Pilot Flies Father Home in Fighter Jet alongside Boeing 747

[@Palfarmer]

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a pilot or have burning questions about anything related to aviation? Well, now's your chance to ask me anything! You can drop your questions in the comments below, and we'll select some of the most intriguing ones to feature in an upcoming video. Whether it's about the daily life of a pilot or any other aviation-related topic, we want to hear what you're curious about ✈

[@davidmangold1838]

I’m a QB in Ft. Lauderdale. Are you in the Amsterdam hangar? I was at their wing-ding, a few months ago. Saw the 747 at Lelystad!

[@ferryvandergeest2070]

@@Wanobi99my dad was trained at the klm flight academy in 1953 , he then had to fly in the Airforce as conscript , at Cubs and T6’s ..

[@jimmypage1517]

How do fighter pilots keep their aircraft flying while strafing a target? You would think that the nose-down attitude,(while still flying forward somehow),would, A. bring them close enough to the ground to invite smaller arms fire unless they began the strafing run at a very high altitude,and B.put the attacking aircraft at a very strange attitude. I've always been curious about this. Thank you for your time. Great story!

[@martijnschaap9932]

Why do airplanes still need a captain and a co-pilot? I understood from an expert that it has to do with bringing down the mistake ratio. What can you guys tell me about this?

[@davidmangold1838]

@@martijnschaap9932 same reason we have 2 3 or 4 engines, multiple generators, dual pressurization controllers, on and on. Would you want to be on an airliner with one pilot or 2-4 pilots, depending on the length of the flight? What about crew rest? One pilot flying 5-14 hours, with no crew rest? Some want one pilot, with everything done automatically😡. Not me!

[@scuzz152]

Fantastic story! I particularly like the fact the the general stood by his pilot and refused to let a bureaucrat "Tell him what he could or could not do." Bravo.

[@zoolkhan]

pilots need training hours anyways, and escorting passenger jets is a legit training scenario. So the tax payer money was spend well enough.

[@kaasmeester5903]

In my experience, the military understands the importance of this a bit better than civilians. "Hearts & minds" applies to the home front as well.

[@AudieHolland]

The government's POV was typically Dutch. Instead of embracing the event and giving a big press conference, I didn't even notice it in the news at the time. We didn't have De Telegraaf at that time (anymore) anyways.

[@SandBoxJohn]

The general could have added that it was a routine a preplaned intercept training mission.

[@ianmontgomery7534]

@@zoolkhan yes in Australia when the F111 did the flyover of the MCG for our football grand final it was a pretend bombing run.

[@mark758573]

What a way to finish your last flight with your son on your wing in an F16. Simply a beautiful way to honour his father. The air force backing him up against politicians was very satisfying.

[@Palfarmer]

Thank you! Glad you liked it

[@ShadowDragon8685]

Agreed. And they can just chalk it up as a training flight! Nothing was hurt by the 'stunt,' nobody was even really inconvenienced.

[@hermanosamuel8744]

Speaking as a former U.S. Army aviator, that politician that complained was an idiot. You need x number of flight hours, with mission planning, and flight planning, etc. You practiced intercept, and escort. You nearly did the exact same thing you would periodically practice anyway. Instead of using a KC135 or something, you used a 747. Good for you and your family.

[@Palfarmer]

Thanks!!

[@BootyGoblinesque]

That's what I'm saying. There was no loss here, or maybe more accurately there was minimal loss of resources, time, and money doing this... There's nothing to complain about here unless you're an ignorant dickhead who only ever opens their mouth to complain about their "tax dollars".

[@pauldehart744]

Yep, it's all training, no matter what you are doing, your training for all kinds of different situations.

[@PaulGuy]

I've never even been military, and I understood that there's nothing weird about this. It's a perfect training exercise that also doubles as personal fun and public relations.

