Interview with Al Brown on the A-10 Thunderbolt II

Al Brown chats about flying the A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog) at RAF Bentwaters in the UK. He also talks about his time on the F-86D, F-89, F-100 and the F-4E.
This interview was filmed at Bentwaters Cold War Museum - www.bcwm.org.uk
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[@swagreg]

Flew with Al Brown as a second assignment, young A-10 pilot in England. Taught us youngsters a bunch, one could never know a funnier guy who was an awesome fighter pilot. Brought back lots of fond memories!

[@wadopotato33]

That is really cool.

[@disabled_ghost2310]

That’s insane good for you

[@dirtydave2691]

As a retired career U.S. Army Infantry NCO I am a big fan of the A 10. You guys are a huge comfort to have on the battlefield.

[@Freightorious]

I taught myself how to fly this in 1994 via a playstation dogfighting game and microsoft flight sims. this aircraft is amazing and needed forever in the days of potential hacking. preserve under radar and hydraulic, steam technology. if the enemy hacks us or ai breaks, we kick the kill switch, blame it on solar flares and rock em oldschool manual............

[@Freightorious]

man > ai.

[@bensmith7536]

Consider for a moment the reality of flying jets this man dealt with. Steam gauges, no HUD, seat of pants reactions. Huge respect. A real pilot.

[@aaronquak2139]

"Oooooooo there are no cars on that Autobahn, you're in the East Sector - get out!" Absolute unit

[@daszieher]

I also had to laugh real hard at that one. It was THE thing for pilots back then. If you see a highway with no cars and you have even minimal doubts about your position, head west immediately!

[@MattWagner]

Great stuff! What a cool guy.

[@Antares2]

Hey Wags :)

[@iainbradford4254]

Thanks for your work and your team Wags

[@maximillianvermontsuperbik2624]

Typical of the people you'd meet in Maine, N. NH and Vermont.

[@DJones476]

It's awesome to see you out in the wild, Wags!

[@Cubcariboo]

Wanna offer him a "Fluffa-Nutta"! What a particularly wonderful and charming interviewee in a huge crop of wonderful interviews done by Mike.

[@matthayward7889]

Fantastic interview, what a career, and love his style. What an absolute legend. I feel like I owe him a pint just for listening in 🍺

[@mickmckean7378]

Loved Al's impersonation of the Vulcan cannon sounds, and his "matter-of-fact" style indicative of back in those days.

[@TakeDeadAim]

Really wish my grandfather was still alive. He flew in WWII/Korea and Vietnam. Flew P-47's over in Europe then ended up going over to the pacific for the end flying P-51 escorts. Then transitioned to F-84's-F-86's and flew most of the "Century" series at one time or the other. Ended up flying F-105's while on a command post out of Thailand where he'd literally kick pilots out of their slots to fly. He said if he ever got shot down he'd be safer in the Hanoi Hilton compared to hearing that a CO flying un-slotted missions needed to be rescued!lol! He then went to Carswell AFB in Ft Worth where he retired and took a job on the F-111 project where he was about the 3rd person called if something happened to one of them. Actually got to go up in a B-58 as well. Was good friends with John Denvers father also. IIRC he ended his flying career with something like 21k hrs on 12 or 13 different aircraft of all sorts. Spend time at Wright Patt test flying some things as well but not sure what they were.

[@welshparamedic]

awsome!

[@Doones51]

They call people from Maine, Maniacs, because of their unique take on life. They are down home original people with good common sense. It was great fun to hear him describe his flying experiences.

[@KernowekTim]

This is one gentleman that I could have faith in, as a provider of air cover, if I was in a 'tricky' situation on the ground. A great warrior, and a fine man.

[@dirtydave2691]

I've been attacked by A-10s at Fort Irwin California during training. During our rotation 1992 they were "Red Air" or bad guys. They could literally come out of nowhere from behind mountains or ridges. A great plane. Happy its on our side!

[@mkmdexplorationparanormal5610]

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrilliant interview, very down to earth guy, I will have to visit this museum sometime, loved hearing his stories and enthusiasm ☺

[@Aircrewinterview]

Cheers Mike!

