Becoming A Test Pilot: Do You Have What It Takes?

[@cincohamilton]

It was great sitting down with you and sharing some of my stories. Keep crushing it!!

[@Slipknotyk06]

I was loving the stories as well. Thanks for sharing!

[@amrastheluckywoof5524]

The stories are like the secret sauce to this video. I loved them. Some were happy, some were tragic, but that's what life is: messy. That plane is one heck of a machine, but it is merely a tool. In the right hands, it can do wonders. One day, I'd love to know what the effect of those sustained g-forces would do to my own body. I know it will be unlike anything I ever felt during a rollercoaster ride, even one that pulled enough g's to make me feel how my blood was pulled towards my feet l, just for a split second.

[@hacksmith]

And thank you for sharing them!

[@scottanderson7306]

🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@eg8076]

Thanks for the stories, your words were really inspiring.

[@jakeferreira1211]

Wild coincidence here, but Cody aka Donut Operator on KZbin earned a Navy achievement award when he was in the Navy because he discovered an issue in that ground avoidance system. It wasn't accounting for man made structures like buildings.

[@dead-claudia]

wait holy shit that's cool

[@V.B.Squire]

Donut was in the navy?

[@louislaplante7484]

@@V.B.Squire He did stuff with the C-2

[@V.B.Squire]

@@louislaplante7484 what's that?

[@emmerspaulo387]

@@V.B.Squire a type of plane. Google “C-2 Greyhound”

[@nanovoidalt]

Many people could do with learning from Cinco, he was 100% the best part of this video

[@cincohamilton]

Really kind of you to say. I disagree because James is a rockstar who brings all his videos to life, but your words are encouraging and mean a lot.

[@daviddiaz1157]

Bros the real life Tony stark with the looks of captain America

[@CR0W-9957]

real

[@Iegobrickgaming]

So true

[@artor9175]

He's got the Leading Man physique too.

[@alejandroweldon9715]

He looks more like Doctor Strange

[@Catsandlegolover7461]

Real😂😂

[@daxconnell7661]

i think a cool callsign for your helmet would have been is "Forge" doing what you do. awesome to see you excited about tech and getting to experience a once in a life time event for most civilians

[@hacksmith]

I like that!!

[@HoustonPB32]

Callsigns aren’t really supposed to be cool or nice haha

[@Validole]

"Hack" is more likely, given how callsigns go, at least according to popular culture.

[@cincohamilton]

Ha...Forge is WAY TOO COOL to give to someone. 😂

[@daxconnell7661]

@@HoustonPB32 if he threw up my callsigns would of been a toss up between Barf, for having thrown up and John Candy's character in Space Balls, Barf. or Smoothie for having thrown up a banana

[@liorgoldshtein2373]

LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT YOU DID WHAT?!?!?!

[@The_spac3gam3r]

Vera libertas Brother

[@Jekkin8]

It cannot be . . . DEMOCRACY OFFICER I REPORT CHAOS DIVERS!!!! THIS IS NOT A DRILL EVIL ANIT DEMOCRACY COMMUNISTS HAVE BEEN SPOTTED

[@Jekkin8]

Imagine a make it real helldiver's episode that would be awesome. Cya on the front troops

[@liorgoldshtein2373]

@The_spac3gam3r true freedom brother

[@Jekkin8]

@@liorgoldshtein2373 my comment about reporting you to my local democracy officer got deleted by a moderator. . . . I feel this is very undemocratic

[@conneryates5073]

28:47 honestly if he had a KZbin Channel like that I honestly would watch it. He’s such a wise guy and seems like a great mentor and teacher especially considering his background. Honestly I probably could listen to Cinco’s stories all day.

[@cincohamilton]

Thank you, that’s so kind of you! I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had remarkable opportunities and mentors who have not only helped shape my perspective but also shown me grace during my challenges. I truly appreciate their guidance and support. I'm simply trying to reflect their wisdom.

[@conneryates5073]

@@cincohamiltonYou’re welcome. I can also relate I’ve had a couple really good people who I look up to in my life who are mentors to me. Like my Grandma and my Robotics Mentor. Because they’ve always been so kind and understanding and they are always willing to help out.

