It's hard to find the right words to descrbe what has to be one of the best aviation videos I've ever seen. Your videography and narration were first-rate! I had a smile on my face from start to finish. Thank you!
You are correct… great job! I remember going to air shows with my dad when I was a kids And this video brings back allot of memories.. ready now to take my kids to the next show and maybe they will catch the fever and great memories also!!! Thanks again for making this video!
I appreciate the nice comment. This was my ending goal of filming UA-cam videos and when this flight ended it was very emotional for me. It sounds cheesy but it was something I looked forward to my entire life.
@@steveo1kinevo I'm so happy for you to be able to achieve this goal. I echo the earlier comment that the videography done on this video was top class. I have watched every video you have produced for the past three years or so. I have enjoyed everyone of them. Thanks for your hard work in producing great videos. I love flying the TBM 930 in MS Flight Simulator. It is an awesome airplane, as is the 850 that you fly. Godspeed Steveo!!!!!!!
I think this is your finest video to date. Superb videography, superb commentary and a life enhancing experience for one of YTs finest! Good work Sir 👌🏼
Crew chiefs consider the pilot the integral part of the weapons platform.. without them she doesn't get to be airborne which is what she was made for..then we get to help her to go up again..a hell of a lot of work but worth it
This is something that a lot of us maintainers never even get to do. As an engine troop I helped put these F16's in the air for over 10 years. I dreamed of doing this since I was a young kid. As I separated from the Air Force I realized it would now never happen. I'm jealous but happy for you. Thanks for the video. As a side note: I am currently working on my PPL. I will fly!
Slightly easier and less expensive to train in a light sport aircraft, in less hours to get a Light Sport Pilot license. Some minor limitations, but more affordable. Look into it!
Received an incentive ride in B model F16 back in the mid 1980’s when stationed at Hahn AB in Germany. Was INCREDIBLE! The negative G’s were so tough. Had pretty bad headache and broken blood vessels in my eyes for a few days after. Was so worth it. Glad you got the chance to enjoy that flight Steven.
I served 24 years Air Force. Air Police and Security Police. I retired in Lake Placid Florida, where I stayed for 25 years, then moved back to Eglin Air Force Base in NW Florida. Love the T Birds. Got to see many T Bird shows. Thanks to all of the Military Branchs, for all you do. God Bless America.
That was great! I was anF-16 crew chief for almost 9 years when I was active duty and got my ride right before I separated back in 2003. Although it wasn’t with the T-Birds it was still a very memorable experience. That is one experience you will never forget! Thanks for the video and helping me revisit the memories of my ride!
Lol knowing my luck, if I ever had the privilege of receiving a ride in an F16, I would pas out and not remember a god damned thing 😆. What an amazing experience that would be! 🍻🇨🇦
Greg, I was an electrician at Kunsan, Korea. I got my ride in the summer of 83. We had to divert up to Osan so I actually ended up getting two flights. The pilot was very generous and let me fly up to Osan as well as loops and rolls. Glad you got your ride! Mine was F-16B BTW.
What a phenomenal video…and I’m a U.S. Navy guy. I worked with the guys at Nellis years ago. Top notch people and they’ve always been very accommodating to us squids. I’ve got all the respect in the world for them. Nothing but professionals.
@@ziadajam5433 I'm applying for the royal air force when I'm in university and if I get accepted then ill happily drop my whole course within the blink of an eye 🤣😅
I believe this is my favorite aviation related video of all time. Thanks for all the commentary of what was happening during the flight. I've probably seen the Thunderbirds live ten times and they are awesome. I'm sure that's an opportunity you will never forget.
ALL of these fine USAF personnel are AWESOME instructors. Clear & concise. WOW! There's a lot of information for the flight, but they don't make it seem overwhelming at all.
I wont ever forget my flight in a F-16 when I was active duty. It wasn't with the Thunderbirds, but he was an instructor pilot. By far the coolest thing I have ever done.
@@getstuk87 I was active duty air force and worked on the F-16. every so often they have a certain number of incentive flights. I was chosen to take one.
@@mikeschaefer6025 bet that hr you went to a few states haha 😄 not to mention heights above 30k ft and break the sound barrier only in my dreams I'm an Army vet and plan on at least a private pilot license I hope !!! Quite expensive, but I can imagine how you must of felt
I was a Crew Chief on F-16's and 15's and got a ride in both. Nothing turns like an F-16. It snaps you into G's so quick. For an aviation person, the day you ride in a fighter is one of the best days of your life. I'm glad you got to experience this.
Not many know how many years this has been in the making! Congrats brother! Glad you finally got to tick this off the bucket list and make the vlog that youve been visualizing for years!
@@steveo1kinevo So gratifying to see you get this opportunity Steveo. Congratulations. A great opportunity for the Air Force as well, to reach out to your many viewers.
I know I would never have the chance experiencing something this awesome being a farmer and never having time off. I had jumped several times around the age 18-21 and I am thankful for that and now this experience. Truly amazing. Thank you.
Congratulations Steveo You have just received something that very few people on the planet get to enjoy. I'm really very happy for you. When you're 80 you'll still be talking about this day.
