My grandfather is one of the original engineers who worked on the t-38. Specifically, he was responsible for resizing the vertical stabilizer after initial flight tests revealed problems with yaw stability.
Juan, for you to have been an instructor in this airplane speaks volumes about your capabilities! What a tremendous responsibility those very young pilots had flying this, and other complex, aircraft.
I've got about 1800 hours in the backseat of this thing. Shout out to the glory days of instructing in the 86th TFS, Laughlin AFB, from 1986-90. Nice find Juan.
Amen, JayBee, to the Glory Days of ripping around Del Rio by the Sea in the backseat of the White Rocket! That jet made good pilots and we had a blast flying our asses off in that cozy cockpit. FAIP, 88-91. About 1250 IP hrs plus nearly 500 sim hrs (ugh) :)
Was fortunate to get an introductory flight in a T-38 when I was at ROTC summer camp. What a blast! We couldn't go supersonic; but the instructor pilot did do a vertical max climb after takeoff! Whooosh!!
Hell of a job sitting in the back Jaun, I talked to a pilot in the RAF who had been on exchange with the USAF and was teaching guys to fly the T-38, he said the first day there the CO brought him into his office and said "always remember the turkey in front wants to kill you" . He said a few weeks later it happened to someone on the course right in front of him!
I don't remember the T-38 having ADF, The bearing pointer was for the TACAN/VOR. We had a seat of the pants method using the bearing pointer and finger prints on the HSI to navigate point to point and ATC would let us try. The bearing pointer had no tail. I was very happy to see that commercial A/C had tails for their bearing pointers which came in handy for ADF approaches. "Push the head and pull the tail"
Juan's memory is a little hazy. The DG is an HSI. The "VOR needle" is a TACAN CDI (I think course deviation indicator). But he was, as would we be, a little excited to see your first love after a long time.@@bja2024
I flew the T38 in flight school in 1969 at Moody AFB, Ga. I actually flew some that were factory fresh. Back they we had a solo supersonic and a dual supersonic. Spent 6 months in the T38. Some of the best flying in my 20 years in the AF. Until I discovered Air Refueling in the C141 as initial cadre refueling. As an instructor I had over 1000 hours in contact with the tanker.
Reese AFB Class 83-08. What a cool jet. But, I was always a little nervous while flying solo as a student; not enough experience or confidence in myself at that stage. The only checkride I ever “busted” was my T-38 contact check. Busted on my last overhead pattern. I let the AOA get too high in the final turn. Damn!
Aww man! My dad was @Reese from 79-82 just missed ya! Started out as instructor before computerizing some of the simulations then he cross trained over into the SORTIES side.
@kevinkohler2750 - You're welcome!! Considering designed in early '50s, it was way ahead of it's time, and gave many a pilot 2nd chances versus starting out w/Phantom, which would of been fatal. They were both of same era and both available for Vietnam, or I don't know what we would of done, other than attend lots of funerals!! For many years, our Astronauts preferred 'em too!!
@@erwinschmidt7265 I believe all astronaut candidates train on T-38s even today, and astronauts use them to fly around the US. NASA has a fleet of them. After some fatal accidents in the 1960's, I believe NASA's safety record on the T-38s since then has been excellent.
My office as IP from 1993-96, Columbus AFB. In her office my high school counselor had a poster of a T-38 near the vertical against a blue sky that read “Zero to Mach One in 49 weeks. Air Force ROTC”. When she asked me what I wanted to do in the future I just pointed at the poster.
Brother in law was instructor in T38 at Vance AF Enid, OK in mid to late sixtys. Juan, I recall a refurbishment of 38's there in Reno area, Sparks I think. That'd be cool to take a tour of that like you did in Oregon.
👍 First T-38 sighting was with the T-Birds at a local air show in ‘76 at 7 years old. Finally got to fly it 20 years later! CBM 97-06, last traditional UPT class - retired a few months ago. I absolutely loved flying the -38! 🫡
You pointing out the com panel reminded me when we lost a student in the class ahead of mine. On a night solo on final ATC gave him a frequency that was in the preset and when trying to manually dial in he went low and hit the trees. 😞. (50 years ago)
It seemed to me like those old T-38 comms together with the helmet mics used to make for a fairly unique radio signature--a bit like listening to moon-landing audio. Just the sound of the initial check-in would have me looking for a flight strip with a T-38 type on it. 😊
I was aT-38 link instructor at Columbus AFB & Reese AFB from Mov 73 to Aug 79. What a blast doing inverted ILS's.. Earned a Master Instructor Rating while teaching more than 2000 students. Hope they are all still doing well. My crosscheck has slowed some but still got it. Adios T-38, hello T-7.
