What It’s Like to FLY In A Fighter Jet (PUKE WARNING!)

Sam Eckholm
4 Apr 202010:15
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRSecond Lieutenant Sam experiences the thrill of flying in the T-38 Talon, a supersonic jet used by the 71st Fighter Training Squadron. Despite motion sickness, he enjoys the unique opportunity to simulate an enemy aircraft in a dogfight against the F-22 Raptor. Sam's journey includes extensive training, gearing up with flight equipment, and a memorable flight that tests his limits but leaves him with no regrets, inspiring those who aspire to be fighter pilots.

Takeaways
  • ✈️ Second Lieutenant Sam, an Air Force officer, is experiencing his first flight in the back seat of a T-38 fighter jet at the 71st Fighter Training Squadron, Joint Base Langley-Eustis.
  • 🚀 The T-38 Talon, developed in the 1960s, is a dual-engine supersonic jet still used for fighter pilot training and adversary missions against aircraft like the F-22 Raptor.
  • 👨‍✈️ Sam's dad flew T-38s in pilot training during the late 80s and early 90s, possibly even the same jet Sam is flying in today.
  • 🛡️ Before the flight, Sam received extensive training on the T-38's systems, emergency procedures, ejection protocol, and survival skills.
  • 🎯 Sam's mission involves simulating enemy aircraft in a dogfighting exercise against the F-22 Raptor.
  • 🪂 Sam geared up with various safety equipment, including a parachute, anti-G garment, and life preserver, ensuring maximum safety during the mission.
  • 😅 Sam admits to being prone to motion sickness but is determined to enjoy the flight experience.
  • 📸 During the flight, Sam took pictures and videos, amazed at the speed and altitude, and even got the chance to fly the jet himself for a while.
  • 🤢 Despite feeling nauseous and lightheaded towards the end of the flight, Sam managed to hold on until they landed, though he did end up puking a little.
  • 🌟 Overall, Sam describes the experience as unforgettable, encouraging others who aspire to be fighter pilots to pursue their dreams with dedication, hard work, and a strong stomach.
Q & A
  • Who is the narrator of the video script?

    -The narrator is Second Lieutenant Sam, who is in the Air Force.

  • What is the purpose of the T-38 Talon in the Air Force?

    -The T-38 Talon is primarily used to train fighter pilots on what it's like to fly in a supersonic jet.

  • What is unique about the T-38 that Second Lieutenant Sam is flying?

    -The T-38 that Sam is flying is from 1967 and has the tail number 939, which could be the same jet that his father flew during his pilot training in the late 80s and early 90s.

  • What role does the T-38 play at Langley Air Force Base?

    -At Langley Air Force Base, the T-38 is part of the Langley Adversary Squadron, used to simulate enemy aircraft and fly against the F-22 Raptor in dogfighting missions.

  • What kind of training did Second Lieutenant Sam receive before the flight?

    -Sam received extensive training on various topics including the systems of the T-38, emergency procedures, how to eject, and what to do in case of landing in different environments.

  • Who was the pilot for Second Lieutenant Sam's flight?

    -First Lieutenant Josh Burdge was the pilot for Sam's flight.

  • What safety equipment did Sam wear during the flight?

    -Sam wore a parachute, an anti-G garment to prevent blacking out during high G-force maneuvers, and an LPU (Life Preserver Unit) around his neck for water survival.

  • How did Sam feel during the initial climb to 10,000 feet?

    -Sam felt the G-forces pushing down on him and was amazed by the unrestricted climb, but he had never felt anything like that before.

  • What challenges did Sam face during the flight?

    -Sam started to feel lightheaded, nauseous, and his hands got tingly due to the G-forces, making the ejection handle look appealing.

  • How did Sam handle the motion sickness during the flight?

    -Lieutenant Burdge recommended Sam to switch to taking in a hundred percent oxygen and try to breathe naturally to combat the motion sickness.

  • What was Sam's final experience after landing?

    -After landing, Sam felt a mix of accomplishment and relief, despite feeling motion sick and vomiting towards the end of the flight.

  • What advice does Sam give to those who dream of becoming a fighter pilot?

    -Sam advises that becoming a fighter pilot requires constant dedication, an unbelievable work ethic, and a strong stomach.

Outlines
00:00
😀 Introduction to the T-38 Flight Experience

Second Lieutenant Sam introduces the video script with excitement, detailing his anticipation to fly in the T-38 Talon, a supersonic jet used by the Air Force for training fighter pilots. He is at the 71st Fighter Training Squadron, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, where he will experience the jet's capabilities firsthand. The T-38, which has been in service since the 1960s, is also part of the Langley Adversary Squadron, simulating enemy aircraft in training exercises against the F-22 Raptor. Before the flight, Sam undergoes intensive training, including emergency procedures and ejection drills, to prepare for the high-speed, high-G mission.

05:02
😨 The Highs and Lows of the T-38 Flight

The script follows Sam's journey as he gears up in the Aircrew Flight Equipment room, donning a parachute, anti-G garment, and other safety gear before meeting his pilot, First Lieutenant Josh Burdge. They review the mission and emergency procedures, and Sam experiences the thrill of climbing into the T-38's cockpit. Despite his motion sickness, Sam enjoys the unrestricted climb to 10,000 feet and the breathtaking views of Virginia's coast. He even gets to pilot the jet for a while. However, as the flight progresses, the G-forces take their toll, and Sam struggles with lightheadedness and nausea. Lieutenant Burdge advises him to breathe in pure oxygen to combat the effects. Despite the physical challenges and an unfortunate bout of motion sickness, Sam cherishes the unforgettable experience of flying in an Air Force fighter jet.