I think I speak for every pilot, pilot-to-be and wanna-be pilot, when I say steveo, that you did this not just for yourself, but for us! Thanks to you and the USAF Thunderbirds for such an awesome, inspirational video. I couldn't stop smiling with tears of joy! Just sensational.
That was great. Thank you for taking us along. All the behind the scenes of the training post flight were absolutely incredible to see. So what's next on the bucket list? Can't imagine what could top that.
@@steveo1kinevo 17:18 in the video. Do the Gibbon pose where the hands come up like that when faced with low to negative G is interesting. I suspect its a reflex reaction going back to when our ancestors were climbing trees. I suspect its triggered by your backside lifting off the seat. So make sure you do your lap straps up first, and make them tight. That way you always have pressure on the seat, and you feel more secure. Check out what a Gibbon looks like and you will see. Spectacular swingers in the trees.
Incredible video and I have a tremendous amount of respect for all of our military aviators! You’re so lucky to have had this experience, truly amazing what these aircraft can do!
I’ve been to many airshows and the thing that surprised me most was the Doppler shift of the jets as they pass. It’s as if their sound follows behind them at some distance. They literally can fly overhead and be gone before you ever hear their sound. Also, a friend of mine gave me an autographed Thunderbirds picture like the ones in the video. It’s something I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.
You're acting as if videos like this aren't on the platform: ua-cam.com/video/w14zGmFtHO4/v-deo.html&ab_channel=TheAfterburnPodcast some after years old and they're better than this video. This link has one from last year
I love the voice over, making it seem like you were talking us through it live with the distortion. Awesome bucket list item for so many of your viewers, myself included.
Fun Fact: I actually edited the video and then sat in the TBM and watched the video on my MacBook and recorded the narration with another camera through my headset to get the commentary to add to the video.
@@steveo1kinevo Yeah it was kind of obvious when you were talking during some of those G maneuvers. I would really like to hear the actual audio you recorded during that flight. Maybe a gag reel? Great video! A bucket list item for almost all of us, one very few get to tick off.
WoW, this is by far your best video ever. I always enjoy flying with you but this was the next level. Thank you for the ride and Thank You to all those who serve !
Viper is probably the sexiest fighter jet ever made! Literally the Lamborghini of the sky that 30° lean on the seat is hella comfortable! Had the pleasure of working 16s for 2 years in Korea!
It was a cool sighting when in contact with the enemy in a pretty good gun fight. But when they heard or got signaled about fast movers in the AO. These pilots and their crew terrified the enemy on the field. Thanks for the support!! Forever grateful
Thanks! That was special to me. I've been around flying all my life, and it's too late for me now to have the experience you had - but I was at HAFB for awhile, and got to fly with Army Air... but this was awesome. You deserve it Steve.
I’m so stoked that you got to fly with the thunderbirds! You’re such a great ambassador to general aviation and totally earned this once in a lifetime honor. Thanks for taking us along with you and allowing us to experience this bucket list item vicariously!
Steveo, let's reflect. First and foremost, the "hometown hero" moniker that was ascribed to you is an understatement. Your experiences related to aviation transitions borders. It's not simply "hometown" recognition but "global" recognition of how you enlighten viewers about aviation. Kudos and thank you. Additionally, how many "coasties" were living vicariously through you during this flight? You were part of that elite organization. The Air Force simply allowed you, through interdepartment cooperation, to experience what they do in support of defending our borders not from the sea but from the air. As a former USCG member, you were part of that total force package. Your "ride" was well deserved. You earned it. The aviators and support team from the USAF can and should be proud of you as well. I know you were humbled; believe me, they were impressed with you as well. Teamwork makes the dream work. Thank you for your service. After all, that GI Bill helped you to attain what you have accomplished in your aviation career. Great job.
Outstanding! This was so well done; the videography could not be better and the narration was spot on. Truly a bucket list item for a lot of us and you got to take it a step further and fly the F-16! Perfect.
You just keep raising the bar, Steveo. Congratulations on flying an F16. Real happy for you and thank you for your efforts in furthering aviation through your fantastic videos. You have no idea how many people you have inspired to embark on the journey of becoming a pilot - yours truly included! Thanks again and wish you all the very best!
Of all of the videos you have done and shared this one was amazing - the flight most pilots dream to do you did! The shared video of the flight got as close as we could to the sights sounds and forces you experienced. Breathtaking- thank you and god bless the Thunderbirds and all of our military present and past. Thank you all for your service.
Can’t even imagine how awesome that would be. I would want to fly so bad. At that height I could do anything and if I screw up he would have plenty of time to save us. Super jealous. Being 9 when Top Gun came out in ‘86 I’ve loved military aircraft. This would be one heck of an experience. Unfortunately, a car accident paralyzed me at 17 so it’s impossible for me but I’m stoked the military lets people do these kinds of things and I can, in a small way, experience it with them. 🤙🏻
Great video and commentary. As an USAF F-4. pilot (retired), I still never tire of vids like this!!! It's nice to see fun flights (as compared to technical flights). I envy this mission.
