Category Archives: The Book

Henry’s Helmet

Posted on 20/01/2022 by Bobo

I returned to Randolph AFB, TX in Jul 1982, and was assigned to the 560th Flying Training Squadron (FTS) as an IP at PIT.  The Commander at the time wasn’t sure what to do with me, so he offered to … Continue reading →

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“Sparking Down the Runway, Say Intentions”

Posted on 20/01/2022 by Bobo

“Snoopy” was the RSU Controller one night when a UPT student retracted the gear early on a T-38A touch and go, and the jet settled onto the runway before the IP could react. As he watched the jet slide to … Continue reading →

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What’s Wrong?

Posted on 20/01/2022 by Bobo

One of the things we continually ‘hammered’ in UPT was radio discipline.  Keep unnecessary chatter off the radio.  So… JB was on a 2-ship ride with a Solo student.  The Solo was Lead.  Just as they lined up on 17R … Continue reading →

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2 V 1

Posted on 20/01/2022 by Bobo

One of the ‘classics’ – A planned 4-ship with 4 SMS (Special Monitoring Students).  The students were 2 Iranians, 2 US guys.  The Flight Commander had a lot of faith in “L,” the other IP, and me.  I lost my … Continue reading →

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Dollar Ride Bills? Really?

Posted on 10/01/2022 by Bobo

One of the additional duties we assigned the students was “Snack Bar Officer.” In this capacity, students manned our squadron snack bars for a period of 2 to 3 hours; manning the cash register, making coffee, stocking shelves and so … Continue reading →

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Those Deep Blue Eyes

Posted on 21/12/2021 by Bobo

Every now and then I hear a story that’s just too good not to include. This is one to them… Last week I was down to San Antonio, TX for a gathering of former ‘Cheetahs;’ members of the 560th Flying … Continue reading →

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Let’s Make This Look Good…

Posted on 05/12/2021 by Bobo

We were on a T-38A 2-ship formation approach to RWY 17R at Vance AFB, OK one afternoon. Geoff K. was the IP in the lead aircraft, flying with Marty C. I was on Geoff’s left wing with Steve S. The … Continue reading →

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Bounce and Tilt…

Posted on 10/11/2021 by Bobo

(Submitted by Rat) Rat came into my office one day with look of total bewilderment on his face. He had just flown with a Tweet (T-37) IP from across the base, who was on his way to F-16s. Sitting down … Continue reading →

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A Lot of Barges on that Lake…

Posted on 09/11/2021 by Bobo

(Submitted by Rat) Spectacular Fall day, flying VR route out to the west of un-named UPT base in NE Mississippi with a good guy – excellent student. He’d trimmed his low-level chart down to within about an inch of the … Continue reading →

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“I Guess the Check Ride is Over?”

Posted on 30/10/2021 by Bobo

Years ago, at Vance AFB, OK, this kid was on a check ride in the T-37. As he and his check pilot completed the pre-flight walk around, it began to rain. They both quickly hopped in the jet and began … Continue reading →

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