I Got the Keys to a Thunderbird F-16!

This is a video of flying a Thunderbird fighter jet in formation. The Blue Angels and Thunderbirds fly really close formation. This is cockpit footage of an F-16 fighter jet and what I did on a rainy day practicing for an airshow.
#aviation #aviationlovers #aircraft
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[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Hello Team Afterburner! Thanks for checking out this helmet cam footage of when I flew a Thunderbird Jet site survey. It was a blast and I hope you have a blast watching it! If you want a Max Afterburner Tee shirt head over to www.maxafterburner.co and grab one! No pressure. Glad you are here!

[@Av-vd3wk]

Pfffft! I could do that….in DCS!!

[@Gabriel_McMillan]

Google is censoring my comments to you, where I say thank you and suggest new videos, because I complained in another comment to someone else, several days ago, about how the Chinese spy balloon issue was handled. This appears to be a deliberate violation of the 1st Amendment, directed by the Federal Government.

[@trentmarlowe7655]

Awesome 👌👍🍺

[@sloppydog4831]

Cool stuff!

[@einarabelc5]

Why did my comment didn't appear? Anyway here you go, for DCS kzbin.info/www/bejne/m33blmt8gtKbfaM

[@slickninjadude9165]

I love how you can hear just how much you're playing with the throttle, it helps me realize just how much is going on in a cockpit

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Yeah its wild how much you have to move it in that close of formation!

[@evanm6739]

Try aerial refueling….

[@keirfarnum6811]

@@MaxAfterburnerusa When I used to flight sim in Falcon 4.0, I learned pretty quick how hard it was to keep a consistent speed, altitude and attitude, etc. Even in the flight sim, it took constant adjustments. I can’t even imagine what it’s like in the real jet. One thing that got me watching the real guys fly was just how much their watching their flight leads rather than where they’re going themselves; they’re just trusting their leads and going along for the ride rather than flying themselves.

[@caroleinwv]

I have enjoyed your "in flight" videos before. Almost as good as being there!

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Wow, thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Keith-eo5fs]

Love this channel. One of the few areas in life where it acceptable for grown men to remain as kids their whole life is in the love of big loud airplanes. I can watch stuff like this all day!

[@chevytruckjoe]

That’s so amazing man, really appreciate you sharing this with us!

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Absolutely! All you gotta do is subscribe and dominate that like button!

[@kyleb9454]

The F-16 has always been my favorite aircraft, since I can even remember. It's a masterpiece imo. One badass looking unit too.

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

It's a rocketship!

[@groorg24]

It's crazy how much stuff is shifting around but from the ground it looks rock steady.

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Yes! That’s how I felt as well!

[@connorroestel784]

THIS FOOTAGE IS INCREDIBLE. Interesting no diamond takeoff

[@oldmangaming1297]

Formation flying, the art of precisely flying a jet while staring intently at a different jet. this is awesome

[@cyanbloodbane1]

That is unbelievably awesome. Thanks for sharing

[@mattfgln]

The rejoin at 1:35 is impressive 😮 the closure rate and the precision to slow down at the exact moment to get in position wow!!

[@technowelliebobs4779]

The inital part of the flight after take off to rejoin is sped up slightly. Not to take away from the skills of these fantastic pilots!

[@3snowyman]

@@technowelliebobs4779 Why do you think it's sped up?

[@technowelliebobs4779]

@@3snowyman It speeds up at around 0:50. The viper is powerful but not 400+knts right after raising the gear kinda powerful. The shake of the helmet cam. No rejoin has a closure rate like that, it's too dangerous. The attitude is very snappy when rolling (the Viper has great authority but it's not natural for it to move like it is here). To clarify, the rest looks to be not sped up. I believe Max just wanted to skip the "boring" part of an amazing video. (Just noticed that you can't see the inertia/momentum of Max's jet when decelerating, another sign that it's sped up).

[@3snowyman]

@@technowelliebobs4779 Not sure what you're seeing. Doesn't look sped up at all. The rate at which the runway markings move after rotation never suddenly changes indicating a point at which the footage gets sped up, and he certainly isn't going 400 knots. (although a clean F-16 in burner CAN get up to 400+ knots before the end of the runway - a number of reference videos support this). The 3ish G's pulled after takeoff will result in airframe buffeting, thus shaking of the camera (notice after he rolls out, the shaking settles down). Closure rate didn't seem unsafe at all. The FOV of the camera might make it seem quicker than it actually is - GoPro's tend to have this effect. But look how quickly #3 comes into frame at 2:05. Notice how quickly he matches speed as well.