Living in Plant City for 15 years and getting my Private ticket at PCM I know all that airspace like the back of my hand. Haven’t lived there for 20 years. Volunteered for Sun-N-Fun every year. Good times!
seeing someone with flight experience and being able to really appreciate this kind of flight is so refreshing. I'm so glad for you that you got to experience this. Great video Steve.
Steveo, I have watched your videos for a long time. This one really hits home. What our military does for us isn't just done half way. They do everything to perfection and strive for it. They are the true heroes of our country. And your emotions at the end speak volumes of who you are what you stand for. What an amazing experience! Great video man!
Stevo… I came back to this video of yours after I took my family to the NY Airshow over the weekend where they had the F16- Viper Demo team and ofcourse the Thunderbirds! We were blown away by attending our first air show… Anyways, long story short… These folks are truly incredible in what they do every single day for our country. Respect and Love for them as always ❤️👏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
The absolute professionality of the people just getting Steve ready is impressive as hell. Easy to put your trust in people like that. I'd still probably crap my pants when it came time to push. Oopsie, wrong push!
Awesome! Looks like you were put through the ringer! I could imagine the exhaustion you felt afterward. And just think, these guys do it everyday. They are the true Athletes! Bravo to you and The whole Thunderbird team! God Bless America!
Fantastic I’m a 60 year old caa licenced aircraft engineer . I started off in the Raf in 1981 ,the first jet I saw visiting RAF Lossiemouth was the the f-16 ,I thought man that looks so cool and futuristic like something out of Star Wars and now in the present day it still beats all the modern jets on its looks even the f35 etc . My favourite jet of all time is the f-16 😊 Regards Dave from Scotland
Steve, thank you for sharing that. I grinned from the start to the end and I probably won't stop for hours. What a great bunch of guys and gals that gave you the flight too. The flight was out of this world and so enjoyable to watch. You nailed it Steve! Thanks again and regards from Wales.
I've watched a number of military aerobatic ride-alongs with Thunderbirds and Blue Angels but this one really shows what it is all about. Good work, Steve, or as this retired Coastie would say, "Bravo Zulu".
Thrilling. Uplifting. Started to get queasy when canopy was closing. I had to avert my eyes during the spins. Wow. Thanks to all involved for making this possible. Thank you Steve for posting this wonderful video.
What an unbelievable experience!!! I am so jealous! Well deserved honor. Appreciate all you do for aviation! The Thunderbirds and the USAF are RockStars!! Thank you for sharing!
Awesome video! I was fortunate to go for an F-16 ride when I was stationed in Germany in the Air Force back in the early 90’s. The normal incentive flight was canceled due to weather and when I was rescheduled it was to go along on a regular training flight for the pilots. We were paired up with an F-4 and we flew over into France to take out a simulated SAM site. We did some fast low-level flying to evade radar as we got into France. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Thanks for bringing back some great memories!
Steven, You are amazing. After watching your videos in December 2021 I bought a Cirrus SR20 put 250 hours in 5 months got my PPL. I am working on IFR now and this Tuesday coming up I go pick up my 2020 Cirrus SR22T in Atlanta. Bro thank you for all the time and effort you put into this channel . You rock!
This was INCREDIBLE content. You’ve earned this Steveo. The effort you put into your videos allows you to do these amazing opportunities and it is well deserved. Great work 👍🏼
Was nice to see you get a little emotional at the end there Steve-o, obviously a powerful experience! THANK YOU for letting us share that with you. PS I can’t believe you pulled 9 Gs!!
I know how you felt. I flew several times in the F-16, 1991-1996 because I was the SIM scheduler, and the pilots would often take me up on incentive rides. I also had just as much fun flying the SIM because many times the pilots wouldn't show up due to scheduling conflicts so I would take their blocks and fly around the dome SIM for hours at a time. I miss those days! DCS is nice, but nothing close to the real thing or even the real SIM.
Ive seen alot of people go up with both of the flight show crews and I gotta say - you went hard af - they only do so many things based on how people are reacting - seems like they went through the whole thing for you including flying - thats how you really know you gained respect. Probably also have previous flight experience where as others dont. Maybe idk what im talking about - just seems like ive seen many flights like this and only a few people get to do all of what you did. Very jelly - great job man.
Fantastic !! Congratulations ! Thank you Steve for an amazing ride ! What an incredible experience. Watched it multiply times and it felt more thrilling every time.
Steveo you should be very proud of your accomplishments. From a small UA-cam channel to almost 500k subscribers and now the opportunity to fly with the Thunderbirds. Congratulations on your success! Cheers
That fly by and rollout brought me actual tears of laughter and joy.. holy crap. Maybe in my next life I'll be a fighter pilot. For now, I'm happy as an enroute controller. Love when fighters, tankers, and bombers fly through. Although join ups, break ups, refueling, etc., is a pain from time to time, its always a pleasure talking to those guys and gals.
I feel the same way. Wanted so badly to do this when I was younger, but my eyes decided not to play along. At the time at least you couldn't pursue this career path if you needed glasses.
Shit, I was thinking "how many hours of prebreifing?" I feel like you did a solid job of showing how many things need to be covered to keep someone on track and safe when flying in a very very high performance jet. Kudos bud, I feel like you did a better job presenting this than almost anyone else I've seen.