[@Red19UK]

We used to see A10s regularly flying lowlevel over the woods up a valley at the back of our school, youd hear them coming, then only see them for a few seconds then theyd be gone again. Amazing stuff.

[@IrishManJT]

A true stick & rudder old timer. Fantastic!

[@yamabushi170]

I think out of all of your interviewees, this guy is probably the most down to earth and likeable. Which is not to say the others weren't likeable by any means. Al Brown just seems to warm and affable.

[@Aircrewinterview]

Thank you. Al was really nice and happy to give you plenty of stories. He sadly passed away a few months ago so glad I managed to capture a little bit of his story.

[@yamabushi170]

@@Aircrewinterview yeah I think your has more than mere entertainment value. Keep up the good work!

[@matthayward7889]

09:50 “equivalent to 50,000 hours on airliners drinking coffee” 😂😂

[@mururoa7024]

Probably one of the funniest interviews. Love this. Great chap.

[@patthewoodboy]

about 35 years ago I built 2 Tamiya plastic models , this was one of them , seeing it in kit form made me realise what an awesome aircraft it is.

[@gascan1201]

Great Interview! Those early A-10 guys had a lot on their plate for sure

[@BAZZAROU812]

I like the old school guys the most... It's awesome that these fellas are getting their. Adventures documented..

[@Steinstra-vj7wl]

The best plane for close air to ground support. Keep it updated and in service.

[@robw3027]

That IMO was an excellent interview! Many thanks. Also Al many thanks for serving your country and doing your duty. Great insight into early aircraft types- F-86D, F-89 and F-100. Also wonderful idea of early A-10 Hog operations. Always felt the Hog was a super close support aircraft- rugged construction and simplicity being two of the plane's excellent qualities. As a post below asks one wonders what Al would think of the hi tech F-35 for close support.

[@wadopotato33]

He wouldn't even be privy to its' true abilities...

[@robervin4384]

Came here for the A10 but geez.....wouldve been content with more on the F89. Unique aircraft that many overlook (probably justifiably) however.....those early jets are sure interesting.

[@bendeleted9155]

Yep, and you must see this F-89 clip, if you haven't already. Mind-blowing era, it was. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ2oYnWahKaZjMU

[@anselmdanker9519]

Great stories of his experiences ,very interesting, much respect.

[@marbleman52]

What an amazing mix of planes that Al got to fly..!! Watching him and listening to him reminds me of Rodney Dangerfield..LOL..!!!

[@jameshewitt8828]

New suscriber here and ex apache technician, love the A10, i regularly walk around Rendlesham forest next to woodbridge looking at the old HAS sites, great interview and will definitely get along to the Cold War museum with my kids

[@Aircrewinterview]

Hi James. Great to hear you have subscribed and enjoying the interviews! It’s a great museum and I’m sure you’re kids will really enjoy it.

[@theralphster8492]

A fascinating guy, the early jets really sorted the men from the boys, speeds not that far off or equal to some of todays aircraft but without the navigation or handling aids they benefit from now...great interview Mike.

[@Aircrewinterview]

Cheers mate. He was a great guy to chat to.

[@LiamE69]

I was "strafed" a few times by A-10s whilst out playing golf in Norfolk. The buggers would line up on you from behind while you were on the tee. Great stuff.

[@jamesringler987]

Mess with your concentration a bit did he

[@phillipneal9289]

Just looking through some older interviews and just thought I'd comment again. It really is a fantastic interview with a amazing pilot who had a lot of experience through some incredible and changeable times in aviation history. Al has quite a few iconic planes under his belt also

[@Aircrewinterview]

Thank you for the kind words, Phillip.

[@HalfUnder]

Oh man, seeing the Vulture logo brings back lots of memories.