[@DocBrewskie]

When I was a kid my dad and I would go to the Dayton air show every summer. I remember just looking up thinking “those are super heros”. So cool.

[@adyenmurry7027]

I absolutely love watching pov’s like this it’s so amazing.

[@lilletrille8998]

Amazing flying there, and the best form up I have ever seen Sir! Amazing!

[@matyaskucera8597]

Oh my god!! Your videos are absolutely amazing and I love watching them. The way you explain everything is very educating and also a lot entertaining. I hope I'm going to make it as a fighter pilot because I love flying and military since I was young.

[@theseus1705]

Ryan, Neo, and Thunderbird 2 each bring unique perspectives to the channel. Love it!

[@xenozombie6200]

Great footage. Love the sound.

[@flatlyna2223]

Ryan, thats some tight flying my man. A totally mesmerizing watch. More pleeeese ;-)

[@knowingyoung1446]

Looks like so much fun! Thanks for bringing us along for the ride. Back in the dark ages when I was a child, my first ever airshow in Anchorage, Alaska was a Thunderbird visit. I've been in love ever since.

[@Watchandcutgearchannel]

What a great Title!!! Great video… looks fun floating around out there gliding around with all that thrust at your fingertips

[@sixt3denied]

What I would give to be a fighter pilot for just one day. Really amazing perspective in this video. Thank you.... Always loved F-16s

[@kadenlanier1995]

Hidden gem right here brother. Thanks for all you do👏

[@brandonmullinax4655]

God that is absolutely amazing.....thank you for the post 👍

[@Geomanb]

I love the camera setup - feels like sitting in that plane!

[@mrirondance]

That was awesome!!!!! Thanks for the ride! Can't imagine a better thing to do...

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

You and me both!

[@mrirondance]

@@MaxAfterburnerusa Ya know, I sat and watched a group of 10 Hawks over the back of my house, and the way they were able to go from almost nothing to full out, just left me in awe, and all that, without any effort of additional movement. An incredible efficient machine indeed! And as I'm watching a jet flew by as if to almost joined in the view, from a distant perspective, and I thought, " how lucky that person flying that thing really is...And this is why, this is my favorite channel.

[@Jphlie]

Thank you so much for your content your vids have inspired me to change my lifestyle for the better and begin applying to the USAFA from Enlisted and start my journey to becoming a fighter pilot !!

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

I'm so glad to hear that! Excited for you and God speed in your pursuit!

[@captainicelander3898]

That is so awsome man! Thanks for sharing this vid. Share a "upside down 5" vid. Rock n roll ! !

[@Zamboni-ms5iq]

"hey siri, play the ballad of thunderbird 2 by dos gringos"

[@Aditi27]

Stunning ! Aerial ballet 😍

[@Local11-m9r]

Man, nice job. Looks like you got those DCS settings nailed.

[@Andrew-Locksley691]

Holy sht !My heart was pounding throughout that whole vid!At 1:55 I swear to GOD you're wingman had blue eyes! (he was that close)And then at 8:30 He's almost in the line of sight of your nose and HUD and you're just leading him for a perfect Tone!!!,Do you guys ever mess with each other and get a Missle lock on one another (obviously with an empty gun and empty hard points),Or is that just Hollywood movie stuff?Sir you should make a video showing us one of you're air shows over Ft Lauderdale or Miami somewhere over the ocean that would be absolutely amazing!!!I can't stop re watching this it's that Cool!All the best Boston USA..

[@BigJohnson1566]

Some badassery right there🇺🇸

[@tanmaylonbale2520]

F16 is one of the most adorable aircraft I have ever seen, in thunderbird colors it look even better.

[@RobertsonDCCD]

F-16 pilots are very proud of the looks of their aircraft, but I’ve yet to hear one call it “adorable,” LOL. I do hear svelte and sexy used a lot.

[@joevaccaro6655]

Sweet ride 💯

[@verlustt13]

Super cool dude!

[@steveklehfoth1503]

Awesome video, big thumbs uip. Really captured what a rocketship the F-16 really is. Also watching you join up after takeoff was max impressive. Thanks for posting this. I gotta go fly my DCS F-16 now. :)

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Thanks a lot! Happy Flying!

[@shadowrealms2676]

@@MaxAfterburnerusa Gives me DCS vibes, thank you Ryan

[@Andrew-Locksley691]

The American flag is a nice touch btw!I love the symphony that is the heart beat of the F-16 that General Electric F110 after burning turbo fan.I have to ask sir ,how does it feel when you hit the throttle and let her smash through the sound barrier?This might possibly be one of the coolest vids ever !It also makes me proud of all our airman and women who fly these wonders!!!All my best sir Boston USA 🇺🇸..

