Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 40 of 48

Thread: My trip in an F-16 with the USAF Thunderbirds..pics too

  1. #1
    RUTSPEED / Boobies ! RutRoe's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Location
    Peachtree City Area
    Age
    45
    Posts
    4,565
    Rep Power
    30

    Default My trip in an F-16 with the USAF Thunderbirds..pics too

    So Monday morning, I had the unreal opportunity to go up in an F-16 Fighter Jet with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. If by some chance you haven't heard of them, they're a similar group to the Blue Angels, in that they do air shows and tours such as the one that I took part in, and generally are the best of the best.

    It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and although I was a little scared, I knew I had to do it. I went to the Daytona Beach Airport at 8:00am where my training and suiting up began.



    I have a huge head, so I was a little nervous about fitting my gigantic melon in there.





    Then we went over the mask and how it worked...



    Then Bob, aka Big Country, squashed my face.



    Two thumbs up if your face hurts



    I know. I'm a total badass and you had no idea.



    Then my pilot, Lt. Col. Rob Skelton went over some moves with me.



    He likes them big...



    Here's about where in the state you should be losing your lunch



    And last, the mysterious "High Five" Manuvre



    More pics and story coming... I just don't know how many pics I can load in one post.
    BooB CreW What ?

    One of IA's Awesome Mod's

    NASCAR on SPEED's Fun Guy

    HOST, Top Gear USA on History Channel starting late this Nov./Dec.

  2. #2
    Scottish Scotsman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    on the road to recovery
    Age
    46
    Posts
    18,358
    Rep Power
    60

    Default

    good sh!t so far

  3. #3
    Believes in physics Magnus213's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Posts
    1,175
    Rep Power
    21

    Default

    Can't say I'm not jealous. DAMN that's an experience.
    Mens et Manus
    Course 2


  4. #4
    IA'S NITEWALKER..... ahmonrah's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Location
    in the dark...
    Age
    47
    Posts
    9,730
    Rep Power
    34

    Default

    that sir.......looked PAINFUL!!!! LIRL!!!

    it's all good.....like you, i also have a NOOGET!
    good deal on the experience!



  5. #5
    RUTSPEED / Boobies ! RutRoe's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Location
    Peachtree City Area
    Age
    45
    Posts
    4,565
    Rep Power
    30

    Default

    So after we go over what we're going to do and I had an extensive meeting with the Pre-Flight Surgeon, we being to head out to the plane. It's hard to put into words all the things that went through my head as we walked outside, but I'll do my best to share them.

    We stopped in front of the plane for a photo opp...



    It was about this point when reality started to sink in that I was about to go 500+ miles per hour in a $200 Million dollar aircraft. The team of guys that keep this thing running are outstanding. Not only are they super nice and smart, they really love what they do for a living and it shows.

    They had my name on the side of the plane also... which, to be honest, was super cool for me. Albeit, it's my first name, that's my damn name on the side of this badass plane.



    So they get me seated and start going over some of the things in the cockpit. I wish I had a picture of what it looked like, but I wasn't allowed to bring a small camera. I had full throttle control back there, the sweet controller that had missles and guns and all those other cool buttons on it...plus I had all sorts of gauges that read all kinds of stuff I don't understand. They also read G's.

    I was told the goal of our flight was to let me experience 9 G's. That's 9 times the force of gravity on my body... which is a lot.







    Then the canopy closed and reality sunk in. Holy ****. I'm about to do this....I can't back out now. Thumbs up if you're scared as hell





    So the pilot is coaching me the whole time. He says when to breathe and how to do stuff. The plan was to take off, and at the end of the runway, he'd bank it hard up and we'd fly to 10,000feet in a few seconds. It was raw insane power...like I hadn't felt before.

    I thought we were still on the runway but pics and videos show we got airborn super fast, then cruised over the rest of the 1.5 mile runway about 40 or 50 feet off the ground.