[@patthewoodboy]

I also have a short story .. 2 A10 flew over my home town of Harlow , sometime in the early 80's , they were in close formation , I saw them ... several day later an article in the local paper reported someone had seen 2 planes escorting a UFO at that same time , a guy I worked with who was into aircraft , did a follow up interview with the paper explaining what really was seen :-)

[@n7565j]

Just outstanding!!! Please keep it up sir, you certainly have a knack for interviewing pilots ;-)

[@Aircrewinterview]

Thanks Brian :)

[@usafr1pilot]

i absolutely love this video. Listening to stories such as this one is great and it just makes you wonder what it was like back in the day. Thank you for sharing

[@iainbradford4254]

Awesome - watched you guys in Suffolk in the 80s

[@Aircrewinterview]

Cheers Iain

[@simonrichardson5077]

Top drawer guys,thank you

[@davidruddick3346]

Thanks for finding another fascinating,funny flier for us all to enjoy and envy more than just a little..... Keep up the great work Mike!

[@Aircrewinterview]

Cheers David. I’m glad we had a great sunny day for filming which is rare!

[@AndykSuper2]

what an awesome guy...so humble and his stories are amazing. Thank you....

[@Aircrewinterview]

Great to hear you enjoyed it, Andrew.

[@yan24to]

I was at RAF Wainfleet range,1980-83 saw A10s every day and met many of the A10 pilot's who were range safety officers at the range a different pilot each week.

[@jimramsey8887]

Great Interview! Al is a fun loving, magnificent and very interesting man with a wealth of experience. I would love to hear some more of his stories. Thank you Mike.

[@Aircrewinterview]

Thanks Jim.

[@Cubcariboo]

I can't help but notice the gleam in is eyes when he mentioned Montreal. Been there love that city. Surely, Al has several not so family friendly stories of his time in Montreal. ;-)

[@jackhaffenhoff1365]

Epic. Cool stories, fascinating career over so many airframe types.

[@warthog01]

Ah, the legend that is Filthy Brown. Nickel & RIP

[@phillipneal9289]

Fabulous interview. With a very likeable pilot. Would love to have a drink with Al. Top man 😁

[@Ecthaelyon]

A wonderful Gentleman. What a privilege. Thank you for making this video.

[@pieandmashlover]

Fantastic interview! I'd been looking forward to this one for quiet a while. Loved watching the A-10's, ducking and weaving over the Northamptonshire countryside as a kid. Been a fan of them ever since. Keep up the good work!!

[@HerrGesetz]

Brilliant interview.

[@gnashings]

aawesome! Mr. Brown is just such a great guy, and great job on the interview

[@Aircrewinterview]

Cheers!

[@StevieSmith77]

Another brilliant interview

[@Aircrewinterview]

Cheers mate

[@richardshilling2958]

My favourite interview you've done. Top job. I love the a10s grew up with them buzzing around.

[@Aircrewinterview]

Thanks Richard.

[@whiskeysk]

these are amazing. Keep them coming please!

[@paullanham1014]

One of the best so far

[@Aircrewinterview]

Thanks Paul.

[@Helibeaver]

Great interview. Flew bunch of aircraft. Superb.

[@Aircrewinterview]

Cheers.

[@simhog9047]

Thank you for posting this ... I could listen to these interviews all day!

[@patrickhennigan9689]

RAF BENDOVER, 82 to 85. Appreciated what we have in the states when I came back. Myrtle Beach 85 to 90 was heaven compared to Bentwaters.

[@mattycross]

What an amazing guy and interview 👍😎

[@Aircrewinterview]

Cheers Matt.

[@rustykilt]

What an absolute character. No nonsense, and shone some light on how easy it is for pilots today who have planes that fly themselves His knowledge and experience, especially with the century series jets, was enlightening due their dangerous quirks... but still loved them. A real fly by the seat of your pants pilot before the days of flying a computer. His views on new pilots was interesting..... Last of the dying breed... eats Tom Cruise for breakfast..!

[@cpy9691]

Superb, thank you.

[@Aircrewinterview]

Cheers.

[@pete_mitchell]

Was about to go to sleep, but now cant. Been waiting for and asked for this :)

[@Aircrewinterview]

Hopefully you will enjoy it buddy.

[@paulnimmo3233]

I have never been in the army or on the ground where the troops go ,but to have someone above who will do the business must be of some comfort, ,

[@Michael-4]

Very good. DCS fans will love this too.

[@simflier8298]

What a great interview! Super cool guy!

