

I grew up in New Mexico where the Luftwaffe had a training unit at Holloman AFB. Was awesome. Germany built schools in the surrounding town and then gave them to the town when they pulled out.

[@camiro66]

I suppose we were just lazy. Schools are hard to move 😂😂😂

[@minuteman3]

I was stationed at Holloman from 98 to 2001, and loved working with the guys from the Luftwaffe. It was cool seeing the Tornados.

[@MagMan4x4]

@@minuteman3 We crossed paths then, I was at the Middle School in 98 lol

[@minuteman3]

​@MagMan4x4 I'm not going to ask if you ever experienced the Octoberfests they threw every year.

[@xdavid.williamsx2446]

Was at Holloman 95-98. Was an awesome experience hanging out with our new friends.

[@SteveSmith-os5bs]

When I was at Holiman AFB, in New Mexico, there was a German wing on base, which consisted of pilots, planes, and maintainers. The cable on base had a German language channel, and the base commissary had a whole section of popular German foods.

[@VincentLustfeldt-b6y]

There is nothing in the world like the sound of afterburners. Still gets my heartrate up

[@RC-fu6hg]

Wow! I was watching documentaries on German aircraft engineering and then your video popped up. What fantastic interview with the pilots that fly them. What a great job I loved it.

[@AdamKeele]

My favorite part was when he said "...because the food here is terrible"! As an Air Force guy that was at Sheppard, have been stationed in Germany and know how terrible the food quality can be in the US, I completely sympathise with that statement. We also had a T-38 ejection in December of 2000 at Sheppard while I was there. Instructor and student survived. I was out at the crash site for a few days for the recovery. Coldest day I've ever experienced in Texas (I have since lived in Montana and Alaska, and still find one of those days at the site to be brutally cold). Thanks for covering this, Feli!

[@dustinkeel]

Apartment complex crash on Maurine st? I still work on the other end of that road and still remember the sounds of the seats and the crash.

[@monero892]

Yep welcome to America, $hit food

[@ronclark9724]

Wichita Falls is close to the W.T. Waggoner Ranch, the largest self contained fenced ranch in Texas. While Wichita Falls isn't a small town, neither is it a large city metropolis like Dallas-Fort Worth. This is cattle country, beef its whats for dinner... kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYfZp3SmYpepatE

[@indigo2ks]

THX for this! Given current events we need to all pull together to meet the challenges ahead.

[@stephengamber7000]

Looks like a you have a connection with the German embassy! Great stuff! More like these please

[@whelpthereitis2577]

Great Vid. Excellent Journalism. And, Congratulations to Florian for Earning his Wings. Cheers!

[@michaelwilson9483]

Sheppard AFB is where I did my USAF Tech School back in 1987 to become a crew chief. A crew chief is the person who is "in charge" of a plane and getting all the maintenance done on it, including inspections, changing basic parts, filling it with fuel, "launching" and "recovering" the plane, and so on. It was a great job for me since I love anything that flies but didn't have the grades to go to college. It's so cool that you got to see a little part of it!

[@dahur]

"For more than 20 years, a U.S. Air Force Base in New Mexico has been home to Germany’s largest military installation on foreign soil. The Luftwaffe's Air Force Flying Training Center at Holloman Air Force Base has meant millions of dollars to the U.S. government, and to the nearby community of Alamogordo." I believe they left in 2016. I saw their Tornado aircraft at the annual air shows at Holloman. Our 300+ sunny days here in southern New Mexico meant they could do a lot of flying and training. And they loved our warm weather so much many service people decided to stay here. The city built schools for the German families. Sorry they left.

[@jimb.942]

Yeah while in the Border Patrol in Alamogordo I would attend the German Oktoberfest at one of the German hangars.

[@avigator]

It closed in 2017.

[@SchnitzelFritz]

Idk much about this. I can only say we should learn and train together.

[@TheDogGeneral]

Hopefully, in the future, there won't be as many exercises after the demise of Nato. This excursion and diversion away from Political theater America and Germany are not allies in the world arena anymore.And it's just a matter of time before it ceases and desists

[@onepunchmantolkienfan5383]

0:30 is that German Goose from Top Gun😂

[@thewookiewacker]

He'd be called "Gans" 😂😂

[@Vatnik_tschistilka]

Guess it's "geese" now

[@amandawyllis9826]

This made me laugh so hard danke schon 😂🤣😭

[@augustinrocha7548]

Omg...best comment I've read this week 😂😂

[@bentbanana8428]

Ja es is gaus