[@pal7252]

That was so freaking awesome! 😃

[@SpartanElite43]

Man the Graphics of these games is getting insane!

[@brandonproctor3639]

Dude, this made my heart beat faster when you got in close formation

[@jimc6687]

This is also kinda like T-bird air show advertising by flying over housing development areas and getting folks on the ground popping out of their homes and businesses wondering "What's all this?? Cool........air show practice!! We need to go attend!!" At least this certainly works here in the Denton, TX area for annual air shows!! Jim C.

[@grungetruck8243]

Amazing, seems like a very smooth aircraft to fly.

[@Highbread]

Awesome.

[@N172GB]

The Blue Angels are cool but the Thunderbirds rule!!!

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

For sure!

[@marcinm1981]

WOW !!! :) It looks great :)

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@douglasspaltro2697]

Hey Duece! Great vid! I was on the team 97-2001. Crew'd Tbird #5 and #8. Was the highlight of my 20-year career!

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

That's awesome! Stoked to have you here!

[@douglasspaltro2697]

@@MaxAfterburnerusa Rock on! Blue Out!

[@HarvestTexas]

Awesome! More, please!

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

More to come!

[@55Dag]

Loved it! The viper is such a sexy bird. Is that an action cam next to the AOA indicator on the right of the HUD?

[@Amadeus_Flyfishing]

Thanks for sharing, looks awesome! I see you used the professionally mounted :) stopwatch to time the takeoff, is it also for maneuvers in the air?

[@cthu1hu42o]

That join up in the beginning, you had me hitting the brakes on the floorboard of my PC haha! Then you are waiting for 3 to get into position before closing in. 🤌

[@lacrossed55]

Awesome

[@AR_Parker]

super cool man!!!!! Is that a stopwatch next to the hud?

[@cowboyceo1]

Best seat in the house!

[@cowboyceo1]

Absolutely Amazing! Thank you for your service!

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Exactly!

[@Curlycopper]

Always love to see the f16 Chad mobile

[@tracyharri6594]

Badass !

[@onstade3261]

Awesome video! One question, I notice you had master mode in SIM, is there a reason it’s in SIM and not off? Keep up the good work!

[@PFSquirrel]

Beautiful! Would love to have heard comms for this. Unless it's practiced without?

[@michellejacobcik9946]

As an Air Force kid, love the Thunderbirds!

[@bobr8766]

Get VR and come fly in DCS! Blow the MiGs out of the skies! Great vid!

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Thanks!

[@davidsmith8997]

Two quick questions- do you fly closer than that at actual airshows and how are you deconflicting air space after the formation broke? I'm thinking about that recent B-17 disaster and wondered how the T-birds trained. Thanks for the answers and for the cool vid. Must be a great way to enjoy a rainy day!

[@ImpendingJoker]

When the Birds or the Angels are up, they are the only planes in the sky around the show and there is a large TFR over the whole area to stop other planes entering into the area.

[@Willdass]

Thanks for sharing, awesome to see this POV! Quick question(s): I often see real Viper pilots having the DED data displayed in the HUD as well as the DED. I'm curious, why? Isn't the HUD cluttery enough already? Is it to remove one part of the cockpit from your scan, or is so that data also will be part of HUD recordings? Or some other reason? Thx!

[@clairecelestin8437]

What's more technically demanding, dogfighting or flying in tight formation? I'm amazed by all the tiny adjustments you have to do.

[@briangulley6027]

As an ex-crew chief on fighters that dirty canopy makes me sad. The smudge on the right is bad enough but there is a "dot" directly looking forward. I've seen pilots shut down the engine and make the crew chief clean the canopy. Said crew chief got a talking to from the flight chief after the sortie, meaning the flight spoke and the crew chief listened. Hell, even playing flight sims a small speck on the monitor can look like a plane at very long range. Even driving my car, I hate any dirt directly in my line of sight.

[@blazetieftw]

Still don't quite understand the tech behind them digital huds but it's bad ass.

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Def badass!

[@clairecelestin8437]

As I understand, it's just like how when you look through a window at night you can see your own reflection- the hud image is made by shining a light up at that pane of glass, and some of that light reflects back at your eye to show you the display

[@blazetieftw]

@@clairecelestin8437 That'd explain why the angle you're looking at it effects the display. It's just a mind F*** when you're looking at a display that reacts like a physical object 20 meters outside your window that isn't really there and in reality has no distance. Sorry for my poor technical jargon.

[@repairstudio4940]

Most awesome, what kinda Gs do these pull?

[@robstanton9215]

Still one of the sexiest fighter jets ever!!!

[@TheHeiseiX]

nice!