Juan - thanks for the peek at the old T-38. I was in class 72-08 at Vance. Then flew them again as an IP from 1976-1980. All prior to the AOA system being installed. I still think that the "tickle and wing rock" was a pretty good indication of your AOA, didn't really need the AOA system.
“Tuck your elbows, tuck your knees. Handles raise, triggers squeeze.” Never had to do it, thankfully. Brought back great memories, Juan, thanks. Laredo 74-02, United Snakes of Laredo. The Last Class. Best, Larry H
Hi Juan - Wow - if this aircraft could talk, what stories it could tell. Although your channel frequently reviews aviation accidents, this episode highlights, to me anyway, that there is another side of the coin. The fact that this aircraft has probably been flown for decades in all sorts of weather, is a testimony to all of the pilots who flew it, and demonstrates what is possible when you pay attention to what you are doing. Would that all aircraft would have a long history, as this T-38 apparently does.
History and maybe some word of mouth about how it flys. Even back in the 70's triple nickel (555) was known to flip upside down in the normal wing rock stall. Had to fly it a little faster in the pattern.
Great memory. T-33 instructor at Craig AFB 65-66 then T-38 to 1969. My class was 66c Laredo. ps the 38 was much easier to fly the 33. Both were great rides
Hey Juan, I sit on the board for the HondaJet Owners & Pilots Association. Late invite but we're having our Annual Safety Symposium at the end of the month in Austin TX. We'd love to have you stop by and attend. Let me know if I may send you more info. Thanks Tim
I was a FF on duty at Shepard AFB the day Kitty O'Neal went up in the front seat of a T38 to set a womans low altitude speed record. We got to meet her and the actress Stockard Channing that day that was playing Kitty in the upcoming move about her life. I don't believe she was anything but a front seat passenger with a T38 flight instructor, as they did a few high speed, low altitude flyby's down the runway.
Juan, when are we going to see you with a T-38 or F-5? Maybe a T-37 would be nice to see. I remember seeing a bunch of those at the boneyard on a tour at Davis Monthan. Those were nice tours (although they don't give tours anymore).
As a space nerd in the ‘60s (ages 7 to 16), I always thought the T-38 looked really awesome as a NASA astronaut aircraft that they used for traveling and to keep their pilot proficiency. That cockpit looks like it could use a thorough interior detailing! 😉👍
I remember one day at an airshow at Beale AFB looking into the cockpit of a T-38 and seeing a little sticker that said " fast erect" and a pilot "yep it's what you think it is" the afterburn botton 😅
I'm guessing that was one of the Beale jets? Damn, they need a new detail guy to get in there with a vacuum and feather duster. Can you imagine all the cigarette butts that end up in the canopy when that baby goes inverted? LOL!
My grandfather is one of the original engineers who worked on the t-38. Specifically, he was responsible for resizing the vertical stabilizer after initial flight tests revealed problems with yaw stability.
Mine had a yew damper.
Except for the AOA, it is the same as when I flew it in the 60's. I picked up a new one at the factory. It had less than 2 hours in the log book.
Juan, for you to have been an instructor in this airplane speaks volumes about your capabilities! What a tremendous responsibility those very young pilots had flying this, and other complex, aircraft.
That one looks well worn. A testament to how well these things are constructed and maintained.
I've got about 1800 hours in the backseat of this thing. Shout out to the glory days of instructing in the 86th TFS, Laughlin AFB, from 1986-90. Nice find Juan.
Amen, JayBee, to the Glory Days of ripping around Del Rio by the Sea in the backseat of the White Rocket! That jet made good pilots and we had a blast flying our asses off in that cozy cockpit. FAIP, 88-91. About 1250 IP hrs plus nearly 500 sim hrs (ugh) :)
I was a Avionics Tech on T-38s and T-37s at Willie in the 80s . That bird looks like it's worked hard.
Was fortunate to get an introductory flight in a T-38 when I was at ROTC summer camp. What a blast! We couldn't go supersonic; but the instructor pilot did do a vertical max climb after takeoff! Whooosh!!