    Then, up we went and fast... check the afterburner... nuts





    We hit 5.3 G's on the take off and I totally thought I was going to pass out....it felt like a long time, and I defintely felt my vision tunnel slightly as it was happening.

    We then hauled ass down to Cape Canaveral into restricted airspace and did some crazy stuff over NASA. We did Barrel Rolls, Arion Rolls, we did a gigantic loop, we did tons of stuff.

    I never got sick, but I defintely felt out of it a bunch. It's like going from sober to drunk in a matter of seconds... we fly upside down for a while and that was crazy. One of the coolest things was being up there and seeing all the launch pads for NASA and how many they don't use any more. I saw the building where they assemble the space shuttle, and the airstrip where it lands. It was nuts.

    The payoff though was when he went down to 500 feet. We slowed down to just a couple hundred miles an hour, and then full throttle and afterburners. We hit 500mph in just a few seconds... then straight up.....FAST... to 15,000 feet.

    As soon as we got up there, he said "Take a deep breath! We're going for 9 G's" He then banked the plane to the left and rolled it and towards the ground we went. I don't know how exactly to explain what that felt like, but it was just nuts. Just ****ing nuts. We only hit it for a few seconds and then he shook the plane left to right to wake me up incase I had passed out. I hadn't, I laughed, and then my body was feeling wierd.

    That was what we built up to and then we headed back. I got to see an amazing view of NASA in this sick plane, got to see Daytona International Speedway in a whole new light, and for the first time experienced SPEED and precision like nothing I had ever known before.

    We taped this to make a piece for Thursday afternoon's NASCAR Raceday at 1pm just before the Gatorade Duels. Hopefully someone will load it into youtube after that and I can link everyone. They also gave me this super cool lithograph with my name on it and stuff, plus I have an official 9 G pin that is badass.

    I can't say thanks enough times for this opportunity, nor can I believe this is my job. It was truly unreal. I hope you enjoyed my story and thanks for reading.

    BooB CreW What ?

    One of IA's Awesome Mod's

    NASCAR on SPEED's Fun Guy

    HOST, Top Gear USA on History Channel starting late this Nov./Dec.

  6. #6
    RUTSPEED / Boobies ! RutRoe's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Location
    Peachtree City Area
    Age
    45
    Posts
    4,565
    Rep Power
    30

    Default

    P.S. That plane can be converted to Combat ready in under 72 hours. They did it once in 27 hours without paint just to see if they could.

    USAF Rules.
    BooB CreW What ?

    One of IA's Awesome Mod's

    NASCAR on SPEED's Fun Guy

    HOST, Top Gear USA on History Channel starting late this Nov./Dec.

  7. #7
    IA's Slowest V6 Alan®'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Dunwoody
    Age
    36
    Posts
    12,819
    Rep Power
    37

    Default

    very cool man reps
    Quote Originally Posted by Alan®
    Nah not even. theres not enough alcohol on the planet that would convince me to bang that chick.I wouldn't hit that with Magic Johnson's dick.....on second thought
    Epic Foxbody Thread Crew Member #10

  8. #8
    ALL CAPS JITB's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Location
    Lithonia
    Posts
    20,772
    Rep Power
    58

    Default

    wow.. u got any video?

  9. #9
    iTrack matthewAPM's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Otto-Flimm-Straße, Nürburg
    Posts
    4,640
    Rep Power
    23

    Default

    gangsta
    Matthew Brueck
    iTrack Motorsports

    www.itrackms.com



  10. #10
    AmbitiousButRubbish EJ25RUN's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Daytona Beach
    Age
    38
    Posts
    15,152
    Rep Power
    45

    Default

    soooooooooooooo jealous... congrats on the flight!

    My only aircraft experience is a flying a little Cessna

  11. #11
    www.BatlGround.com Tracy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    ATL
    Age
    48
    Posts
    19,636
    Rep Power
    50

    Default

    Holy chit.