[@Grapejellyification]

I never noticed the little winglets on the belly of the F-16 before, is that on every variant or is it a special Thunderbirds thing? Incredible skill and positional awareness to fly like that, still got it!

[@RedRoosterParty]

Ventral fins. They are on all F-16s.

[@pd28cat]

It's funny how that throttle click moving it to afterburner was louder than the afterburner itself.

[@sambumgardner3480]

"Always lookin' right"

[@joefrisbie485]

We need Thunderbirds vs Blue Angels or all fly as one even though one is navy and the other is Air Force. One giant formation.

[@samicolgecen4027]

1:34 to 1:44. You are good man!

[@Capt_OscarMike]

I almost caused an issue when I inadvertantly entered airspace that I should not have....I crossed directly in front of the path of 2 f-4s flying in close formation and low ...not sure how close... but seemed like was just a few feet (probably 1/2 mile) .... Occurred when I was a student pilot practiing whatever I did that day...did not have my instructor with me that day...somehow I entered the military base airspace..the fringes ...I must admit...I worried the WAKE TURBULENCE MONSTER I was flying may cause a catastrophe... but thankfully they were able to maintain control of their aircraft blasted through MY MIGHTY 152's wake... (I had flown from a non-controlled airfield and a squadron of F-4 were stationed nearby)... In fact, during my days as a student pilot when I needed to work on my Comms/ATC/IFR "stuff" there were F-4s based at the controlled field I flew out of...their call signs were Dixie...DIXIE 1...DIXIE 2 etc (probably guess where that was) ... there was a small GA FBO located adjacent to the air guard...I could tell when I would taxi to the active and they find themselves behind me...they wanted nothing to do with my BEAST..It may have taken me 45 minutes to taxi all the way to the end...thankfully ATC never forced me to do that...Evenso, I'm sure the guys in the F-4s were concerned seeing THE BEAST taxing along in front of them...pumping out almost as much horsepower as my Riding LawnMower...I know they were intimidated by me because I was always told by ATC to hold short or move as far to the side as possible to allow them to go around or past me...I know they heard me screw up my read-back to ATC then eventually informing ATC I was a student pilot so give me a break...(they didn't)...but when the F-4 guys heard that...seeing the beast I was in...they did not want to depart behind me...not sure if the airframe could have handled it...would have caused them 30-45min delay just waiting... ps. Seriously, I was always enomored and somewhat intimidated anytime I felt the ground start shaking and my little plane startshaking and seemed like was going to start bouncing on the Tarmac when I was taxing and glanced over my shoulder to see nothing but the landing gear of the F-4s...I always made sure or tried to place as muh distance between me and them when I either held short of the active or simply deviated to the side of the taxiway... Even with my headset on, and after the 1st time I learned to not keep my window open and arm dangling out as the F-4s taxied by me...especialy if I was near the holding line....the F-4's would give a little thrust to line up on the active...always in tandem...those massive F-4 engines caused the my little 152 or 172 or whatever I had rented that day to shake, bounce and if I caught some of their "wash" when they went to the active I thought my plane was about to be sent across the Tarmac like a paper football....Evenso, I must admit, it was always the coolest thing to see from that vanish point...I always appreciated the pilots too....especially during my time as a student pilot when I was solo...Each time the F-4s would pass me... at least one but usually both guys in each F-4 would take time to give a quick glance down at me followed by a smile and a thumbs up or a quick salute... which I proudly reciprocated...When those big ol' birds started rolling...the smoke poured out and thought the windows on my little bird were going to explode it was so loud....that is one activity that I do wish smartphones or GoPros were around back then...been more than 30yrs now ... the F-4s were shelved I think about time I did my check ride....which was less than a year after my first lesson (I only could afford to go 1-2 times a week...Getting old sux

[@a36538]

Did you do any of the COVID fly overs? Like the one for NYC?

[@krisbeaver2901]

Quick question.. Why did you cross the runway? Does that set the post-wheels up maneuver?

[@Dc0lbyt22]

i never liked the thunderbirds... NOT!!! sooo cool dude keep posting ill keep watchin

[@Capt_OscarMike]

Must have been at Ellsworth or Dyess AFB...@ 6:15 I think I noticed a couple of B-1 Lancer's... am I close?

[@chrisn9018]

I never see footage of it, but how often does the team practice a peel away or anti-collision maneuver? I know you guys are professionals, but with as close as you all are, it just seems like something could go wrong with a bump in the air or a mechanical failure.

[@RobertsonDCCD]

That’s a great question. It is not unheard of for T-birds or Blue Angels to trade a little paint, but I don’t know what the trained reaction is among the flight. When does the show continue, and when do they call it a day? Ryan?