No chance you were actually talking during those maneuvers. I'm guessing the audio was recorded after? Amazing video. What an experience that must have been.
Agreed, but not a problem. If his narration had been going over the plane's intercom system while in flight, it would have been an unwelcome distraction in Primo's ears.
@@mountainblack you are one of those people that just thrives on ruining someone's day I'll bet. The world is dark enough without your two cents worth of tarnish.
Holy sh*t Steve! That was amazing. I was stressed watching the briefing. Can't imagine how you felt. 9+ G's wow. You did great. What an opportunity of a lifetime. Not too many civilian pilots can say they flew an F-16 let alone a Thunderbird. Great video. Thank God your cameras worked!!!!!
no barf, no snoring. OUTSTANDING STEVE0!!! They say there are two kinds of fast movers, the ones who have puked and the ones that will puke and you sir, are the exception to the rule!
Thank you No. 8, I have seen many flights like this before. It is hard to describe just how great this video really was, made me feel like I was right there with you. Thank you, for a great ride.
You’ve done something I’ve wanted to do my whole life and I no I never will but I can always have hope. You got to fly with the VERY BEST OF THE BEST not only pilots but Mechanics, Maintainers, Crew Chiefs and all the Support of the team! Thanks for sharing the whole experience with us mere peons……..I would give a kidney, a lung, a leg or an arm to go and do this!
Superb video, Steveo! Once saw the Thunderbirds on one of their rare visits to the UK and they were fabulous. Could not believe how tight their formation flying was. Thanks for putting this video out.
That was so cool to watch and I'm sure way cooler to experience. Definitely felt the emotions you were going through towards the end. Thank you for letting us experience this with you.
I worked on the first Block 1 A and B models between 1980 & 1983 in the 16th AMU @ Hill AFB. The Viper had it's teething problems but turned out to be an awesome airplane. Steve, glad you had the chance for a ride, I know it was incredible. (I was never able to get a ride because I was too tall)
Absolutely my favorite aircraft of all time, I'm a navy guy but I love that F-16. If I had to limit my bucket items down to a single one, Steve, you mailed it. My heart was racing watching your video. 👍
Steve, it means alot for you to thank us. I've been working on f16 engines (f110) for about 5 years and I've never had the opportunity to fly in a jet. But, it makes me proud that all of the USAF maintainers could make that happen for you. Congrats!
This was just TREMENDOUS!! Great job in editing, and talking us through the flight!! I liked all the preflight training. I always wondered what they tell you before these flights!! This was great!!!
Our Vets are the best! We should honor them everyday for their sacrifices they do to protect the USA. Bless our Vets! Thank you for all you do. Love you guys 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
So cool. When he pulled up into the slot, it was so smooth it almost seemed like you both were stopped in midair not moving. I love the F16, and I used to watch them all the time at Luke AFB in Litchfield AZ.❤❤❤❤❤
Sweet Ginger- Great Balls of Fire. Speaking of how to deal with an ejection situation during the training procedures sure makes things real and very serious. Thank you to all the men and women of the military and the amazing skills of the Pilots. I bet you slept like a baby that night. Great video Steveo as always safe flights and continue to have the time of your life.
I feel like being in that seat would bring tears to my eyes. Flying is so beautiful. The F16 is so beautiful. Formation flying is so beautiful. Just a perfect beautiful experience. Being from the USAF it's sad I never got to experience anything like this. I did get a fly along on a refueling tanker once lol. That was just cold for hours lol.
I nearly didn't get an Incentive ride in my 12 years in. Being in the right place at the right time played a huge role. I had to get PCS'd to Turkey and basically beg a ride with one of the Turkish test pilots. I met him at the Simulator Building that was just outside the main gate. Made friends with him and his commander. One day while I was in the simulator and they were observing new updates to the sim software, I mentioned for like the dozenth time I sure would like to take a ride in a real one while his commander was there and he was like... "sure why not? You seem to know your way around the cockpit." I had 120 hrs in the simulator by then. Next thing I know my Commander is like, "Hey, you seemed to have made an impression with the Turkish Test Squadron guys. Enjoy your ride, your going to love it!" This was back in 93-94' when we still had a remote post at Mürted Airfield. A Turkish AFB. A General Dynamics F-16 factory literally sat on the fence line of the Airfield.
What an amazing, once in a lifetime adventure! Early part of my life was spent living in Vegas where I was born. I have fond memories watching the Thunderbirds practice on my recesses. I'd love the chance to just meet the pilots and the rest of the crews and see the planes up close.
Steveo I'm so glad you were able to experience this epic once in lifetime bucket list item. I second Sky King below, that this is the best and most exciting aviation video that I have seen here on UA-cam. Everything in the video from beginning to end was well done. Your narration was superb, giving us the play by play was awesome. You got to live a dream that most dream of doing. Thanks for sharing!!!
That's called real pride, professionalism and dedication to something bigger than the individual..service to your country..shame folks these days don't get that..brilliant video
So happy for you for this opportunity! I felt like I was right there with you which is amazing to say the least!!!! Thank you for sharing your experience with us in such detail. Love your enthusiasm for aviation and overall life!