[@cincohamilton]

@@conneryates5073 You should definitely make sure to tell them! I've lost people in my life, and I always wish I would've told them more often how much they meant to me.

[@czoom51]

_The Split-S is brutal having done them in P-51 flight training starting from 45° nose-high rolling inverted to a 5G pull holding the buffet (the feeling before a stall) I was very close to giving control back to my instructor multiple times, closest I've gotten to blacking out. My vision would give and I'd feel this euphoric sense to go to sleep, like I would get a reward if I did. Then I would _*_just_*_ make it to the end of the maneuver, unload the airplane and slowly get my senses back. It's eye opening how quickly the high performance fighters can put you to sleep (not saying it's an F-16 either, but 1940s era has other physiological factors)._ Best advice I have heard about flying the P-51 Mustang, *"You may love her, but she does not love you."* -Ed Shipley *Great video. I appreciate the length, it shows how passionate you are about your experience and it makes a difference watching it.*

[@WilPOCR]

this might be one of my favorite videos you've done. Incredible story telling and you did incredible! You're really living an enviable life. I know if comes with a lot of work and sacrifice but thank you for doing it so we can all follow along vicariously

[@hacksmith]

Thank you! I spent my entire holiday break editing ... Was a lot, but worth it! Hope I did everyone's stories justice

[@muhammadbinbilal842]

That was just an incredible video and the story alone was really worth it

[@Leifflei]

I went tandem skydiving in Vegas one time and had a similar delayed reaction to the adrenaline dump. Was fine once on the ground and even during the 5+ min golf cart trip back to the building. Body finally gave up the ghost after sitting around for a bit waiting for everyone to return. Unfortunately I did not pass the no vomit part of the test. Good job James! Looks like you had an amazing time.

[@scottheeney6417]

I had the same experience after my first dive…loved every part of it, felt great on the ground and then on the drive home just started feeling woozy and puked as soon as i walked in the door haha

[@leeearthman9119]

To be honest, that was the most inspiring and one of the most fun video in a long time, James. I feel often this phrase of inspiring others becomes just that, a phrase, but the fun and enthusiasm you had in this video was truly really inspiring. Thank you so much for this awesome video and sharing your experience in such a long video!

[@domasgrigaliunas7936]

I am currently studying mechanical engineering and have developed a strong interest in aviation. The part where you mentioned the Palace Acquire program really caught my attention. I don’t think I would have discovered it otherwise, so thank you :) Btw you looked cool af

[@MrGoesBoom]

Nice, good luck with the degree

[@louislaplante7484]

NAVAIR also has some opportunities. The SMART scholarship is full-ride in exchange for working as an engineer. Good luck with the degree!!

[@stealtheo]

I didn’t get to fly the plane myself, but about 10 years ago, I did fly in a Russian MiG-29. It was probably the most exhilarating experience I’ve ever had, both in terms of speed and sheer enjoyment.

[@LegionHd2]

How did did you get that opportunity?

[@stealtheo]

I was a project manager for Phillips Office Products and happened to be at a job site when I saw the aircraft landing across the street at a nearby airport. I approached the owner of the plane and he kindly agreed to take me for a flight a few days later for a fee of $2,000. The day of the flight, that lasted for almost an hour. Upon landing, I was excited to pay for the flight, but to my surprise, the owner only charged me for the fuel consumption, which amounted to approximately $250 dollars.

[@LegionHd2]

@@stealtheo that’s awesome!

[@Comscreen47]

YOU CAN OWN JETS !! ?

[@Comscreen47]

I thought mig-29 are still inservice … that is a crazy owner and a crazy oppertunity you luckly didn’t miss

[@BLTvariety]

They’ve taken the phrase “Make It Real” to the max

[@CloudZen0]

I always love hearing about the F-16. My father was one of the many people that were involved in the design, testing, and later automated manufacturing of it at General Dynamics. He was on the team that developed the Air Force Prototype Automated Factory and all of the required computer controlled design and manufacturing systems. It was and still is an amazing aircraft nearly half a century later.

[@hacksmith]

That's really cool. I'd love to have him on the show someday!

[@dearmash]

At a little less than half the length of either top gun movie, this video was still equally entertaining. Thanks Hacksmith, thanks to our service members.

