Forum: Modern Military Aircraft

Sam Flynn, the USN fighter pilot that coined the term 'speed is life,' has passed away on Dec. 4.

Post Script: Pilot’s pilot taught students to keep moving to stay alive
By FRED KIRSCH , The Virginian-Pilot

© December 15, 2005

VIRGINIA BEACH – Speed is life.

Say those three words to almost any Navy fighter pilot and there will be a two-word response: Sam Flynn.

Flynn, who achieved near-legendary status during his 31-year flying career, coined the phrase in the 1970s when he devised a bold strategy for fighting, and it’s become the mantra for Navy pilots.

“Back during Vietnam, MIGs were shooting down a number of our planes,” said Danny Michaels, a former pilot and commanding officer of Oceana Naval Air Station. “Sam was an absolutely brilliant tactical pilot. He preached that speed was the answer to staying alive: Don’t ever let your speed drop.”
When Flynn talked flying, pilots listened. He flew more than 250 combat missions in the F-4 Phantom, logged 1,175 aircraft carrier arrested landings, and shot down a MIG21 in a “high noon” dogfight.

He was awarded the Silver Star, five Distinguished Flying Crosses and three Navy Commendation Meals (with combat V). He died Dec. 4 at age 72.

“He was a natural,” said Bill John, who flew more than 120 missions as a radar intercept officer with Flynn.

“He felt the airplane and intuitively understood flying. He knew where he was and where the other guy was going before he did.”

A North Carolina native and graduate of Wake Forest University, he taught math before joining the Navy in 1956. He later earned a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering.

“Sam was easygoing and liked to pass himself off as a country boy,” John said, “but he was one smart guy.”

Flynn saw speed as the key to better cornering to avoid pursuit, making for a more difficult target to hit, John said.

“Speed is life” was put to the test during one mission when Flynn’s squad encountered three MIGs over North Vietnam. After engaging two of the planes, Flynn saw the third coming in behind his wingman’s
6 o’clock.

“Sam turned on him and he started to run,” John said. “We fired one up his tailpipe.” Flynn’s F-4 now resides in the Smithsonian Ins titution .
Flynn, who commanded Fighter Squadron 31 and NAS Kingsville, Texas, was an F-14 flight simulator at Oceana for 15 years after retiring, teaching young pilots how to do it like he did.

Said Michaels: “He was the best fighter pilot there was.”

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I'd like to raise a toast to all those warriors who have passed on and no longer need an aircraft.

Here's to you, Sam Cheers

!!!

Here's a toast to the host ....

A great fighter pilot icon. Not Worthy

Be interesting to see when the USN again acknowledges that: "Speed is life."

Unfortunately, the motto has become "$$ is life"

Forum: Modern Military Aircraft

Another warrior headed West... Capt. Samuel C. Flynn Jr.