[@jpt4409]

All those stadium flyovers are training too, anyone complaining about those is also ignorant and stupid

[@amazer747]

I was the calibration engineer as part of the crew of a King Air flying from the UK to an RAF base in Germany back in 2000 or 2001 when the Captain accepted a request for a practice intercept by Dutch F16s. One duly appeared on our port side which was great to see. Our Captain slowly reduced speed, the F16's angle of attack increased, we reduced airspeed further and eventually, slowing further with our gear down, the "Cloggie" F16 had to call it a day but instructed us to maintain height and speed. He dropped behind and then with full after-burner did a barrel roll around us as he shot past us from astern and disappeared ahead of us. Then, to top it off, his wingman who had remained unseen astern of us ,did the same. We heard them in the cabin! Love the daring do of the Dutch AF. As for politicians... the reply to any Government official complaining was it was a practice intercept, "you do want the Air Force to intercept intruders don't you? That's what you employ us for or didn't you know that... Sir"

[@apveening]

Unfortunately, the Dutch language doesn't have the option to use an honorific as an insult like that "... Sir" in English.

[@KevinS47]

That must have been incredible.. thanks for sharing!

[@SpawnofChaos]

@@apveeningIt's mostly in the tone and the timing though.

[@RobertClaeson]

@@apveening Few languages have. Heer doesn't quite cut it.

[@dfuher968]

In 1992 Denmark very surprisingly won the UEFA Football Championship. When our team flew home from Sweden, the Air Force intercepted them with 2 F-16, the pilots wearing the red/white hats on top of their helmets. Every1 loved it. Except ofc, there were these couple of far-left lunatic MPs, who thought, the military was a waste of money and should basically be disbanded, so ofc they complained very loudly. And they were told just that - it was a practice interception flight, no extra hours, no extra cost, valid training. That shut them up!

[@kb198219k]

I flew on a military chartered flight returning home several years ago, that was piloted by a father and son crew for his last flight. That flight marked not only an important event in his lifetime, but it also marked the end of a journey for all his passengers.

[@VeganRoses-qz9iq]

Boom

[@ago7212]

Except you?

[@lhkraut]

Having worked for Lufthansa for over 20 years I can tell you this is one of the most awesome stories in the airline business. What a beautiful gesture this was.

[@Palfarmer]

Well thank you!

[@heleti0000]

That the Member of Parliament immediately complained about this wonderful “Training Exercise” says volumes about the character of most Politicians. That the Airforce General told them to “ Bugger-off” says volumes about the character of most Military personnel. As a Private Pilot, I can only say, what an honour to be able to do this for your Father - outstanding 👍🇦🇺

[@dfuher968]

In 1992 Denmark very surprisingly won the UEFA Football Championship. When our team flew home from Sweden, the Air Force intercepted them with 2 F-16, the pilots wearing the red/white hats on top of their helmets. Every1 loved it. Except ofc, there were these couple of far-left lunatic MPs, who thought, the military was a waste of money and should basically be disbanded, so ofc they complained very loudly. And they were told just that - it was a practice interception flight, no extra hours, no extra cost, valid training. That shut them up! And even better every1 else in Parliament backed up the Air Force. In fact, the Air Force later painted 1 of their F-16s (no longer participating in active missions) as 1 big Dannebrog (our flag), and they have used it several times for escort. Ehm, I mean practice interception flights ofc 😉

[@theonlymadmac4771]

Well, I am 62 and a surgeon and I would be very honored, if my daughter, an anesthesiologist, would be doing the anesthesia, when I will be doing my last procedure in a couple of years! Great gesture of yours!

[@Palfarmer]

I hope she will do that!!

[@williamjohnstone9088]

What a beautiful tribute to our children, when they follow us into our chosen profession. No matter what it is.

[@doulos5125]

Imagine how proud you’d be if that was your son. Cool story and video, thanks for sharing

[@Palfarmer]

Thank you thank you!

[@justinysmith8194]

Watched this with tears in my eyes. As a son who lost his father 7 years ago, I'm reminded that there's something special about Fathers and Sons... 🙏 🪽

[@charliejohnson3583]

(Bro-hug).. Dads been gone 26 years

[@gailpeterson3747]

What a lovely gift to give to your father for his last landing!! Thank you for sharing this wonderful story!

[@Palfarmer]

You are more than welcome!

[@winsurfer123]

The press never misses an opportunity to embarrass themselves. Just one more special memory between you and your Dad.

[@John-xh9cl]

What an honor to get that privilege. Your father had to be the proudest dad of all time. Looking out the window at his son escorting him for his last landing. Great story Cowboy!!!