The fact you got to fly it for 12 minutes is honestly amazing, you achieved every mans dreams! Well done to you sir
Actually im a man, and my dream is to ride a electric scooter one day
@@manspeej r/woosh
@@ryandegraaf5448 just ride them bird scooters
@@ryandegraaf5448 Just grow old.
@@manspeej I wonder how many times, you've had a conversation with someone and thought they were an idiot, but the joke was on you?
It's hard to find the right words to descrbe what has to be one of the best aviation videos I've ever seen. Your videography and narration were first-rate! I had a smile on my face from start to finish. Thank you!
You are correct… great job! I remember going to air shows with my dad when I was a kids
And this video brings back allot of memories.. ready now to take my kids to the next show and maybe they will catch the fever and great memories also!!! Thanks again for making this video!
I appreciate the nice comment. This was my ending goal of filming UA-cam videos and when this flight ended it was very emotional for me. It sounds cheesy but it was something I looked forward to my entire life.
Still smiling 🙂. Shoutout from NASSAU, BAHAMAS 🇧🇸
@@steveo1kinevo I'm so happy for you to be able to achieve this goal. I echo the earlier comment that the videography done on this video was top class. I have watched every video you have produced for the past three years or so. I have enjoyed everyone of them. Thanks for your hard work in producing great videos. I love flying the TBM 930 in MS Flight Simulator. It is an awesome airplane, as is the 850 that you fly. Godspeed Steveo!!!!!!!
I think this is your finest video to date. Superb videography, superb commentary and a life enhancing experience for one of YTs finest! Good work Sir 👌🏼
I think it’s awesome the respect that the pilots hold for their ground team.
Indeed! In most cases, it is common to say that the aircraft is the crew chief's, and that the pilot just borrows it when he/she goes flying
Crew chiefs consider the pilot the integral part of the weapons platform.. without them she doesn't get to be airborne which is what she was made for..then we get to help her to go up again..a hell of a lot of work but worth it
As a USAF veteran, I am extremely proud of what our pilots go through to serve our country.
This is something that a lot of us maintainers never even get to do. As an engine troop I helped put these F16's in the air for over 10 years. I dreamed of doing this since I was a young kid. As I separated from the Air Force I realized it would now never happen. I'm jealous but happy for you. Thanks for the video. As a side note: I am currently working on my PPL. I will fly!
Slightly easier and less expensive to train in a light sport aircraft, in less hours to get a Light Sport Pilot license. Some minor limitations, but more affordable. Look into it!
Received an incentive ride in B model F16 back in the mid 1980’s when stationed at Hahn AB in Germany. Was INCREDIBLE! The negative G’s were so tough. Had pretty bad headache and broken blood vessels in my eyes for a few days after. Was so worth it. Glad you got the chance to enjoy that flight Steven.
I served 24 years Air Force. Air Police and Security Police. I retired in Lake Placid Florida, where I stayed for 25 years, then moved back to Eglin Air Force Base in NW Florida. Love the T Birds. Got to see many T Bird shows. Thanks to all of the Military Branchs, for all you do. God Bless America.
thanks for serving us I really appreciate you
That was great! I was anF-16 crew chief for almost 9 years when I was active duty and got my ride right before I separated back in 2003. Although it wasn’t with the T-Birds it was still a very memorable experience. That is one experience you will never forget! Thanks for the video and helping me revisit the memories of my ride!
Lol knowing my luck, if I ever had the privilege of receiving a ride in an F16, I would pas out and not remember a god damned thing 😆. What an amazing experience that would be! 🍻🇨🇦
Greg, I was an electrician at Kunsan, Korea. I got my ride in the summer of 83. We had to divert up to Osan so I actually ended up getting two flights. The pilot was very generous and let me fly up to Osan as well as loops and rolls. Glad you got your ride! Mine was F-16B BTW.
As a proud AF vet, I would give my left gone to take that ride, but at 81 with some health issues, not sure I could do it...well done, gentlemen! 🇺🇸
Thank you for your service, sir. If you don't mind me asking, what aircraft did you fly or operate with during your time at the Air Force?
@@aviationeli5616 I was in communications, maintained the link between the Airborne Command Post and PACAF/CINCPAC......
@@aviationeli5616 Bro this comment was from a year ago 😭😭🙏
@@Fightingthem88 I hope you're not suggesting what I think you are.😅
@@aviationeli5616 I'm suggesting bros not gonna read your comment 😭
What a phenomenal video…and I’m a U.S. Navy guy. I worked with the guys at Nellis years ago. Top notch people and they’ve always been very accommodating to us squids. I’ve got all the respect in the world for them. Nothing but professionals.
The F-16 is definitely one of the most amazing aircraft ever built.
I’m in training to be an F16 crew chief and I gotta admit I’d throw it away to get my hand on a raptor 😂
@@ziadajam5433 I'm applying for the royal air force when I'm in university and if I get accepted then ill happily drop my whole course within the blink of an eye 🤣😅
Agreed. Amazing Aircraft, being second after the French RAFALE
@@ziadajam5433 What? F16 is soon outdated
F-14 is up there tho
I believe this is my favorite aviation related video of all time. Thanks for all the commentary of what was happening during the flight. I've probably seen the Thunderbirds live ten times and they are awesome. I'm sure that's an opportunity you will never forget.
