F-16 Fighting Falcon News

January 9, 2007 (by SrA Stephen Collier) - Some pilots dedicate their entire lives to serving their country in the cockpit and reach certain milestones, including a 1,000 hours of flight, then 2,000 hours of flight; but reaching 3,000 hours is an accomplishment many only dream of.
And Col. Jon "Viper" Norman lived that dream Tuesday afternoon Jan 9th at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea.

"I feel old," said Viper immediately after his flight. "Not too many guys make it this far. I'm very fortunate to fly for as long as I have. I'm just glad I was able to do (3,000 hours) right here at Kunsan."

The 8th Operations Group commander had been inching toward the achievement since arriving at the Wolf Pack. Stationed at Kunsan before in the early 1990s, Viper said it's an honor to meet this milestone back here.

"Of all the places for a milestone to happen, coming back to one of the first places you become a fighter pilot is really amazing."

But getting to this important milestone isn't something a pilot can do alone. From support personnel to crew chiefs on the flight line, everyone plays their part to ensure that Viper and other pilots like him reach milestones such as these.

"[I've been] absolutely impressed with maintenance," he said. "I've had 3,000 hours in the jet and I've never had an engine failure or serious aircraft incident from maintenance. I'm one of the lucky ones."

What's next for Viper? Getting Col. Jeff "Wolf" Lofgren, 8th Fighter Wing commander, to 3,000 hours.

"Now it's time to get the Wolf to 3,000 [hours]," he joked. "He's close and we'll try to get him there."