[@lauriecroad3186]

Marvellous...thankyou.

[@thornautical]

fantastic interview.

[@Aircrewinterview]

Cheers!

[@thornautical]

I've found my new youtube obsession & its your channel, thank you for giving these exceptional men a voice..... please find some F-104 pilots it's my favorite, all my experience is with shipboard U.S.Coast Guard helicopters and USN. lamps anti-sub helo.

[@Aircrewinterview]

That’s great to hear :) We do have one F-104 interview up, if you search for “Arnulf Hartl” it should come up.

[@ignaciobuhadla9342]

Nice old man, it was a pleasure to hear it

[@hughesja1975]

Another gem, keep em coming Michael! 👍✈

[@avpinstarter]

sounds like a nice bloke thanks for uploading

[@chewiepeanut]

been waiting for this- great stuff

[@tectorama]

I visited Bentwaters many times, saw some great airshows there over the years, including the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds (twice)..Went to the final show, it was a sad day when they pulled out.

[@threeforty7]

This is a fantastic video and interview!

[@Aircrewinterview]

Thank you

[@markstott6689]

Back in about 1984 i was on a school geography trip to Flamborough Head. We were in a coach on top of the Yorkshire Wolds on a long straight road when in the distance up popped two aircraft flying towards us very low indeed. They rapidly resolved into two A10's. One either side of the carriage way. It was quite the cool sight. No one else on the coach had a clue what they were. Or seemed that bothered. It would be nice to think that it was the same squadron at least.

[@BobbyGeneric145]

This guy is top notch American.

[@MrLuvOldies]

Thanks. Great Video.

[@joeangeles9383]

the 509th FS patch on the wall behind him looks pretty cool

[@mohawksniper79]

True pilot love this man🤠👍

[@hg2560]

Be interesting to learn more about that special variant of the F-4 he flew, intersting to hear it intercepted U-2's

[@dheujsnrhfydhehehshshhdggsd]

HG first time I've ever screamed listening to ACI. Dearest me the guy starts telling us about a f4 that can outfly a f16 and climb over a u2. Either he is telling tall tales or he needs a follow up!

[@Aircrewinterview]

I am going to try and have a follow up interview with Al as he had lots of stories and if I went to follow up each answer with another question it would be a difficult edit.

[@rawnukles]

@@dheujsnrhfydhehehshshhdggsd He didn't actually say it was a hot rod F4 .. He didn't say what it was. Just that it had extra doors open on the intakes at high speed and that the F4 didn't impress him after flying the mystery plane. I'd like to know what he was talking about too.

[@aaronquak2139]

All we know is that it a) was used to practice interceptions b) could hit M1.4 - M2.2/2.3 c) at which speeds it suffered compressor stalls d) due to lack of variable intake ramps e) which needed intake holes cut in the sides f) was flying in 1969

[@Aircrewinterview]

rawnukles the aircraft he is referencing to is a F-104.

[@legendhasit2568]

Well done! Keep it up :)

[@AtlisWerks]

What a guy. :D

[@djmeyer1972]

Reminds me of Homer Simpson’s Dad but what a fantastically interesting guy. Could listen to him for hours.👍🏻

[@sfertonoc]

This guy is a lot of fun.

[@matt-f1c]

Amazing guy

[@Aeronaut1975]

Great video, thank you!

[@clive373]

l was south of Bridlington near a bombing range. An A 10 was coming towards me, then he chucked it into a 90 degree bank and did a turn to my left. As l marveled at how low he was...his wingman came from behind me, also in a 90 degree bank, but to my right, and they crossed fifty meters in front of me. The lower aircrafts wing tip was lower than some of the trees!

[@wadopotato33]

It is amazing how nimble they are. Big ol' wings.

[@Relax2437]

Can the interviewer get a microphone, so I can hear him?

[@predattak]

A-10 part starts at 15:53

[@Partykristian]

Good job, I quite enjoyed that :)

[@boydmonsen4853]

May God bless all our servicemen and women!

[@lsdzheeusi]

Sounds like he’s referring to having flown the NF-104A ... time for another interview, as that’s vastly more rare and interesting !