[@ShadeAKAhayate]

Sorry to ask, but did you use an airbrake in rejoin at 1:33 - 1:42? The jet seems to glue to the selected position.

[@HalfUnder]

Is it really a flight in a Viper if you don't hear Bitchin Betty at least once? On a serious note, you need to setup a PO Box or something. I had some challenge coins made for the anniversary of my old man taking his A-10 Squadron to Desert Storm (511th TFS out of RAF Alconbury) and wanna send one your way.

[@mauricefuchs7921]

"on this episode of rare amazon finds"

[@vancinhoplays]

Hey what's ur call sign in the military and do they allow you to use it in commercial?

[@tr7b410]

You should submit your resume to U.S. Space command & be a Tr3b astra driver. Mission to Mars- 8 hours away.

[@birminghamreefer2733]

Are those F-16 planes strictly for show or can they be war ready if necessary?

[@bradleyreeves5377]

I have no idea if I'd love to be able to see that outside my house or hate the sound.

[@zeroxzero8348]

I really wish the DCS f16 would handle like the thunderbirds to. How you are able to control the pitch of the nose with rudder is amazing. The DCS f16 will never be able to control it nose with rudder alone you would have slammed right into #1 everytime. Are the thunderbirds block 52's? I would assume they are quite a bit lighter than the block 50CM's we are able to fly.

[@CruelSun69]

You never know man dcs is constantly working on the flight models. I got faith they will fix everything.i think Reducing the drag in the f16 and giving it a better sustained rate will be the soonest fm update. F16s shouldn't be getting out rated by f18s.

[@zeroxzero8348]

@@CruelSun69 I think that's more a problem with the f18 flight model than it is the 16. It will improve it already has quite a bit. But watching a real f16 do what it does it makes you wonder how bad the flight model really is.

[@sloppydog4831]

1) What number were you? 2) I believe everything is extensively briefed and debriefed, but what is the function of number 01? Is he calling the maneuvers, what will be done and when?

[@scottystacker4660]

looks like alliance (airport) in fort worth?

[@MichaelMiller-ms5de]

I wish i could dominate the like button more than once

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

haha thanks Michael!

[@clairecelestin8437]

You can. All it takes is the help of a good wingman, so share with a friend

[@D3MOL1T1ON]

Yooooo!

[@Maxtherocketguy]

1do you still fly for thunderbirds or is this before

[@sheldonwright2322]

in the wise words of Ryan "every like for this video a pilot somewhere gets his /her wings"

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Exactly! Dominate that like button and scope out another video!

[@sheldonwright2322]

@@MaxAfterburnerusa i would like to figure out a time where i can ask you some questions about your time in the AF

[@wizardemrys]

when flying as a thunderbird do you use the Helmet Mounted Display to keep track of speed, aoa, and angle and pitch from the horizon? Or is it mostly following and moving in relation to the flight lead?

[@RobertsonDCCD]

The helmet that offers that capability is big, bulky, and heavy. Not to mention it looks way more goofy than the svelte and sexy T-bird helmet. Flying team formation like this is a mix of cross check skills. In close formation, it’s all about the relation to lead and being in perfect position. When the team splits apart, such as during the bomb burst and rejoin, timing becomes critical and each member must be very cognizant of airspeed, bank, G loading, and position over the ground and with relation to the others. It’s super complicated, but that’s why they practice so much. As for how they monitor all of those parameters, I can’t say for sure, but I would guess the HUD gives them most of it without having to glance too far away from the action.

[@wizardemrys]

@@RobertsonDCCD thanks

[@jayjay53313]

Camera on top of helmet is just too high, it misses all the cockpit view. It would be best if it's mounted lower

[@evanm6739]

Can I try

[@roberthaskin1723]

Do planes actually use some sort of "key"?.....uh asking for a friend 😎

[@Viking1one]

Forgot he’s an actual pilot and thought the USAF just gave a dcs player a metaphorical set of f-16 keys

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

😂

[@ethanshinabarger4390]

Are military aircraft more responsive than commercial? Engines i mean.

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Fighter engines are for sure!

[@pocketgools3194]

What is that gauge next you your American Flag?

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

It's actually and old school stop watch!

[@pocketgools3194]

@@MaxAfterburnerusaawesome. You replied quick lol

[@LillyTheCatGirl]

Plane go brr

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Yep!

[@LillyTheCatGirl]

@@MaxAfterburnerusa yeeeee, jets are cool very interesting aircrafts when it comes to thinking about how one works as a whole through the avionics landing gear how the aerodynamics work and the engines, jets are cool