[@noahharriman1544]

Having this video drop the day after an F-16 at Eglin had a mishap with an external fuel tank being dropped on a residential area I know is just a coincidence, but it's a hell of a coincidence.

[@hacksmith]

My flight was back in May lol

[@thedyingmeme6]

​@@hacksmith thats what they all say, Hacksmith. Why'd you drop the tank my guy???? (/j)

[@hacksmith]

You think I could edit a 46 minute in 2 days flat? This edit took me the entire holiday break

[@Owen-fp1ul]

Yeah it was close to an elementary school 😰

[@davidjennings2179]

Its great to see you exploring some of what you enjoy too. Engineering can come in all sorts of forms but what really makes an engineer is the love of it.

[@Nabitz]

POV me: looks at youtube “oo an F-16, who uploaded? THE HACKSMITH WHAT!!!”

[@ajollyduck]

One line I keep remembering is the phrase "Decency Prevents Atrocity." Although from a book I read a while ago it has stuck with me. If you treat your enemy as an individual and respect when he's not a threat you can remain human even in the midst of combat. An army who executes enemy wounded or POWs has effectively stated it doesn't want to reason and only sees you as an obstacle to be removed.

[@NerdGlasses256]

29:48 I really liked this quote, it seriously helped me for today. I'm not into military and fighter jets enough, to hold onto this as some kind of mantra, but I hope I will remember it on other horrible days.

[@Valyn]

Bro that's amazing. Great video. It's so real. Not hiding the after effects, etc. Freakin amazing job.

[@LisaHarsh]

James - Thank you. This was amazing and such a great experience. However, your willingness to show what these brave men and women do. Cinco - if you see this. Thank you for your service and that of your company you lead. Your love of history and insistence in keeping your pilots as safe as possible through technology. You are from a family of miracles and your stories are an inspiration to me. Thank you for allowing this to be shared by so many.

[@hacksmith]

Thank you Lisa, I hope I honored the stories well enough shared in my video!

[@cincohamilton]

Thank you, that is very kind of you to say. I've been very blessed with the people who have supported me through so many ups and downs.

[@brandonwolfsohn4886]

Hacksmith Industries is now taking an important step in the growth of any serious R&D company, forming a relationship with the U.S. military.

[@enterthedragon9427]

man you can just feel the real love, care and passion from this, thats not even shit either man.

[@collinduke4313]

I’ve had very similar experiences at the National Test Pilot School (civilian test pilot school) as a flight test engineer and out of all the flight videos similar to this on KZbin, yours does the best job of explaining the feelings I had haha. But to those looking towards a career in flight test, know that you can create your own route to the career you desire! Dream big!

[@devandestudios128]

It's definitely not everyday that you get an opportunity to fly an F16. How amazing that must have been.

[@Thunderbox247]

I genuinely forgot I was watching a Hacksmith video when Tucker was talking, and I am not disappointed

[@DrPapaya]

5:34 "Press Esc to Exit Fullscreen" 😂

[@Cornerstone_Creative]

Literally was about comment about that.

[@felixnative1283]

Great video. Gotta love the F-16 it’s a hot jet especially the single seater not seen in the vid however, I was so much more tickled seeing the F-15 it truly is a marvel of engineering. Both jets actually share engines the Pratt & Whitney F100.

[@slavapopkov7910]

I once flew a small cesna and pilot performed some light funny manoeuvres (obviously there wasn't any Gs), and even then I was pretty sick when landed. Can't even imaging how it felt for you after freaking jet fighter

[@hyd119]

I like that you did this. This is more badass than a lot of the ride-ons in that Viper always amazes every time you get in the jet. So much power to weight it's a dragster in the air essentially.

[@imperialhonorguard1483]

"WHO DO WE WANT?" "XENU!" "WHEN DO WE WANT HIM?" "10 TRILLION YEARS!"

[@slithery9291]

My dad was RAF. He had to emergency eject due to an engine fire but the spin delay caused him to be fired upside-down into the canopy. He was 7 inches shorter and had a broken back when they finally managed to recover him.

[@Zaque-TV]

holy shit dude! Thats wild. Ejection is insanely violent.