Could not agree more.
Hi Steveo, I was lucky enough to fly an RAF Hawk many years ago. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget. A real lifetime highlight.
This video was an absolute thrill and a pleasure to watch! Thanks for having me along for the ride.
ALL of these fine USAF personnel are AWESOME instructors. Clear & concise. WOW!
There's a lot of information for the flight, but they don't make it seem overwhelming at all.
I wont ever forget my flight in a F-16 when I was active duty. It wasn't with the Thunderbirds, but he was an instructor pilot. By far the coolest thing I have ever done.
how did you get that opportunity?
@@getstuk87 I was active duty air force and worked on the F-16. every so often they have a certain number of incentive flights. I was chosen to take one.
Did you get sick?
Did the same thing with the ANG about ten years ago. Full afterburner to 10,000 feet. An hour of flying and then back home. TOTALLY AWESOME.
@@mikeschaefer6025 bet that hr you went to a few states haha 😄 not to mention heights above 30k ft and break the sound barrier only in my dreams I'm an Army vet and plan on at least a private pilot license I hope !!! Quite expensive, but I can imagine how you must of felt
I was a Crew Chief on F-16's and 15's and got a ride in both. Nothing turns like an F-16. It snaps you into G's so quick. For an aviation person, the day you ride in a fighter is one of the best days of your life. I'm glad you got to experience this.
Not many know how many years this has been in the making! Congrats brother! Glad you finally got to tick this off the bucket list and make the vlog that youve been visualizing for years!
Thanks bud!
@@steveo1kinevo So gratifying to see you get this opportunity Steveo. Congratulations. A great opportunity for the Air Force as well, to reach out to your many viewers.
@@rael5469 hcoo ID. Y la
Well Done 👍 Steveo been fallowing for years ! All of your content is top notch ! Always wanted to be a pilot
@@ITSFUNZ never too late !
I know I would never have the chance experiencing something this awesome being a farmer and never having time off. I had jumped several times around the age 18-21 and I am thankful for that and now this experience. Truly amazing. Thank you.
showing the preflight steps, G tensing, and getting suited were the best part to me. So many logistics and things to learn before flying
Congratulations Steveo
You have just received something that very few people on the planet get to enjoy.
I'm really very happy for you.
When you're 80 you'll still be talking about this day.
I think I speak for every pilot, pilot-to-be and wanna-be pilot, when I say steveo, that you did this not just for yourself, but for us! Thanks to you and the USAF Thunderbirds for such an awesome, inspirational video. I couldn't stop smiling with tears of joy! Just sensational.
That was great. Thank you for taking us along. All the behind the scenes of the training post flight were absolutely incredible to see. So what's next on the bucket list? Can't imagine what could top that.
This was the top of my bucket list in life so now my new goal is to go to Space!
@@steveo1kinevo 17:18 in the video. Do the Gibbon pose where the hands come up like that when faced with low to negative G is interesting. I suspect its a reflex reaction going back to when our ancestors were climbing trees. I suspect its triggered by your backside lifting off the seat. So make sure you do your lap straps up first, and make them tight. That way you always have pressure on the seat, and you feel more secure.
Check out what a Gibbon looks like and you will see. Spectacular swingers in the trees.
@@steveo1kinevo Were you narrating the flight after or during? I don't know if you could have spoken much during takeoff with the Gs.
@@steveo1kinevo call Elon...lol
Next up is a rocket ride!
Incredible video and I have a tremendous amount of respect for all of our military aviators! You’re so lucky to have had this experience, truly amazing what these aircraft can do!
I’ve been to many airshows and the thing that surprised me most was the Doppler shift of the jets as they pass. It’s as if their sound follows behind them at some distance. They literally can fly overhead and be gone before you ever hear their sound.
Also, a friend of mine gave me an autographed Thunderbirds picture like the ones in the video. It’s something I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.
I was grinning and laughing like a little kid the whole flight. That is so AWESOME! Congrats man, what an absolutely incredible experience!
You're acting as if videos like this aren't on the platform: ua-cam.com/video/w14zGmFtHO4/v-deo.html&ab_channel=TheAfterburnPodcast some after years old and they're better than this video. This link has one from last year
I love the voice over, making it seem like you were talking us through it live with the distortion. Awesome bucket list item for so many of your viewers, myself included.
Fun Fact: I actually edited the video and then sat in the TBM and watched the video on my MacBook and recorded the narration with another camera through my headset to get the commentary to add to the video.
@@steveo1kinevo Hah! I was wondering how you've done that. Great idea, sounds great and is very immersive!
@@steveo1kinevo Yeah it was kind of obvious when you were talking during some of those G maneuvers. I would really like to hear the actual audio you recorded during that flight. Maybe a gag reel? Great video! A bucket list item for almost all of us, one very few get to tick off.
@@steveo1kinevo You're allowed to watch videos in flight?
WoW, this is by far your best video ever. I always enjoy flying with you but this was the next level. Thank you for the ride and Thank You to all those who serve !