    P.S.
    Love the highlights! S0o0o0o0oo Hollywood! :P b00bs
    Val for president!

    Facebook.com/TracyATL

  12. #12
    I'm a motherfucker! Evil Goat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    JJSPEC Racing
    Age
    43
    Posts
    8,038
    Rep Power
    47

    Default

    badass man, thats one of my dreams
    -2001 Lexus IS300
    -2004 Pontiac GTO - 530hp/625ft lbs - 10.62@130mph - Sold!

    Quote Originally Posted by Echonova View Post
    I got five on it, that if this guy ever does meet Evil Goat he shits his pants and says nothing.

  13. #13
    rubbin' daily HeLLo iM iZzY's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Posts
    9,284
    Rep Power
    32

    Default

    What a fawking experience man.

    Reps for you.
    BUY MY HATCH <--click the link, cuz.

  14. #14
    RUTSPEED / Boobies ! RutRoe's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Location
    Peachtree City Area
    Age
    45
    Posts
    4,565
    Rep Power
    30

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by JITB
    wow.. u got any video?
    It will all be on the show tomorrow on SPEED. Set your Tivo biatches...

    They were three cameras in the cockpit, with audio, and I can't wait to see them.

    At one point I was feeling totally wasted and not sure if I was going to puke. After a few minutes, I finally stated "I don't know wether I want to puke or **** my pants."

    He laughed and said "Yeah.. people say that sometimes"
    BooB CreW What ?

    One of IA's Awesome Mod's

    NASCAR on SPEED's Fun Guy

    HOST, Top Gear USA on History Channel starting late this Nov./Dec.

  15. #15
    Your car sneeze? GuessWho's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Atlanta, Ga
    Age
    37
    Posts
    1,233
    Rep Power
    20

    Default

    I would of cried if that was me... i can handle plane rides but not JET rides...

    Looked fun tho...
    2004 Audi A4

  16. #16
    Still Here LQQKITZME's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Location
    Roswell
    Posts
    3,053
    Rep Power
    26

    Default

    Very cool Rut...
    View the world through a dogs eyes, if you can't screw it or eat it, pi$$ on it and walk away.

  17. #17
    ASC is for fools Blitanicle99's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Woodstock
    Posts
    4,028
    Rep Power
    25

    Default

    Dude! Thats awesome! If thats your job, I want your job. How did you manage to do all this?
    Honda RC51 SP1
    Yoshi RS-3 Cans
    520 Conversion
    Clip Ons
    Race Tech Fork Kit

  18. #18
    Patience Pays...
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Age
    45
    Posts
    5,774
    Rep Power
    29

    Default

    cool doesn't explain it, man you just fullfilled a lifelong dream of mine and I really appreciate you sharing the story and pictures. Very VERY cool!

  19. #19
    C7 On_Her_Face's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Duluth
    Age
    37
    Posts
    13,938
    Rep Power
    52

    Default

    that is really awesome man, and i am totally jealous, but i believe i have seen you on speed before you posted about you having this job. correct me if i am wrong?

  20. #20
    IA BK OWNER #2 BKgen®'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    the land of race car ya-yas.
    Age
    38
    Posts
    21,339
    Rep Power
    57

    Default

    b*tchin', man. I've seen them a million times (most recently at Reno in '06), but never had the opportunity to go up in one. i'm jealous. reps!


  21. #21
    JDM TYTE AnthonyF's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Cumming
    Posts
    24,318
    Rep Power
    61

    Default

    WOW BRO!!!!!!!!!! i would KILLLLLLLL for that oppotunity!!!!!!!!! that is sooo frigin bad ass!!!!
    The Carbon Fibered R6

  22. #22
    RIP Leisa! The Yousef's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Woodstock
    Age
    41
    Posts
    23,188
    Rep Power
    48

    Default

    i said it once...and i'll say it again...

    you're my hero.

    btw:

    you should have stuck an IA decal on the side of that Falcon...
    Val RIP
    Quote Originally Posted by Halfwit
    my only rule in life
    1: NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, DATE A GIRL OFF IA, OR TELL A GIRLFRIEND ABOUT IA.