[@tollesache8432]

fun fact Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System had a fatal flaw where it didn't take into account buildings, a youtuber called "donut operator" was in the navy at the time and discovered this earning himself a medal in the process

[@jadepanda999]

He was right to give you that challenge coin for inspiration. I first discovered your channel from the very first lightsaber video and I knew at that moment I wanted to pursue science. Now, despite what I thought with finances, I'm going to college for nanotechnology. Thanks for making such awesome videos

[@fishbro66]

this is one of the best videos ive ever seen man you guys make such good content keep it up,

[@CanadiansInCarsGettingCocky]

I feel the need, the need for Speed! OW!

[@HoustonPB32]

I had an incentive flight on a t38, we pulled 6Gs in a BFM mission, insane feeling. Didn’t puke so it was a victory but took me the whole day to recover

[@pintjockey4745]

The F-16 was the first PRODUCTION fighter with fly-by-wire avionics... The Cf 105 Avro Arrow was the first fighter to use fly by wire

[@tehrag]

He is so good at doing interviewing in a way that makes it clear of the importance of the message of the interviewed

[@CaptainCole07]

I am so glad i watched this, not only did it give my passion of plane a push but also help me learn anoyher engineering feild i could do. This might be the feild for me.

[@KilaNova248]

you started out building these amazing things, wolverine claws, the cap shield, thors hammer, things so many people wouldn’t really think about. suddenly your flying literal f-16s for a video? that’s magic.

[@jeboin1977]

This video is like "What should we give James for Xmas." USAF was like well we know exactly what to give James.

[@JW-radelaide]

Coming this Easter. James swims out of a submarine torpedo tube in a tuxedo thanks to the USN.

[@TheRealMartian]

Soooo happy for you...arriving!!!

[@SamMakes]

This was amazing!! Adrenaline hangovers are no joke, I can't imagine stacking that with reacclimating to the ground. Either way you killed it in this one dude!

[@3DWolfEngineering]

This is just soo inspiring, part of why i love your YT channel...and you absolutely archived your goal of inspiring others - especially after this video i believe i might share some dreams, well im from the EU so stuff like tinkering around on a crazy level and having things go BOOM is slightly more difficult(also has its positive sides tho)...but who knows where the journey of life goes... definitely just as much excited for it as for further inspiration from you - appreciate you for doing the crazy amount of work required for sharing it, so we can follow along from all over the world♥ Also props to Mr. Hamilton for sharing his very tragic and moving stories, i can just imagine its not easy to talk about it and relive the moment in your head... Please, keep doing what you’re doing!

[@Super_Space_Marine]

As an aspiring naval aviator and current NROTC cadet, it was inspiring to see someone as nerdy as I temporarily take the reigns of an F-16B fighter. Thank you for posting, and it was so much fun to watch you take to the skies with the USAF. Also huge props to Cinco for giving you such a calm and cool rundown of what to expect when in a High-performance fighter jet. I'm looking forward to that power armor! Still have to say I think the f/a-18f Super Hornet and f-35C rock just as much as any USAF fighter jet.

[@jonathanporter5223]

Man, what a crazy story. To survive a mid-air collision like that is unbelievable.

[@arnasundraitisLY7K]

F-16 is one hell of a fighter jet. And that was one hell of a ride for you :) And you killed it like a champ! It's pretty impressive that you did not throw up or passed out during the flight and after the flight :)

[@buckduane1991]