Viper is probably the sexiest fighter jet ever made! Literally the Lamborghini of the sky that 30° lean on the seat is hella comfortable! Had the pleasure of working 16s for 2 years in Korea!
It was a cool sighting when in contact with the enemy in a pretty good gun fight.
But when they heard or got signaled about fast movers in the AO.
These pilots and their crew terrified the enemy on the field.
Thanks for the support!! Forever grateful
Thanks! That was special to me. I've been around flying all my life, and it's too late for me now to have the experience you had - but I was at HAFB for awhile, and got to fly with Army Air... but this was awesome. You deserve it Steve.
Thanks Kevin! Glad you enjoyed the video!
I’m so stoked that you got to fly with the thunderbirds! You’re such a great ambassador to general aviation and totally earned this once in a lifetime honor. Thanks for taking us along with you and allowing us to experience this bucket list item vicariously!
Steveo, let's reflect. First and foremost, the "hometown hero" moniker that was ascribed to you is an understatement. Your experiences related to aviation transitions borders. It's not simply "hometown" recognition but "global" recognition of how you enlighten viewers about aviation. Kudos and thank you.
Additionally, how many "coasties" were living vicariously through you during this flight? You were part of that elite organization. The Air Force simply allowed you, through interdepartment cooperation, to experience what they do in support of defending our borders not from the sea but from the air. As a former USCG member, you were part of that total force package. Your "ride" was well deserved. You earned it. The aviators and support team from the USAF can and should be proud of you as well. I know you were humbled; believe me, they were impressed with you as well.
Teamwork makes the dream work. Thank you for your service. After all, that GI Bill helped you to attain what you have accomplished in your aviation career. Great job.
Outstanding! This was so well done; the videography could not be better and the narration was spot on. Truly a bucket list item for a lot of us and you got to take it a step further and fly the F-16! Perfect.
What a great experience Steve I’m happy you got this chance! Thanks for taking us along on the ride!
You just keep raising the bar, Steveo.
Congratulations on flying an F16. Real happy for you and thank you for your efforts in furthering aviation through your fantastic videos.
You have no idea how many people you have inspired to embark on the journey of becoming a pilot - yours truly included!
Thanks again and wish you all the very best!
What an amazing experience with some of our country's finest! So incredibly impressive. Thanks for the ride a long Steveo!
Of all of the videos you have done and shared this one was amazing - the flight most pilots dream to do you did! The shared video of the flight got as close as we could to the sights sounds and forces you experienced. Breathtaking- thank you and god bless the Thunderbirds and all of our military present and past. Thank you all for your service.
I know this video is over one year old but it is still near the top of the list of "Best" videos that you have published! Congrats on a great job!!
Just amazing overall. The aircraft was launched in 1978 - 44 years ago. Still in service in many countries around the world today.
Can’t even imagine how awesome that would be. I would want to fly so bad. At that height I could do anything and if I screw up he would have plenty of time to save us. Super jealous.
Being 9 when Top Gun came out in ‘86 I’ve loved military aircraft. This would be one heck of an experience. Unfortunately, a car accident paralyzed me at 17 so it’s impossible for me but I’m stoked the military lets people do these kinds of things and I can, in a small way, experience it with them. 🤙🏻
I'm so sorry to hear that @RFeeOC, I love top gun too, and I hope someday you get to live your dream of flying in a jet
Bro you’re reaching, they won’t offer you a flight experience because you left a comment in a UA-cam comment section lmao
@@imcontemptwithlife4155
Lol.
There's always some hope. Look up DR.Robert Morse on UA-cam. Worth a shot
Anything is possible! Leave your comment. It's not far reaching, with God, anything is possible. God Bless your journey sir!
Congratulations Steveo! It's nice to see good things come to good guys. Thank you for supporting our military.
Great video and commentary. As an USAF F-4. pilot (retired), I still never tire of vids like this!!! It's nice to see fun flights (as compared to technical flights). I envy this mission.
Living in Plant City for 15 years and getting my Private ticket at PCM I know all that airspace like the back of my hand. Haven’t lived there for 20 years. Volunteered for Sun-N-Fun every year. Good times!
A Great Treat for A Great Pilot. Thank you Steve for taking us along. Thank ALL those who serve in our Armed Forces 🇺🇸
seeing someone with flight experience and being able to really appreciate this kind of flight is so refreshing. I'm so glad for you that you got to experience this. Great video Steve.
ua-cam.com/video/w14zGmFtHO4/v-deo.html&ab_channel=TheAfterburnPodcast
Now you saw the fun P1D had as an F16 Driver!
Thanks for the ride!
Steveo, I have watched your videos for a long time. This one really hits home. What our military does for us isn't just done half way. They do everything to perfection and strive for it. They are the true heroes of our country. And your emotions at the end speak volumes of who you are what you stand for. What an amazing experience! Great video man!
Who is flying the plane I don't get it? And how does he know so much for the first time
i like how you show us everything that happens before too
Stevo… I came back to this video of yours after I took my family to the NY Airshow over the weekend where they had the F16- Viper Demo team and ofcourse the Thunderbirds! We were blown away by attending our first air show… Anyways, long story short… These folks are truly incredible in what they do every single day for our country. Respect and Love for them as always ❤️👏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Brilliant video - what an amazing opportunity and honour!