[@phil_nicholls]

Wow! Bought a tear to my eye. I spent 10 happy years flying the Jumbo, and my own son is coming into aviation now… albeit civilian. I hope that we may fly together some day, but only have 6 years left to achieve that little dream. I know your dad would have been immensely proud of you, not just that day, but every day. What you did for him would have meant a lot, as this is not something you do for someone you don’t love. And as fathers we all know that the love of your children is the most beautiful thing we could ask for.

[@mississaugaicedogs]

If its with the same airline, I see it being a good possibility that he will accompany you on the final flight

[@Palfarmer]

Great words mudmover! Thanks

[@b767greg]

Awesome! Former KC-135 pilot here as well as B-767 Captain, I wish I could experience my last flight like that! Unfortunately my son became a lawyer instead of an F-16 pilot! Great story, I am happy for you both!

[@shoe3727]

COOL i worked at Birmingham Alabama, at Hughes Aircraft Company at the Airport on KC-135s and Marine F-4 Phantoms for Depot Maintenance

[@Chillforev-dd9wr]

Hahahaha you still must be proud though considering how much bank they roll in. You raised a successful smart man you did a good job.

[@edjarrett3164]

Can’t think of a more honorable send off between father and son. Mad respect for the Dutch AF and their leadership that supported. Having flown over Netherlands with an Sr71 getting gas, their F16 pilots were totally professional on a totally unannounced overfly of their country. Once they figured out our situation they departed without concern.

[@tscott6843]

Such a great story. People who hate the military don’t understand how this kind of thing makes those who serve the heroes you are.

[@Palfarmer]

Absolutely! Thank you

[@hilandmalt]

My uncle, Colonel, Mark, L Stephensen and his copilot Gary Ziegler went down over north Vietnam in their RF 4C phantom on April 29, 1967, my fourth birthday. Gary made it back during the prisoner release at the end of the Vietnam war. We had no word about my uncle until 1987. The Vietnamese released his remains. My cousin went to Hawaii to fly back to Utah with his remains, when he was buried back in our hometown for F-16s from Hill Air Force Base, performed the missing man formation.

[@Palfarmer]

Goosebumps 💙

[@braincraven]

This brought tears to me and I wished I could have sent my father onto his next stage in life knowing I was a pilot. I started my training after he passed. BTW, as for having nothing better to do, this is a great training sortie, run the intercept, fly formation, keep situation awareness, and maintain surveillance of the target aircraft.

[@Palfarmer]

Absolutely true!!

[@paulrandig]

That KLM coloring is my all time favorite. And on the 747 I like it most of all.

[@jeffhsu7027]

I don't think something like this could ever be repeated today. How incredible it is to be able to do such an honor for his father. Even I'm getting emotional watching this.

[@Palfarmer]

It was incredible and something definitely not so easy today!

[@ffortissimo]

They have multiple times in the last decades. But there were questions. 4 F16's with one KLM for the 100th anniversary of KLM, Fokker and some other airospace related companies. People were worried what was going on. And with Social Media those worries spread quickly.

[@ralphm6901]

I'm sure that kind of intercept is fairly common, because the fighter pilots have to practice in case of a rogue flight. For example, in June 2023 a Cessna departed Tennessee en route to New York. On reaching the New York area, it made a U-turn and flew back over D.C. triggering an intercept by 2 F-16s when it entered restricted airspace. If it had displayed hostile intent over D.C. they would have tried to escort it to a safe landing, or shoot it down. The Cessna eventually crashed in Virginia.

[@jster1963]

I was an F-16 pilot from 1987-1994. I flew formation with large aircraft and it was always so cool to do. There will always be someone that has something bad to say about something great like that! Any time we did anything like that, someone would say that we were wasting taxpayers' money. However, we always hung our hats on it being training. And it was great training. Beautiful pictures by the way!

[@14goldmedals]

As a son and a father, thank you Ferry for pulling off the kind of retirement send off so many of us wish we could or could’ve done. Respect from 🇨🇦

[@Palfarmer]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@shackletonson]

Hi Ferry, it was a privilege for me to fly with your dad on the DC8. And later a joy to fly with you on the DC10! Time flies, so did we.... Rgds, Frank.

[@Palfarmer]

Absolutely Frank! Thanks!

[@waitemc]

All of us good sons wish to honor a damn good father in an extraordinary way . What a awesome story .