If you read this, all I can say is this: it gives you a new appreciation for “Swede” Vejtasa’s first dogfight in 1942. He was flying an SBD Dauntless dive bomber when he was jumped by a bunch of Japanese Zero fighters. He spent the next ten minutes pulling 9 G turns on his wingtips to survive, going head-on with each Zero as the other two were making turns to come back around at him, and as soon as he passed one, he was snapping back into another 9 G pull to face the next one head on. G-Suits had not yet been invented. The Zero could not go beyond a 6 or 7 G pull or else the wings would have ripped right off since it was built to be light by the engineers at Mitsubishi. After 10 minutes of constant 9 G pulls, he saw one Zero turn a little limp, so he got behind it and shot it down. The next one overshot and he pulled up behind it, nailing it just before he stalled out. Recovering from the stall, he found himself head-on with the final Zero and dodging 20mm cannon shells, then to his horror realizing this final Japanese pilot intended to ram him head on if he failed to shoot him. He managed to snap over at the last second and the tip of his wing impacted the Zero. Vejtasa said there was a horrible CLAP sound and he thought he had lost an aileron, then was shocked to find all he had lost was some dark blue paint. The Zero, on the other hand, had lost his left wing. That incredible Douglas built SBD Dauntless had just shrugged off a midair collision with a combined closure rate of 350-400 knots like it was nothing. His back seat gunner was witness to some of it, but had passed out several times. Imagine being a helpless backwards facing passenger through all of that? The maneuvering made it impossible to hold on to the twin .30 cals, so he was literally along for the ride. They do a good job of covering it and interviewing “Swede” Vejtasa on the first season of the show “Dogfights”, episode titled “Long Odds” if you’re interested in hearing it from him directly and getting an idea of what it looked like. After he landed, he was transferred to USS Enterprise CV-6 and few the Wildcat fighter with the “Grim Reapers”, downing seven Japanese planes at the Battle of Bloody Santa Cruz, six with gunfire and the seventh being driven into the sea because he intended to ram the torpedo bomber rather than let it try to hurt his brothers in arms back on the carrier, the Japanese pilot losing his nerve and accidentally hitting the sea at full speed. Another interview with him on a show about that is “Battle 360”. A good 10-part series every American should watch, I feel. But yeah. My ex-step-father flew in the USAF from 1972 to 1994. He flew F-4 Phantoms, C, D, and E models, the OV-10 Bronco, and spent time as a trainer teaching new pilots how to fly with the T-37 and T-38. I forget which plane it was, but apparently he discovered he could make it nine snap-turns in about 2-2.5 seconds. “Snap Turn” is another name for “Aileron Roll”, just a bit more aggressive in the execution. Apparently, it was the only time in his career he ever came close to throwing up while flying, and this was in the late 80s. And, sorry to say, but every time you so grossly mispronounce “aileron”, it’s like hearing nails on a chalkboard for me… oof. It’s like someone mispronouncing “car” as “key-are-ray” levels of gross mispronunciation, sorry! >.

[@blackdog6969]

As much as I love the normal Hacksmith content, I genuinely cant say I've been as engaged and focused as I was watching this one. Cinco's stories, the animations and explanations of what's going on, absolute banger. Can't wait for the Hacksmith arc reactor powered F-16 vid

[@hacksmith]

Thanks, took me a long time to edit this into the video!

[@carsonf5861]

I look away for one moment expecting a suit video and I see this! You are on a mission to collect all life’s hidden achievements 👍

[@NonChalanto42]

I love how he said... Are you sure? it feels like story Time with Cinco 😂😂😂 when Crazy events happen with incredible endings 💪❤️💯

[@TacoPlays567]

i want to become an airforce pilot in the future, this video, my love of the air force and fighter jets , Ac7 and Project Wingman (i understand the last two are pretty much entirely unrealistic) are what inspire me

[@Overcast_Props]

I have wanted to be in a jet for so long. Totally awesome to see your experience!

[@KirintoGaming]

Cinco is such an awesome human being ❤

[@wonder_platypus8337]

Got into skydiving myself recently. Work at a tiny little DZ. It's an amazing experience.

[@josephm6734]

It would be cool if you uploaded a 2 or 3-hour video with some of your cut footage. Madey, could it go on your second channel?

[@hacksmith]

46 minutes wasn't long enough?! It's pretty much all of it! The extended cut at the end has cinco's extra stories but that's it!

[@refixed]

@@hacksmith NO it was not long enough! LOL epic

[@carlos-ferreira]

​@@hacksmith would love to see hs extra stories.

[@hacksmith]

The link is at the end of the video, in the card annotation when it's mentioned, and in the description! Go watch!

[@robspithoff4332]

As a kid I made myself a (crude) cardboard fighter jet cockpit that entertained me for hours and hours, and I dreamed about being a pilot! Unfortunately serious motion sickness and photosensitive sneeze reactions (among other things) put a damper on that but you sharing your experience rekindles some of the excitement! Also, machines and engineering are cool. I love your work! As for what to do next...I will suggest that you should get invited to visit an active tunnel boring machine! They are cool machines like the giant crane and can be used on a variety of projects to help big cities like in Boston. If only Toronto would do a 'Big Dig'...

