Forum: Air Force Life

Two sets of eyes in the cockpit made the F-111 (and the F-14) a good tactical aircraft. Could deliver ordinance close to U.S. troops without blasting them. Can't say the same thing for the A-10 (Battle of El Nassiraih).

F-16.net Sponsor

[quote="parrothead"]

VarkVet wrote:

If your wings don’t sweep you ain’t sh*t

If it requires two pilots and can't pull 9G's you ain't sh1t.

I remember being TDY from Lakenheath to Goia Del Colla (Damn Spelling!). We started the "If your wings don't sweep you aint sh*t" mantra in the club one night. But with an interesting twist. We did it in an exagerated Italian accent. I don't remember if we got asked to leave the club that night or not.

Congrats. on the hours Vark. Cheers

Was at the practice run for tomorrows last Dump/Burn (mabey) in Bris. city today(03/09/10). The guys sure keep em looking good after all this time. Tomorrow is the last twin burn over the city for 'Riverfire'(at night)..Large crowds expected again!..Keep an eye out on Youtube...First week in December is the last flyover. Hopefully as many airframes as possible, mabey a burn.
I will sure miss the 'old days' where their altitude and proximity to the crowd resulted in a 'too close to the campfire' type feeling!
Will never forget the first time I finally saw an F16 fly..6 of them (RSAF Blk 52's) escorting twin Varks...only 8 or so wks ago...(yes I'm a long way from a Falcons nest) Not Worthy

Last edited by VarkVet on Sep 05, 2010 - 03:25 PM; edited 1 time in total

beepa wrote:

Congrats. on the hours Vark. Cheers

Was at the practice run for tomorrows last Dump/Burn (mabey) in Bris. city today(03/09/10). The guys sure keep em looking good after all this time. Tomorrow is the last twin burn over the city for 'Riverfire'(at night)..Large crowds expected again!..Keep an eye out on Youtube...First week in December is the last flyover. Hopefully as many airframes as possible, mabey a burn.
I will sure miss the 'old days' where their altitude and proximity to the crowd resulted in a 'too close to the campfire' type feeling!
Will never forget the first time I finally saw an F16 fly..6 of them (RSAF Blk 52's) escorting twin Varks...only 8 or so wks ago...(yes I'm a long way from a Falcons nest) Not Worthy

Thanks dude!

I really miss that Earth Pig and look forward to the final Dump and Burn!

I will always remember when that Heyford jet did one (IFE) and the paper said "Nuclear Bomber Explodes over Milton Keynes" Laughing

Thats classic Very Happy

As that final dump and burn approaches, I can already feel the nostalgia washing over me. On that day in 1965 when I watched the first flight of the F-111, I was all of 26 years old. Never in my life imagined I would be 71 when the last one flew. As much as I love the F-16 and all it meant to me and my family (lots of new shoes for the kids), nothing can ever top that "first one". I was lucky enough to work with that beast for ten years - unforgettable experience.

Many thanks to all you guys and gals who kept her going for all these years.

Johnwill...thanks for your insight..I will be one of the crowd at EOR for her last flight(off base in the usual spot)..I surely will spare a minute or two thinking of you and Varkvet..As an Aust. icecream licker whom was born the year the Vark became a 'resident' I am amazed in the feelings not only I have but many of the Aust. public. It may sound strange, but this airframe is actually more of a beacon of joy, awe and friendship throughout Aust. culture.
Many thanks to all those who were..'and still are' involved in her upkeep.

I was always amazed at the adoration and pride the Aussies (Military and Civilian) have for the wonderful -111 and wondered why it never got the same love here in the U.S. Those of us that maintained and flew them certainly have a great love for them but it doesn't run as far and wide with the public the way it does in Australian. Good on you guys!

Thanks, beepa. Many of my closest friends today are also part of the "new hires" of 1963 - 65 who helped bring the -111 into being. We have always greatly admired the way Australia has adopted the -111 as its own. I will always remember seeing those 24 Aussie -111Cs sitting on the ramp for a couple of years waiting for us to get them right and deliver them. You guys showed great patience with us and it eventually paid off for you.

Wish I could be there with ya, mate!

Quote:

Quote:

If your wings don’t sweep you ain’t sh*t

So, if your wings sweep that means you are s**t? Glad my jets had fixed wings.

lmao !

OK all thats it!!....125 was the first airframe to land in Aust...today she was the last......when they left it was great...when the solo run did the last burns, rolls etc. it was spectactular...but after their final pass and the six of them starting dropping their gear..well there was silence...even a few tears...to see the final moments I could only think of those on this site who changed, within my mind, the concept of a "jet" into a complex labour of love...while we in Aust. salute all involved...I hope all of you visit ***tube and join with us the passing of the Vark.....All of you should be proud of your participation in the life of an extrordinary airframe...thank you!!

Thanks, beepa. Some great footage on utube. Thanks

Great photo of the final pass.

Thanks Beepa … end of an era!
I really “loved” that jet. Crying or Very sad

Any plans for doling out the retired jets for static displays? Museums? And does Australia have a military Boneyard like we do in the U.S. at Davis-Monthan?

Forum: Air Force Life

Wing sweeper