[@commonsense31]

This is amazing! And I applaud the Netherlands defense for allowing this magical moment in history!

[@Zero6BravoZ6B]

What an amazing story.❤ A lot of papers always write shite, but to be able to fly off the wing of your father's 747. Wow.

[@jculpmm7]

Awesome father and son moment, sharing something special together. It’s not the same, but when my father gave me my badge when I completed the Fire Academy, I could see it in his eyes, he was proud knowing I wanted him to give me my badge and I could see the emotion in his face. RIP Dad! I am glad you were able to do that for your dad. Who do you think was prouder you or your dad? Actually I bet it was your Mom, seeing her son paying tribute to his dad. Thank you for your story!

[@Driver599]

Any man would be beyond proud and felt that his life was fulfilled at that point. Positive story that can make a viewer shed a tear.

[@Mark-oj8wj]

Your Dad was blessed to end his flying career in such a fantastic way. I hurt my back mid way through my career and i had to retire so i didn't know at the time that my last landing was actually my last ever.

[@Palfarmer]

What an unfortunate ending to your career! All the best Captain

[@jeffho1727]

Yep, you never know when you will be done so enjoy it. Mine Army Mechanic) was walking out the gate as my unit was getting ready for Afghanistan in 2006. Its difficult went you don't want to go.

[@JeffFrmJoisey]

Beautiful tribute to your Dad. Watched with a smile on my face the whole video!

[@Palfarmer]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@daveking9510]

Fantastic. What the average person does not know is the amount of planning and preparation that goes into something like this with safety being paramount. Unfortunately you always get the idiots who will complain but would have loved it if the compliment was given to them

[@Hansolo4427]

Proper pilots, no bs taken from a jealous bureaucrat. Always warms my heart to see there are still real pilots around! Thanks for sharing!

[@Palfarmer]

Well said! Thank you

[@MrDoobee1]

What a beautiful story. I started to tear up just listening to it. I can just imagine what it was like on the day for your father.

[@Palfarmer]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for reaching out and sharing how you experienced it. Makes my day!

[@corjp]

Wat een ontzettend mooi verhaal over een zoon die met zijn vader het mooiste beroep mogen en kunnen uitvoeren. Geweldig dat de zoon dit heeft kunnen doen voor en met zijn vader. Dank voor het delen met ons. 👍👍🙏🙏

[@alan.macrae]

What a wonderful story. Bravo to you and to the General who stood behind you!

[@Palfarmer]

Thank you!

[@dragonfly9851]

What a fantastic way to honor your father. I would have to be holding back tears too.

[@Connor.Macleod]

What a wonderful way of showing a father how much he means and how much he is loved. ❤ ❤

[@Palfarmer]

Glad you liked it!

[@olyj40]

Amazing sir. Great to hear a hero got a true send off. Glad there are still loving families as yours. Thank you guys.

[@PimSchouten]

Imagine being his wife/ his mum.. so proud of her boys

[@cornelisgoedegebuur]

Prachtig, ik heb het gelijk doorgestuurd naar mijn dochter die op Eindhoven Airport werkt.

[@RJSAMCRO]

Saying the passengers got emotional I believe, I am sitting here getting emotional just hearing the story. What a beautiful gesture and moment for Dad and Son. God Speed

[@Palfarmer]

Thanks for your kind comment! Glad you liked it

[@algee9190]

Once again proof that no good deed goes unpunished. GREAT story!

[@mcinteer19]

That was very touching! A true honor for both father and son!

[@hedonzx822]

Flew many times with his Son Ferry as a First Officer on the B 767-300 ER, great guy and a wonderful Instructor. Happy for You Ferry

[@ishmaelepling9115]

I Love when Everyone Stands Up for Each Other. Well Done.

[@Glen.Danielsen]

Dutch brother, thank you for this beautiful video! 💛🙏🏽

[@WH7117]

Wonderful story. I hope these type for stories will repeat themselves and no nit pickers will ever have the power to get the upper hand on the beauty of life

[@jeansteele7685]

Wow! What a great tribute. Pilots take their jobs seriously and I appreciate that. Thank you for your dad's service and yours too. 👏👏

[@edjarrett3164]

Holy mackerel! This takes retirement celebrations to the next level. Well done!

[@Palfarmer]

Thank you!