10:03
😅 Post-Flight Reflections and Advice for Aspiring Pilots

After landing, Sam reflects on the extreme experience of flying in the T-38, acknowledging the physical demands and the dedication required to be a fighter pilot. He shares his mixed feelings of accomplishment and the reality of motion sickness during the flight. Sam thanks Lieutenant Burdge for the flight and addresses viewers, particularly those with aspirations to become fighter pilots, emphasizing the need for constant dedication, exceptional work ethic, and a strong stomach. He encourages them to visit airforce.com for more information on how to pursue a career as a fighter pilot, concluding the script with a humorous exchange about his 'resurrection' after the flight.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Second Lieutenant Sam
Second Lieutenant Sam is the narrator and main character of the video script. He is a military officer in the Air Force who has not had the opportunity to experience flight in a fighter jet. This keyword is central to the video's theme as it sets up the personal journey of Sam, who gets to fulfill his dream of flying in a T-38 Talon, a training aircraft for fighter pilots.
💡Air Force
The Air Force is the branch of a country's military that is responsible for aerial warfare. In the context of the video, it is the organization to which Second Lieutenant Sam belongs and represents the environment in which the video's events take place. The script discusses the Air Force's training procedures, equipment, and aircraft, emphasizing the rigorous standards and high-performance technology associated with this military branch.
💡T-38 Talon
The T-38 Talon is a specific type of supersonic jet used by the Air Force for training fighter pilots. It is a key concept in the video because it is the aircraft that Sam gets to fly in. The script highlights the T-38's capabilities, history, and significance in pilot training, illustrating the advanced technology and performance required for modern air combat.
💡Joint Base Langley-Eustis
Joint Base Langley-Eustis is a military installation in Hampton, Virginia, where the 71st Fighter Training Squadron is located. It is the setting for the video, providing the backdrop for Sam's experience. The base is where the T-38 Talon is stationed, and the script mentions it to establish the location of the training and the mission simulation that Sam will participate in.
💡F-22 Raptor
The F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth tactical fighter aircraft used by the United States Air Force. In the video, it is mentioned as the aircraft that the T-38 Talon will simulate an enemy for in a dogfighting mission. This keyword is important as it represents the cutting-edge technology and advanced capabilities of modern air combat systems.
💡Dogfighting mission
A dogfighting mission refers to an aerial combat scenario where two or more aircraft engage in a close-range maneuvering fight. In the script, Sam's mission involves simulating an enemy aircraft flying against the F-22 Raptor in a dogfight, which is a crucial part of the video's narrative as it demonstrates the practical application of training in a combat scenario.
💡Supersonic
Supersonic describes the ability of an aircraft to travel faster than the speed of sound. The T-38 Talon, as mentioned in the script, is capable of supersonic flight, which is a significant aspect of the aircraft's performance and a key part of the training that Sam undergoes, highlighting the high-speed nature of modern air combat.
💡Ejection
Ejection refers to the emergency procedure where a pilot is forcefully expelled from the aircraft to safety in case of a critical failure or other emergency. The script mentions training on ejection procedures, emphasizing the risks involved in flying high-performance aircraft and the importance of safety measures in military aviation.
💡G-forces
G-forces are the gravitational forces experienced during high-speed maneuvers, particularly in aircraft. In the video, Sam experiences G-forces during the climb and turns, which can cause physical discomfort and even affect consciousness. This keyword is important as it illustrates the physical demands placed on pilots during high-performance flight.
💡Parachute harness
A parachute harness is a piece of equipment worn by pilots to secure the parachute to their body for emergency ejection situations. The script describes Sam wearing a parachute harness as part of his flight gear, which is essential for his safety during the flight and represents the life-saving equipment used in military aviation.
💡Motion sickness
Motion sickness is a condition that causes discomfort and nausea due to the body's reaction to certain types of motion. Sam mentions experiencing motion sickness during the flight, which is a relatable aspect for viewers and demonstrates the physical challenges pilots may face during their missions.
Highlights

Second Lieutenant Sam introduces himself and shares his excitement about flying in the back seat of an Air Force fighter jet for the first time.

Sam stands outside the 71st Fighter Training Squadron at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, ready to experience flying in a T-38 Talon.

The T-38 Talon, a dual-engine fighter capable of supersonic speed, was built in the 1960s and is still in use today.

Sam's father flew T-38s in pilot training during the late 80s and early 90s, possibly even flying the same jet Sam will fly in.

The T-38 is used to train fighter pilots on flying supersonic jets and at Langley Air Force Base, it simulates enemy aircraft in training missions against the F-22 Raptor.

Sam receives extensive training on the T-38's systems, emergency procedures, and ejection protocols before his flight.

First Lieutenant Josh Burdge, Sam's pilot, briefs him on the mission objectives and emergency procedures.

Sam gears up in Aircrew Flight Equipment, including a parachute, anti-G garment, and life preserver unit, ensuring safety for the mission.

Sam expresses excitement and nervousness as he prepares to step into the T-38 cockpit, a moment he has dreamed of his entire life.

After a pre-flight walk around to ensure the jet's readiness, Sam climbs into the cockpit, ready for takeoff.

Despite feeling motion sick, Sam is exhilarated by the unrestricted climb to 10,000 feet and the experience of G-forces.

Sam takes photos and videos from the cockpit, marveling at the view and the speed of the jet as they reach the Military Operations Area.

Sam gets the opportunity to fly the T-38, feeling thrilled despite the physical strain of the G-forces.

Feeling lightheaded and nauseous, Sam struggles with motion sickness but perseveres through the final maneuvers.

Back on the ground, Sam reflects on the unforgettable experience, acknowledging the dedication, work ethic, and strong stomach required to be a fighter pilot.

Transcripts
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