  23. #23
    Senior Member NewGen33's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Vinings, GA
    Age
    35
    Posts
    3,196
    Rep Power
    26

    Default

    awesome, you lived one of my dreams

  24. #24
    Certified Gearhead
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Age
    51
    Posts
    986
    Rep Power
    20

    Default

    That is my dream.

    You are a little large for the aircraft.... jk

    smaller you are the better you can take the G's


    I wish i had done AFROTC, but i plan to go OTS now.

    If you dont get as lucky as this guy, then theres a program where you go to Russia and get a couple flights in a MiG-29 (they even let you take the controls)

  25. #25
    Senior Member | IA Veteran
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Not on IA Anymore !!!!!
    Posts
    17,879
    Rep Power
    0

    Default

    that is like a dream come true man, I would loved to be in your shoes. where do I sign up?

  26. #26
    RUTSPEED / Boobies ! RutRoe's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Location
    Peachtree City Area
    Age
    45
    Posts
    4,565
    Rep Power
    30

    Default

    Psychosquirl.. you're right about my size. I had plenty of room in there, but it was certainly tight in places.

    My foot actually hit the rudder pedals when we took off and he had to override it so we didn't turn crazy.

    I"m so glad you guys liked the story. I know the video will be better but I just thought a lot of people on here would understand why I wanted to share it. I still can't believe I did that.
    BooB CreW What ?

    One of IA's Awesome Mod's

    NASCAR on SPEED's Fun Guy

    HOST, Top Gear USA on History Channel starting late this Nov./Dec.

  27. #27
    RUTSPEED / Boobies ! RutRoe's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Location
    Peachtree City Area
    Age
    45
    Posts
    4,565
    Rep Power
    30

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by LS2_KID
    that is really awesome man, and i am totally jealous, but i believe i have seen you on speed before you posted about you having this job. correct me if i am wrong?
    No sir... you are correct. I'm SPEED's resident fun NASCAR guy. My on-air monacre is "Fan of the People" instead of "man of the people" since I love people so much, that I'm actually a huge fan of them. Hence the title.

    I love my job. I get payed to talk to people... it's wild.

    I really love SPEED and all the great people that are a part of it, and hopefully I can keep working hard so we can have our own fun show one day... or at least I can. That's my plan. Playa.

    So thanks. I'm pumped you guys like this stuff so much.
    BooB CreW What ?

    One of IA's Awesome Mod's

    NASCAR on SPEED's Fun Guy

    HOST, Top Gear USA on History Channel starting late this Nov./Dec.

  28. #28
    ewww...stinky thepolecat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Acworth
    Age
    42
    Posts
    3,148
    Rep Power
    24

    Default

    I though my 200 MPH ride in a NASCAR was hot ****- you just got cool points from me!
    95 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon Limited

  29. #29
    in the kitchen amberghini's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Cobra Command Center
    Posts
    1,057
    Rep Power
    20

    Default

    I hate you. Next time, take me with you, you lucky mofo.

    *storms away uber jealous*

  30. #30
    Duck of Death ShooterMcGavin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
    Location
    right behind you...
    Age
    43
    Posts
    24,836
    Rep Power
    54

    Default

    wow, i'm incredibly jealous, i loved seeing the thunderbirds as a kid.

  31. #31
    ( . )( . ) inmymouth _Christian_'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Dunwoody/Sandy Springs
    Age
    39
    Posts
    3,631
    Rep Power
    25

    Default

    It has always been my dream to be a fighter pilot. I'm so jealous.