[@kylieharrison3782]

Community building and public relations is very much an art. ❤

[@ecay]

Most of us will never in our lifetime be able to honor our parents in such a way like this. And I'm not talking about pilots escorting their parent home for their final landing. I'm talking about insular fashion where whatever they do as if like a police officer was to escort, his father or their father or their mother or whatever their parent home to or back to the precinct for their final days work. Nothing wrong with that just because they were in two different services but still in the same profession they were pilots. This was awesome. Cool wonderful. I have no issue with a child showing respect to their parent when the parent is retiring or even coming home for the final time. Doesn't matter what manner that they're coming home with children today, not respecting their parents hating their parents by the end of their their teens. Parents not really knowing what they're doing is being parents because it's been so twisted and changed and you have to be their friend not their parent. I like hearing the stories where a child respects their parents so much that they do this kind of thing. I didn't have that opportunity. Mike, my dad passed away. My mom didn't have any kind of career but that's kind of like most people they don't have that opportunity either. The parent retires from something that really wasn't a career. It was just their retirement or the sun or the child is is too far away to do this or there's just not an opportunity. But when you can do it, it's a huge honor. Be able to honor your parent in this way

[@ekesamuel8795]

Even now, while walking through Idowu taiwo in Victoria Island, Lagos, this still brought tears to my eyes... Such a beautiful gesture.

[@Palfarmer]

Thank you for watching!

[@GM8101PHX]

I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force 5 years after my Dad retired from the Air Force and passed away. I was determined to wear the rank of E-5 Staff Sergeant because my Dad was a Staff Sergeant when I was born. He retired as an E-7 Master Sergeant, I wore Staff Sergeant before discharging from the Air Force. I would give anything if my Dad could have seen it, I look so much like him that my Mom started crying seeing me in my dress blues as an Airman First Class, she said you look just like your Dad!! We both cried. What a moment to strap on an F-16 fighter and escort your Dad flying a 747 on his final flight!! and guide him to the runway!! What an Honor, I has a few times in the Air Force that were honorable, but none like this!! Thank You for sharing your story and it was good that the General backed you in front of the politicians!!!

[@Palfarmer]

I am sure he would have been proud. Amazing story, thanks for sharing 💙

[@walterdouglas2931]

WOW SIMPLY WOW PERFECT SEND OFF and EXCHANGE of ROLES. THANK YOU FOR BLESSING US With THIS LOVE of FAMILY

[@Palfarmer]

Thank you too!

[@omaopa6923]

This was such a loving thing to do for his father, thankfully most families are close and loving, I was lucky enough to have wonderful loving parents and making them proud was such a great feeling ( love and miss you mum and dad 😘 )

[@Palfarmer]

❤️ amazing comment

[@jimmygadd]

The general that was fun, "this is my airforce i do what i want". its alot of training in escorting planes too. And a very good send off for your dad!

[@Palfarmer]

A general of his words! And thanks

[@ivanangelov589]

Wow what a story, what an event to send your father off on last flight! Amazing... Goosebumps!

[@panda12683]

Super amazing story. His dad must be so proud.

[@Palfarmer]

Thank you!

[@markmalic7450]

Proof that Holland is a true Democracy Lots of love from Croatia..!!

[@stephenfourie8409]

Wow. With tears in my eyes I miss my dad.

[@Renato.Stiefenhofer.747driver]

Good story. From back then... when pilots had balls of steel and hearts of gold. Regards from the 747-8 cockpit. ✈

[@marcomuniz5701]

That was a great story. His dad must be/or was extremely proud of him.

[@Palfarmer]

He was and thank you!

[@blakewhitebear7871]

I love stuff like this father and son fly together

[@PullOut22]

Incredible story, your dad had to have been so proud

[@Palfarmer]

Thank you! A celebration of his long career!

[@mythical5939]

The love a son has for his hero

[@glumpy10]

Even just the story is emotional. What a fantastic thing to have shared with ones father.

[@Palfarmer]

Thank you for watching! Glad you liked it.

[@kitcarson9047]

Back before lawyers ran and ruined the world......Any one that is proud of their dad...and what he did.....give them a thumbs up......My dad....Korean conflict.... ‘53 - ‘54....Aggie grad... Gig-em class of ‘58 👍 RIP Dad....see you soon😇

[@petelythgoe4453]

'What a Wopping and a Fucking Emotional Tribute' Absolute Priceless!!!