[@apexracing9479]

I plan on going into the AF on the engineering side.Mainly Tactical Aircraft Maintenance,this video was one of my favs,glad you achieved an item off your bucket list!

[@crazyphrog6289]

That was absoutely freaking awesome. So cool to watch.

[@camdenscreations]

Amazing video James, the end was hilarious!

[@dondywondy]

Wow, what an experience! Just *watching* is exciting and inspiring, it must have been jaw-dropping in real life. Thanks for bringing this to the world!

[@drunkshenanigans8102]

Been flying recently with an F16 pilot, my grandfather was the first civilian to be offered to fly in the sr71, he helped maintain Skunk works as a temporary in-between Kelly Johnson and Ben Rich

[@TheRealAlpha2]

That was an amazing video filled with amazing stories, both physical and technical ones. Inspiring, motivating, and educational.

[@KevinHorecka]

This was so interesting! Also I could feel your pain in that flight interview! You looked concussed which is wild.

[@amnstephens]

SO COOL TO SEE EGLIN AFB ON KZbin!!!!! I JUST LEFT THERE FOR ALASKA

[@Vik1919]

Now that's an achievement and experience you won't ever forget. Keep going! The sky is not the limit.

[@itspineapplee]

As that plays, DCS or digital, combat, simulator and has put time and money into the game. I absolutely love how they just gave you the controls of the jet. It really shows that they trust you, and also shows that you’ve been working really hard. The way that you also put the gameplay footage to show your point of view. Really good perspective on what happened. Love these videos.❤

[@Mateusz-720]

I love these kind of videos, good job 👍😅❤

[@Schmalvis]

Really hope James is at Maker Central in the UK this year so I can tell him how much I absolutely loved this video. Also, kind of in awe of Cinco

[@jackramshaw957]

What a great video! I could tell pretty quickly when you started to feel sick back there, I’ve been in that same exact situation but didn’t manage to hold it all the way through haha

[@VegetableOnWheels]

My great grandfather was also in the air force at the very start! They could've met that's so cool

[@cincohamilton]

Nice! Mine began flying in 1917 and became the Commander of Hickam Army Airfield a week before Pearl Harbor. He moved back to the States (this was before Hawaii was a state) right before the attack. He ended his career flying B-17s. I bet they knew each other; so few pilots back in the early days.

[@andrec.fennell9255]

His passion and excitement is so fun to see, you can tell he's GEEKED for this

[@wsoeltkakd]

James I know you read these, and i just want to say that I enjoyed this format quite a bit. I enjoyed the deeper dives into stuff like this and hope to see more in the future, keep doing what you do. You're an inspiration to us small time makers of cool stuff.

[@maksasgaida8498]

This is the best video on the whole platform, why is it so underrated?

[@alexyoung6418]

Ailerons are not a type of lungs. An awesome show in every way. Goes to remind us how difficult the job really is. The guys are making it look easy just because they are too outstanding. And thank you for sharing this experience with us.

[@zeke7515]

I had a 1 in 3 chance to get an incentive flight (much like what you got here) on an F15 E after my third back to back to back deployment. Dang I missed out.

[@charlesryates]

I LOVE everything about this! You are fortunate Sir! Congratulations. Thanks for all you do for Engineering!

[@SnakeEyeMLGy]

Eglin AFB is an absolutely magnificent Base. I've lived just outside the gate in Valparaiso for 20 plus years. If it flew it would fly just a couple hundred feet right over my house. I've seen just about every aircraft that's ever existed in the US military and I was always left at aww. I remember just a few years back there was a storage tank failure that exploded and rocked everything all the way to the end of Blue Water Bay over 20 miles away. With another recent accident that an aircraft had accidentally dropped its fuel take in someone's back yard just a few weeks ago. Even with the things that have happened I would definitely recommend if your able to to go visit and explore the reservation there.

[@louislaplante7484]

The U.S. Navy also has lots of engineering opportunities in aviation at NAVAIR. There are cites on both the East and West coasts.