  32. #32
    C7 On_Her_Face's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Duluth
    Age
    37
    Posts
    13,938
    Rep Power
    52

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by RutRoe
    No sir... you are correct. I'm SPEED's resident fun NASCAR guy. My on-air monacre is "Fan of the People" instead of "man of the people" since I love people so much, that I'm actually a huge fan of them. Hence the title.

    I love my job. I get payed to talk to people... it's wild.

    I really love SPEED and all the great people that are a part of it, and hopefully I can keep working hard so we can have our own fun show one day... or at least I can. That's my plan. Playa.

    So thanks. I'm pumped you guys like this stuff so much.
    I will only make this offer once, I will trade you my corvette and my half sister for your job(she'll be a great house wife)

  33. #33
    v2.0 IndianStig's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Gwinnett County
    Posts
    9,181
    Rep Power
    32

    Default

    cool beans man. i would love to experience something like that in this life.

  34. #34
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    villa rica, ga
    Age
    52
    Posts
    3,009
    Rep Power
    26

    Default

    ty for posting it all up!! i look forward to seeing it on speed tomorrow before the duels! i bet that is gonna be one of the highlights of your life!! i know it would be for me!

    on another note, how's bush-butt's eye?

    maybe i'll run into you sometime at the pepsi400. been goin down there almost every year since 95 for it!! stay at the ramada across the road.
    00 GSR 13.33@114 (355/304), 92 LX 5.0(twin somethings), 02 MTI(TX) ZO7 427 (540/518)sold, bmw 318w/2jz(driftn), 93 Supra TT Hardtop, 04 ford excursion, 55 chevy cruiser

    MabletonSpeedShop member

    MCE Mafia supporting member
    honored to be MCE Dec'08 rotm
    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=RNQN9i4Be-kvette mtn run
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjgbxbGyN5A poopra 1st 9sec 1/4

  35. #35
    Certified Gearhead
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Atlanta
    Age
    38
    Posts
    481
    Rep Power
    18

    Default

    that must of been the best expierance ever!

  36. #36
    MOST HATED
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Upstate SC/ATL
    Posts
    9,904
    Rep Power
    36

    Default

    Good job and reps for posting up.....

    I for one am not afraid to admit that I wouldn't be able to go through
    with it...I think I'd defecate on myself.

  37. #37
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Age
    40
    Posts
    2,055
    Rep Power
    22

    Default

    Nice, wish I had the chance

  38. #38
    The coolest chick SM The Ren's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    In Lostsolvtec's bed!
    Age
    41
    Posts
    18,265
    Rep Power
    44

    Default

    Aww look our little Rut has become a supastar!
    Val For President
    R.I.P. Our Dear Leisa..


    ASAP N.E. Chapter VP

    No more supra
    __________________________________________________ ________________________________________

    NIKON Squad member| NikonD40

  39. #39
    Been There Done That DaX's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    newnan.ga
    Age
    43
    Posts
    547
    Rep Power
    21

    Default

    That's really cool. I want to fly in a jet some day. I missed out on a P-51D flight last year - I didn't win the raffle. I'll settle for +3G in my airplane - 9G's - even with a G-suit - is nuts!

  40. #40
    Hostile Friday!!! "B"'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Kennesaw
    Age
    46
    Posts
    8,381
    Rep Power
    28

    Default

    RutRoe is a badass. I would have passed out or threw up everywhere. I don't even like roller coasters.

    On a side note, I can't wait for the Duels and I loved the Bud Shootout. I should have gone againt his year.
    Quote Originally Posted by redGT
    And B is one of the best shit talkers on IA. "B">Mercer on a bad day.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
About us
ImportAtlanta is a community of gearheads and car enthusiasts. It does not matter what kind of car or bike you drive, IA is an open community for any gearhead. Whether you're looking for advice on a performance build or posting your wheels for sale, you're welcome here!
Announcement
Welcome back to ImportAtlanta. We are currently undergoing many changes, so please report any issues you encounter with the site using the 'Contact Us' button below. Thank you!