A neat lesson about the T-38 trainer aircraft. Thanks Juan!
Love seeing this. Brings back some great memories. I was an instrument on these from 78-82. I even got a ride in the back seat.
Be still my heart! Loved the T-38. Class 73-06, Laughlin AFB, TX.
Hell of a job sitting in the back Jaun, I talked to a pilot in the RAF who had been on exchange with the USAF and was teaching guys to fly the T-38, he said the first day there the CO brought him into his office and said "always remember the turkey in front wants to kill you" . He said a few weeks later it happened to someone on the course right in front of him!
Took training on those and B52’s at Sheppard AFB back in 82
UPT stud from under the bag in 1973: “One peek is worth a thousand sweeps.” Love ya Juan! From retired USAF and AA.
The degree to which that cockpit is faded and "beat up" speaks to the extreme Total Time on these 60+ year-old airframes... still sleek and gorgeous!
Was there the last 3 days. Was fun hearing you call the STOL drags! Told the wife, “Hey, that’s Juan Brown!”
I don't remember the T-38 having ADF, The bearing pointer was for the TACAN/VOR. We had a seat of the pants method using the bearing pointer and finger prints on the HSI to navigate point to point and ATC would let us try. The bearing pointer had no tail. I was very happy to see that commercial A/C had tails for their bearing pointers which came in handy for ADF approaches. "Push the head and pull the tail"
Very good!
Juan's memory is a little hazy. The DG is an HSI. The "VOR needle" is a TACAN CDI (I think course deviation indicator). But he was, as would we be, a little excited to see your first love after a long time.@@bja2024
Yep.
Correct!
Thank you for the look back at a great and fun airplane! USAF Class 8705, Vance AFB.
Wow jump in an start her up Juan. Take us for a spin around the neighborhood sir. 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
I flew the T38 in flight school in 1969 at Moody AFB, Ga. I actually flew some that were factory fresh. Back they we had a solo supersonic and a dual supersonic. Spent 6 months in the T38. Some of the best flying in my 20 years in the AF. Until I discovered Air Refueling in the C141 as initial cadre refueling. As an instructor I had over 1000 hours in contact with the tanker.
Awesome! I was in Class 89-06 at Columbus and dearly loved flying the T-38.
thanks for posting this, from a Laughlin AFB 92-13 graduate
Reese AFB Class 83-08. What a cool jet. But, I was always a little nervous while flying solo as a student; not enough experience or confidence in myself at that stage. The only checkride I ever “busted” was my T-38 contact check. Busted on my last overhead pattern. I let the AOA get too high in the final turn. Damn!
Aww man! My dad was @Reese from 79-82 just missed ya! Started out as instructor before computerizing some of the simulations then he cross trained over into the SORTIES side.
I've loved the T-38 since I first saw the Thunderbirds flying them! One of the most beautiful jets ever, IMO.
@kevinkohler2750 - You're welcome!! Considering designed in early '50s, it was way ahead of it's time, and gave many a pilot 2nd chances versus starting out w/Phantom, which would of been fatal. They were both of same era and both available for Vietnam, or I don't know what we would of done, other than attend lots of funerals!! For many years, our Astronauts preferred 'em too!!
@@erwinschmidt7265 I believe all astronaut candidates train on T-38s even today, and astronauts use them to fly around the US. NASA has a fleet of them. After some fatal accidents in the 1960's, I believe NASA's safety record on the T-38s since then has been excellent.
My office as IP from 1993-96, Columbus AFB.
In her office my high school counselor had a poster of a T-38 near the vertical against a blue sky that read “Zero to Mach One in 49 weeks. Air Force ROTC”. When she asked me what I wanted to do in the future I just pointed at the poster.
Thanks for your service, was in Lightning Flight for -37s, then Eagle Flight for -38s at CBM in 96-97. I remember those posters, too! 👍
I was class 93-08 at CBM. Tweets in Sabre and 38s in Falcon. Came back as a tweet IP (after flying 141s) from 1998-2001 in Mustang.
Flew in one out of Stewart AFB when I was in AFROTC. What an amazing ride.
Brother in law was instructor in T38 at Vance AF Enid, OK in mid to late sixtys. Juan, I recall a refurbishment of 38's there in Reno area, Sparks I think. That'd be cool to take a tour of that like you did in Oregon.