[@liliowen2132]

If it was an F-22 I'd tell you to watch out for a non-UAV suit of armour.

[@Tanner-o5p]

Erm actually there are no two seater f22s 🤓

[@liliowen2132]

@Tanner-o5p Are you a bot or not? I've seen various bot accounts with [Name]-[letter number letter]. Plus, I didn't mention anything to do with seats so your reply seems out of place.

[@MinistryOfMagic_DoM]

​@@liliowen2132 confirmed bot

[@jameskoren1266]

Even though this is a massive advertisement its pretty interesting.

[@Bluswede]

Very COOL!...all of that stuff described and done! Let's not forget to mention inventing a new aerobatic maneuver...the Airalon Roll! It must use a mix of airbrake and ailerons?

[@JuiceLBK]

So cool man!! I actually worked on jets at Eglin until recently. Some cool test stuff going on at that base! Also one of those 16s dropped an external tank off the wing the other day lol (luckily no one was hurt)

[@zaub1]

What an awesome experience, both @cincohamilton and Monster are Great, and you did a great job both in the aircraft and outside of it with the interviews ^^ I can only imagine what it was like to get to control an F-16 even for a brief moment, once I took a ride on a sailplane and was able to control the aircraft for a few minutes ( I did nothing crazy, just some banking/turns etc), the thing that surprised me the most was the force from the thermal currents, it was a cloudy day and still when whenever we got into them it was like getting in an elevator, you could really feel the sudden push from below.

[@DaDerpDiggers]

You should make either the sea moth or the prawn suit from subnautica that would be epic

[@DicksonTimScotland]

brilliant vid. great to hear the stories as well. I wonder how they get the balance between pilot control and auto ground avoidance or in air collision avoidance. don't feel you have to do dangerous stuff (aka free climbing) for views. do what inspires you and others will be inspired.

[@EyesOfByes]

19:36 "If you just wanna manouver around..." Wtf! Of course we wanna!!

[@ClaytonBurke-m8n]

Thanks for making this video. I’ve been watching your videos for years and I’m in flight school now but looking into the Air Force as a form of schooling/career.

[@vlad2117]

I've been watching these videos for a while and it makes me wish I looked into engineering when I was younger.

[@Hume-]

Hey James, nice video! Just as a recommendation for another project, you could do some piece of tech from the series Arcane, maybe VI's gauntlets or the shark rocket launcher.

[@tamcrumpkin8839]

This was a really well formated and edited video!❤

[@Mycr0bi]

Incredible! This is just amazing! Also thanks for the pre-brief and all of it! Also congrats! :)

[@TheOhioNews]

DAMNNN this was SO COOL! I work on commerical jet engine models, and someday (if the geopolitical situation gets worse, then likely) might get to work on military jets! A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for sure 😮😊

[@isaacpfleger9857]

This was really cool. Loved seeing you fly, that was awesome

[@harrydupuis3102]

After your flight, im excited to see what you can come up with to improve aviation technology

[@dabberdaffy256]

China has unveiled two next-generation stealth aircraft. If this is what they're showing us, imagine what they might be keeping under wraps. It's reminiscent of the MiG-25 and F-15 scenario, except this time, the NGAD might be playing the role of the MiG.

[@zanderalberto3576]

same thing happened with russias stealth aircraft... queue the images like 10 years later of them in absolute decay

[@LaughOutLoud69]

Yep the ngad has been paused for now and with trump threatening allies it’s not looking good for the United States

[@ripepodz]

The ngad has been paused due to budget seems your right

[@christopherbrummet4997]

I kinda feel we're at that weird tipping point where the Canadian Avro Aero was. super advanced human driven machines vs machines. Except, instead of 'letting out a bleep' we have them now landing on launch towers, drone ships....and potentially replacing a lot of human driven craft. That being said, no matter what your thought on drones, AI, tech in general or the like is....the F16 and 15 were defining machines of the last (and current) 3 or more decades. What freakin' legends, especially the pilots who yeeted them into the skies!

[@alexturnbackthearmy1907]

@zanderalberto3576 Such as? The cope is immense, they just put 3D trust vectoring on Su57.