F-16 Aircraft Database

It was back in the F-4 era. Our unit had an Air Force Advisor assigned to the fighter squadron. He was fine man and he blended in with our aircrewmen and our crewchiefs very well. At the time of this story he was about to retire. He was aware of our policy to congradulate or retiring pilots. He also knew that some of crewchiefs were qualified to taxi the F-4. So, he came over to me one day and asked me if I could taxi his aircraft back from De-arm on his last flight. I told him, YES! So the day came and I had almost forgotten our plan. He came up to me on his last day and said, "Today!" H was on final approach and I got into the vehicle with the weapons guys to go down to the far end of Runway 05. When they got out I walked over to the Colonel's lead Phantom. He nodded his head and shut down his left engine and got out. I thought to my self for an instant, me- a wrench miester leading a flight of true figherpilots back from the far end of the runway. I got into the airfraft. I had taxiied many times before but never with officers. The Colonel gave me his helmet to help him gain the upper hand in his ruse. I checked the cockpit over and realized I would be the voice of the flight to get us back to the ramp. My WSO told me what to say. thanks to him it went normal-normal. As we entered our ramp the welcoming party was in full strength. There were even a fire truck or two. But evenso I taxied up to the parking area without delay. When I pulled onto the yellow line to the parking spot the crowd was in full stride to meet me. I stopped for the tire check and then stopped for good. Chocks-In, engine - shutdown, switches - off. I opened the canopy to egress and as I stood up the crowd collectively said, "What!" Everyone was looking around - it was pandamonium at good old Fort Wayne International Airport. I think I got a few drops of champaign on me but it was very well worth it. I can't belive that was almost twenty years ago. It was so grand. I would tell everyone who is still actively involved in the fighter aircraft business. Love your time there even if there are days you can't. Because what you do is so vitally necessary and you are the recipients of the present. Soon enough and you will be on the sidelines but until then learn that there is nothing like a job well done by yourselves.

this baby crashed in Jan 1988 when the pilot trying to land at night in the rain turned her into a John deere landing 40 feet ahead of the threshold of the runway. they rebuilt her and she is still flying today.