👍 First T-38 sighting was with the T-Birds at a local air show in ‘76 at 7 years old. Finally got to fly it 20 years later! CBM 97-06, last traditional UPT class - retired a few months ago. I absolutely loved flying the -38! 🫡
You pointing out the com panel reminded me when we lost a student in the class ahead of mine. On a night solo on final ATC gave him a frequency that was in the preset and when trying to manually dial in he went low and hit the trees. 😞. (50 years ago)
Nice to see the family
Good to see your family with you Jaun.
……man.. don’t you miss that? One of my all time favorites…..back in the day
No flap landings from the back were always fun! Single Engine overheads. Think those went away, what late 80s?
Thank you for bringing me back home, Blancolirio. Class 74-03, Vance!
74-05 Columbus! 50 years ago next year!
I guess i win for being the baby of this group: Laughlin 84-05😅
The U-2 pilots spend quite a bit of time in the T-38. Thanks for the up close tour of the cockpit!
Thanks Juan for the great explanation of the T-38 systems.
I've always loved the talon since I first saw them with the Thunderbirds in 1979 as a kid.
It seemed to me like those old T-38 comms together with the helmet mics used to make for a fairly unique radio signature--a bit like listening to moon-landing audio. Just the sound of the initial check-in would have me looking for a flight strip with a T-38 type on it. 😊
Class 69-07 Web. Can’t believe the cockpit looks exactly as I remember it, even the HSI horizontal situation indicator hasn’t changed.
Juan knew it was HSI, but that sounded too modern
Thanks for the trip down memory lane Juan! Reese class 88-02. What a great jet! Easy yet unforgiving. So many great memories.
Columbus class 82-06 here.
The most beatiful lines ever on any plane, behind the Lockheed Constellation of course! IMHO :)
Pete says, “fire it up! Let’s go daddio!”
Great tour! Older aircraft like the T-38 and Mb-339 have always been my favorites.
I watch those bad boys flying over my place here outside Randolph AFB everyday !!! love the sound !!!
Good one Juan!🏴
I was aT-38 link instructor at Columbus AFB & Reese AFB from Mov 73 to Aug 79. What a blast doing inverted ILS's.. Earned a Master Instructor Rating while teaching more than 2000 students. Hope they are all still doing well. My crosscheck has slowed some but still got it. Adios T-38, hello T-7.
I lived on the landing path for Williams AFB and remember how LOUD the t-38 was.
The T38 is a beautiful airplane. Great lines and just screams "fly me". Thanks for the look inside Juan.
Juan - thanks for the peek at the old T-38. I was in class 72-08 at Vance. Then flew them again as an IP from 1976-1980. All prior to the AOA system being installed. I still think that the "tickle and wing rock" was a pretty good indication of your AOA, didn't really need the AOA system.
I saw you today! I thought to myself that this is going to be on tiktok. I hope you have a wonderful time at the air races
My exp with them was working at Randolph Air Force Base, constantly coming and going...love that plane, seems so simple...
Beautigul 👍
Thank you
Brings back a lot of memories. Class 92-01 Laughlin AFB
Hi
Good to see the "boy" - neat description
That was cool !
Thanks !
THIS is your best video this year.......Jeni looks great and so does Pete & Julieanne.........You...not so much!(;>)
“Tuck your elbows, tuck your knees. Handles raise, triggers squeeze.” Never had to do it, thankfully. Brought back great memories, Juan, thanks. Laredo 74-02, United Snakes of Laredo. The Last Class. Best, Larry H
Hi Juan - Wow - if this aircraft could talk, what stories it could tell. Although your channel frequently reviews aviation accidents, this episode highlights, to me anyway, that there is another side of the coin. The fact that this aircraft has probably been flown for decades in all sorts of weather, is a testimony to all of the pilots who flew it, and demonstrates what is possible when you pay attention to what you are doing. Would that all aircraft would have a long history, as this T-38 apparently does.
History and maybe some word of mouth about how it flys. Even back in the 70's triple nickel (555) was known to flip upside down in the normal wing rock stall. Had to fly it a little faster in the pattern.
Remember it well from Willy (No Loss and Boysan) and ACE flights at Ellsworth.
Great memory. T-33 instructor at Craig AFB 65-66 then T-38 to 1969. My class was 66c Laredo. ps the 38 was much easier to fly the 33. Both were great rides
The good old days, when everything worked !!!!!!
