Gabreski Field, NY
I just returned from your day long "Fighter Lead-In" program out on Long Island NY at Gabreski Field(quite an apropos location!). I'm simply compelled to write, and state that this was one of the true high points of my 50 years on this good green earth. I'm a "low hours" private pilot with a dab of aerobatic & spin experience in a Super Decathlon. Also, I've been an online "multi-player" live-time air combat simulation player for 15 years now. (GEnie network, AW-III, Aces High). I've seen & heard the bluster and banter of arm-chair aces and SkyHawk pilots of all ages & online skill level, for many years. Well sir.. Nothing and I mean NOTHING can describe the experience of doing a REAL split-S in a Marchetti SF-260. When that plane bottoms out at 250-MPH, you haul back on the pistol grip, and +6-G's put you on the hairy edge of unconsciousness,, stars in your eyes, the engine roar fades, you get sleepy.. at the top of the loop your vision is limited to a 4 inch electronic gunsight circle.. And, if you're lucky, the silhouette of another Marchetti will be in it! Neither General Aviation, Aerobatics, or any type of flight simulator, can remotely compare to the high speed, high G pounding that you experience during true air combat manuevers. Initially, I'd thought that the "Air Combat USA" standard "6 engagement" protocol may not be enough to suit me. In retrospect I must say that, after the 3rd engagement, I was hoping that it was over, but hung in through the 6th with sheer determination. Enroute back to base, I was allowed to do barrel rolls, inverted flight, and double-snap roll the Marchetti like a bullet going down a gun barrel. This exciting stuff, simply paled to insignificance compared to REAL dog fighting. At base you unstrap the parachute, life-vest (we fought over the Atlantic ocean), and step out onto the ground. With rubbery legs you remove the helmet. Your cotton skull cap and flight suit are literally drenched, soaking wet in sweat. With hair standing straight up on your head, like you'd seen a ghost, the IP comes over and says; "Well? What d'ya think? Did'ja have fun?" Like most, I just stood there for a minute, trying to think of words to describe what I'd just done for the past few hours. No words come. You just amble into the training room, and collapse in the nearest chair, while the IP reviews your gunsight videos. One hour later, you suit up, and strap on the Marchetti again. I'm attaching a photo of me just before my 2nd hop. Knowing what was upcoming, my face says it all! You certainly come away a better person. And acquire a new appreciation for our nations' military aviators. Thank you very much, I'll be back.