[@zaktabak4460]

Blijft een prachtig verhaal Ferry!!! Super geweldig dat je je vader op deze manier zo kan eren!

[@thenersonrashford8910]

Retire one more time i missed the first one lol i wanna see the '74 fly with the viper one more time. Beautiful story congrats man hope you n your family are doing well

[@kalayne6713]

I got teary hearing about this story. I am really frightened of flying so my admiration for all those who carry pax all around the world safely and competently is huge. Well done to the son for organising such a special goodbye.

[@janmartens7954]

Knettergek. Fantastisch en altijd leuk om sommige kneuzen hierop te zien zeuren….. hartstikke goeie oefening!

[@wambam3860]

This my friends is one of the coolest father son shit ever done

[@Lucas-zg1vz]

Really touching, I actually choked up a little. Seeing a father and son love and honor each other and taking pride in each other's accomplishments is absolutely beautiful.

[@Palfarmer]

Glad you enjoyed it so much!

[@jdkoozer]

From Michigan USA Heel Mooie To You a Fijn Job. The Best are from Nederland

[@earlsmall9808]

Wonderful Thank you. I lost my dad when I was in high school.

[@Palfarmer]

I am sorry to hear that. Wishing you all the best 💙

[@billlybunter]

An honour to be able to do, I felt the emotion just watching this ❤

[@Palfarmer]

Indeed! And thanks for your kind words

[@aryanpatel7774]

Very nyc and loving family experience

[@lazysob2328]

Cool thing for a son to do for his father! Even cooler thing for a general to do for one of his men!

[@AudieHolland]

Thank you so much for sharing! I was in my teens in 1986 but I never learned about this event untill now. We did have De Telegraaf for one or two years but probably not anymore in 1986 and our regional newspaper didn't have this on the front page. I just remember a documentary about the Dutch Royal Airforce, that started with two F-16s flying a routine patrol, ordered to intercept an unidentified group of planes, 'bogeys' I think. But when they intercepted the flight, they flew straight past it because they were old, slow planes modified to look like Fokker D.XXIs. And then they were ordered to escort the 'D.XXIs' to Woensdrecht Airforce Base. This was obviously before the whole Kruisraketten debate. BTW, *love the classic KLM livery*

[@madeljacky]

Fantastic story and even better to hear it from his son who was there in the F16.

[@christiangibbs8534]

Very emotional story. You did your father proud.

[@suunto61]

Well done gentlemen. Had to edit... 5 to 10 meters. Wow.

[@bigal1863]

Now THAT is a great way to honor thy father and mother! My heroes have always been cowboys! Happy trails Captain.

[@Palfarmer]

Thank you! 🤠 Happy trails

[@mac31903]

This is just so awesome story to honor your dad God bless Thanks for sharing

[@Erictheaviator]

Thank you so beautiful.

[@lukepav6533]

Bless you Airman.

[@jensonhartmann3630]

Flying really was in their family. Love it.

[@mythical5939]

A fitting and well deserved send off to a legacy, WOW what a way to end a career, father and on flying side by side

[@Prestonesfpv]

A world where this kind of thing was still possible was a better world in many ways

[@PetraNR1967]

Great to hear this story again. My mother was huge Air Force fan and I remember how impressed she was when she saw the pictures.

[@wcresponder]

Easily written off as a training exercise. Very respectful and professional.

[@Palfarmer]

Absolutely right! Thank you

[@ronduncan9527]

Awesome story! I bet your Dad was proud of you and probably would have more fun flying your jet!

[@Palfarmer]

Thank you! I think flying the queen of the skies is just as magical!

[@Catchthevibes2.0]

Like father, like son

[@morrit33]

Kelsey from 74Gear would love this story!

[@HubbaHubba64]

What made this story magic was the fact it was told while sitting on the exact 747

[@Palfarmer]

Camera operator here. Absolutely! I felt the beauty of the moment while recording, especially with Ferry telling his story!

[@Hossman757]

From America... I love seeing stories of our allies who fly the F16, but I REALLY love this story!!!

[@Palfarmer]

Love this comment! Thanks

[@maxcullen3427]

Wow great thing to do especially for father that crazy