[@peterstickney7608]

Sounds more like the J79-19 re-engined F-104A. The USAF had a squadron of them at Key West. Check out the archives of rec.aviation.military on Google, for observations on the airplane by Walt Bjorneby - (WaltBJ)

[@joshandkorinna]

Talking about at the 10 minute mark? I was trying to figure out which aircraft he's talking about before he flew the F-4E and says was "suped up and could beat an F-16 today."

[@paulbranstine4925]

it was a suped up f100 He called a Hun

[@andrewwilkey6195]

Perrin AFB is now North Texas Regional near Sherman TX for anyone interested

[@colonelkurtz2269]

Iraqi tank commander: Did you fart? Gunner: Not me. Next second:💥 💥 💥 💥 💥 💀

[@Q2bFF]

This guy is a legend.

[@janihalttunen5501]

Respect The hog flyer. Very interesting to listening His story and thank you for video!

[@thefrecklepuny]

Great interview and very informative. Wonder what he thinks of using F-35's to provide CAS?

[@bret9741]

What an interesting life

[@tobyeez]

I was s Security Policeman there 1988-1992 Good times

[@steeltiger5000]

That's awesome .. I was security police at Sembach 87-89. I loved when the A-10's were forward deployed at Sembach. Great memories.

[@tobyeez]

Cool

[@johns.7609]

Al reminds me a bit of Chuck Yeager

[@CastleGraphics]

If you want to see some of the stuff Al and others did as as far as ground ops (Integrated Combat Turnarounds), you can check out this vid filmed at RAF Woodbridge. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4TOhHqNjdqli6c

[@Mors_Inimicis]

Very sad to learn (as reported on the 510th FS FB page) that Al passed away yesterday March 11 2020 at his home in Suffolk . Blue Skies Al

[@Aircrewinterview]

Ah that is sad news. He was a really nice bloke. Blue Skies.

[@yan24to]

Sad to hear that.

[@robertdownie6574]

RIP Al

[@ianclarke7547]

RIP

[@thetreblerebel]

I know the F86D and the F89 were not great interceptors but there's something cool about em. The Frontline of North American Air Defense. Our only hope at the time against Russian Bears and Bisons

[@jh52663]

Google the F-89 Battle Of Los Angeles incidents and it’ll blow your mind. Sounds like fiction but it’s not!

[@babakzekibi315]

I really wonder what he thinks about F-35 for CAS

[@theflyingfool]

Hehe, that would be classified! Probably because the top brass wouldn't like to hear it :D

[@EstorilEm]

@@theflyingfool Nah - his biggest A-10 complaint was that it didn't have enough power in certain situations, AND that the missiles were easier and more accurate. Want to know the really shocking thing? Even with those two engines and giant wing, the F-35 still carries a GREATER LOADOUT than the A-10.. by a lot, 22,000 vs 16,000 - which is still crazy for me to wrap my head around. I love the A-10, but people don't give the F-35 enough credit.

[@dheujsnrhfydhehehshshhdggsd]

Alex Thomas and the gun don't work. Loadout is worthless if you cant get it into the air

[@EstorilEm]

mirrored window huh? The gun works fine and all the attachments for external stores work as well. Google is your friend.

[@TJMack-]

@@EstorilEm And that the A-10 is real slooow, although very manoeuvrable . Al even said it himself that even trainees were able to get a jump on it. Great close quarter ground support craft, but you need total air superiority for that to happen with an A-10. Not all enemies are Islamsts stuck in the Medieval times.

[@maxchristian5727]

what is the "souped up" aircraft Al mentions at 10:35ish ? is he talking about a Phantom model or previous (got abit lost there for some reason)..........the one that could get upto U2?? Great video by the way . love to buy him a drink!

[@Aircrewinterview]

He is chatting about a F-104.

[@maxchristian5727]

@@Aircrewinterview many thanks, love the series, keep up the good work!

[@anirudhverma9508]

Where did the F-14 interview with Okie go? Did it get taken down?

[@Aircrewinterview]

It will be up next Wednesday.

[@eriktruchinskas3747]

Is that a hunter behind him?