Category Archives: The Book

Randy 10 Lead Is ‘Bingo’

Posted on 04/03/2014 by Bobo

In flying, ‘Bingo’ is the term we use that means we have just enough fuel remaining to return to the base, land and have our ‘minimum fuel’ by regulation.  More often than not, in T-38 flying, that value is 600 … Continue reading →

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“Why Don’t You Fly for a Little Bit, Bob?”

Posted on 01/03/2014 by Bobo

We took a 4-ship of T-38s from Randolph Field, TX to Tyndall AFB, FL one weekend, just to enjoy the weekend on the beach.  I was flying with Nick A., our squadron commander.  Good guy. Enroute we had a planned … Continue reading →

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My Last Flight…

Posted on 01/03/2014 by Bobo

As a pilot, only two bad things can happen to you (and one of them will): a. One day you will walk out to the aircraft, knowing it is your last flight, or b. One day you will walk out … Continue reading →

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“Just Wanted to Make Sure You knew….”

Posted on 26/02/2014 by Bobo

I was flying with our squadron commander one day.  He was in the front seat, and I was in the back (T-38A).  I didn’t have a great deal of respect for him; he was a “reg reader.”  A “matrix colonel.” … Continue reading →

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Cruising at FL 430

Posted on 11/01/2014 by Bobo

In the early ’80’s we were having a rash of J-85 flameouts, engine failures, at altitudes above FL 390.  The J-85 is the engine in the T-38A.  So Command issued a directive stating that flights would not be conducted above … Continue reading →

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1.9 from Dyess to Randolph?

Posted on 09/01/2014 by Bobo

After I relinquished command of my squadron, just before retiring in 1988, the DO (Director of Operations) told me, “Well, since all you seem to enjoy is flying, that’s what we decided to let you do for your remaining time … Continue reading →

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Flying, and Life…

Posted on 17/10/2013 by Bobo

One of the things I learned about flying is, there is really nothing “tough” about it – when you break it down.  I think I can make my point here by using a typical T-38 “contact” mission (contact missions encompass … Continue reading →

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The Cockpit

Posted on 10/10/2013 by Bobo

The Cockpit The cockpit was my office.  It was a place where I experienced many emotions and learned many lessons.  It was a place of work and also a keeper of dreams.  It was a place of deadly serious encounters, … Continue reading →

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No-Notice Hospitality Checks

Posted on 26/02/2013 by Bobo

One of the fun things we had while I was on active duty were the “No-Notice Hospitality Checks.”  These took several forms.  Essentially a group of us would head over to someone’s house – someone who usually left the O’Club … Continue reading →

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USAF Flying Time

Posted on 20/02/2013 by Bobo

When I graduated from UPT, I was about 21 months behind my peers from college.  (I had that pesky color vision issue to deal with before I was accepted to pilot training.)  Nevertheless, I began hustling for flying time right … Continue reading →

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