Thanks Jaun
🇦🇺🤝 🇺🇸
I’ll betcha Pete would like to take the front seat and check out the cockpit up close.
That egress system did not look like the...US16T... The Martin Baker upgrade to replace the old Northrop Grumman.
Hey Juan, I sit on the board for the HondaJet Owners & Pilots Association.
Late invite but we're having our Annual Safety Symposium at the end of the month in Austin TX.
We'd love to have you stop by and attend. Let me know if I may send you more info.
Thanks
Tim
Send me an email, see about section of this channel.
That thing is filthy dirty!
Is this the aircraft with the seats so tight, the saying in the 1960's was, "You don't fly the T-38, you wear it."?
That's cool.
Good job five stars
Thanks Juan, I'll buy the gas if you'll fly!
Love seeing the T-38 flying out of Beal. Are the new trainers going to be based at Beal?
I was a FF on duty at Shepard AFB the day Kitty O'Neal went up in the front seat of a T38 to set a womans low altitude speed record. We got to meet her and the actress Stockard Channing that day that was playing Kitty in the upcoming move about her life. I don't believe she was anything but a front seat passenger with a T38 flight instructor, as they did a few high speed, low altitude flyby's down the runway.
T-38 but how about that T-28 crash?
Juan, when are we going to see you with a T-38 or F-5? Maybe a T-37 would be nice to see. I remember seeing a bunch of those at the boneyard on a tour at Davis Monthan. Those were nice tours (although they don't give tours anymore).
The T-7 will be a huge upgrade.
Whatever you do, don't push this button right here.
Which button? Hahaha.
As a space nerd in the ‘60s (ages 7 to 16), I always thought the T-38 looked really awesome as a NASA astronaut aircraft that they used for traveling and to keep their pilot proficiency. That cockpit looks like it could use a thorough interior detailing! 😉👍
I agree with everything Juan said, except the mirrors to see how cool I look. Mirrors make me look uncool.
Buddy was IP on the T-38…..sign me up for “Dual” ….love to fly that puppy.
“Advanced Trainer” lol
I flew these in the early 80s.
Good
I like Petes shades
I remember one day at an airshow at Beale AFB looking into the cockpit of a T-38 and seeing a little sticker that said " fast erect" and a pilot "yep it's what you think it is" the afterburn botton 😅
He was pulling your leg. That button gets the attitude indicator in the proper position if it was slow after it powered up.
@@jamesmurray3948 okay got it.
Will the T38 still be in inventory when Pete goes to UPT?
Looks like the cockpit could do with a good clean. Maybe it’s dust from being open on the flight line for a few days.
The reason why we never did negative g
OMG, the crap that flew up and got all over everything and in your eyes. An emergency procedure.
It was limited in how long you could do 0 or push negative but I never envied FCF pilots who had to do a trash check.@@bja2024
Best 100 hours of flying in mu career.
Neat.
❤NDB ❤ APROACHES❤. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES ❤, SALUDOS
When did the T-38 get an ADF?
@@jamesmurray3948 ADF receiver was installed since the first prototype, saludos aviator
Do you think you would remember how to fly one if you were given the opportunity?
When I went through T-38 training we didn't have angle of attack or ILS.
The back seat, “ can’t see a thing..” Au contraire, mon frere. (KDLF T-38A IP 84-88)
Can't find the ashtray 🤓
I'm guessing that was one of the Beale jets? Damn, they need a new detail guy to get in there with a vacuum and feather duster. Can you imagine all the cigarette butts that end up in the canopy when that baby goes inverted? LOL!
Is that the ashtray 1:15 just in front of the throttle?
Stowage for the ejection seat and canopy eject pins. I can’t remember, but maybe the gear pins too.
Was that a TAC air bird??
ACCIDENT of Frecce Tricolori in Torino Caselle!
Another reason why its overdue for the boneyard...T-7 can't come soon enough.
Was that the Beale bird? Thought they’d all been converted to C models
Where was the ash tray?
His old "office"!
Nice video! What’s the watch, Juan?
Inexpensive Timex.
@@blancolirio a true watch aficionado doesn’t care about the cost, it’s all about the history and Timex has a great one! Safe flying, Juan !
Didn’t Luke Skywalker used to take out womp rats back home on Tatooine in one of those?
Just a thought - are you thinking of upgrading your fleet with a jet - as you say "basic controls