I've been in the AF for 5 1/2 years as a F-16 Crew Chief. I've been assigned to 6 different ACFT at 2 different bases. Have been to Luke and Eielson and will soon be going to Al Dhafra followed by Lakenheath.
I remember in 2005 this POS blew a tire on take off at Luke AFB and destroyed the right strake panel. I also remember it diverting to Gila Bend for loss of Hyd pressure that was caused by a leaking speed brake actuator.
In late 2004 or early 2005, had an AB blow out shortly after t/o. and then in late 2004 had smoke in the cockpit. Smoke was reported to be coming from the ext light panel. Some how a CB had been tripped and was up against some wafer stacks. The wafer stacks only allowed the CB to pop about half way up which caused a power surge to the panel thus frying it. On that same trip we had to change the right speed brake assembly, right ventril fin, and left MLG tire.
In either late 2005 or early 2006, this ACFT had a weapons issue that took over 2 weeks to solve. It turned out that there was some wires that were jacked up in the right wing.
SSgt. Josh Hall
USAF 195 FS