The absolute professionality of the people just getting Steve ready is impressive as hell. Easy to put your trust in people like that. I'd still probably crap my pants when it came time to push. Oopsie, wrong push!
Awesome! Looks like you were put through the ringer! I could imagine the exhaustion you felt afterward. And just think, these guys do it everyday. They are the true Athletes! Bravo to you and The whole Thunderbird team! God Bless America!
Awesome Steve, perfect amount of preflight content and flight content. I’m definitely envious, that is a dream flight for sure.
That’s super cool! My grandad is a retired thunderbird pilot. He’s teaching me how to fly so I can solo on my 16th birthday.
Fantastic
I’m a 60 year old caa licenced aircraft engineer .
I started off in the Raf in 1981 ,the first jet I saw visiting RAF Lossiemouth was the the f-16 ,I thought man that looks so cool and futuristic like something out of Star Wars and now in the present day it still beats all the modern jets on its looks even the f35 etc .
My favourite jet of all time is the f-16 😊
Regards
Dave from Scotland
Steve, thank you for sharing that. I grinned from the start to the end and I probably won't stop for hours. What a great bunch of guys and gals that gave you the flight too. The flight was out of this world and so enjoyable to watch. You nailed it Steve! Thanks again and regards from Wales.
Absolutely the best fly along with the Thunderbirds that I’ve ever seen. Thanks to you all.
I've watched a number of military aerobatic ride-alongs with Thunderbirds and Blue Angels but this one really shows what it is all about. Good work, Steve, or as this retired Coastie would say, "Bravo Zulu".
I had the privilege of riding back seat in an F4. I was a hyd tech and this was something I never forgot
Amazing flight. 9.2 g forces it's really awesome. Congratulations to all personnel.
Thrilling. Uplifting. Started to get queasy when canopy was closing. I had to avert my eyes during the spins. Wow. Thanks to all involved for making this possible. Thank you Steve for posting this wonderful video.
Thank you for taking us along for the ride! Great job! Being part of an US Air Force family this truly warms my heart! Fly safe!
What an unbelievable experience!!! I am so jealous! Well deserved honor. Appreciate all you do for aviation! The Thunderbirds and the USAF are RockStars!! Thank you for sharing!
Awesome video! I was fortunate to go for an F-16 ride when I was stationed in Germany in the Air Force back in the early 90’s. The normal incentive flight was canceled due to weather and when I was rescheduled it was to go along on a regular training flight for the pilots. We were paired up with an F-4 and we flew over into France to take out a simulated SAM site. We did some fast low-level flying to evade radar as we got into France. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Thanks for bringing back some great memories!
Steven,
You are amazing. After watching your videos in December 2021 I bought a Cirrus SR20 put 250 hours in 5 months got my PPL. I am working on IFR now and this Tuesday coming up I go pick up my 2020 Cirrus SR22T in Atlanta. Bro thank you for all the time and effort you put into this channel . You rock!
This was INCREDIBLE content. You’ve earned this Steveo. The effort you put into your videos allows you to do these amazing opportunities and it is well deserved. Great work 👍🏼
Was nice to see you get a little emotional at the end there Steve-o, obviously a powerful experience! THANK YOU for letting us share that with you. PS I can’t believe you pulled 9 Gs!!
Way to go steveo1kinevo. As a 22 year Air Force vet, I salute you! (You're one of us now.)
I know how you felt. I flew several times in the F-16, 1991-1996 because I was the SIM scheduler, and the pilots would often take me up on incentive rides. I also had just as much fun flying the SIM because many times the pilots wouldn't show up due to scheduling conflicts so I would take their blocks and fly around the dome SIM for hours at a time. I miss those days! DCS is nice, but nothing close to the real thing or even the real SIM.
Go play falcon bms. Aside from the graphics it's more realistic then dcs.
Ive seen alot of people go up with both of the flight show crews and I gotta say - you went hard af - they only do so many things based on how people are reacting - seems like they went through the whole thing for you including flying - thats how you really know you gained respect. Probably also have previous flight experience where as others dont.
Maybe idk what im talking about - just seems like ive seen many flights like this and only a few people get to do all of what you did.
Very jelly - great job man.
Fantastic !! Congratulations ! Thank you Steve for an amazing ride ! What an incredible experience. Watched it multiply times and it felt more thrilling every time.
Steveo you should be very proud of your accomplishments. From a small UA-cam channel to almost 500k subscribers and now the opportunity to fly with the Thunderbirds. Congratulations on your success! Cheers
Goosebumps the whole time!! 🔥🔥✈️ amazing day to remember forever! Great job on your video as always! The best! You and P1K captured everything 🤩
That fly by and rollout brought me actual tears of laughter and joy.. holy crap. Maybe in my next life I'll be a fighter pilot. For now, I'm happy as an enroute controller. Love when fighters, tankers, and bombers fly through. Although join ups, break ups, refueling, etc., is a pain from time to time, its always a pleasure talking to those guys and gals.
I feel the same way. Wanted so badly to do this when I was younger, but my eyes decided not to play along. At the time at least you couldn't pursue this career path if you needed glasses.
Shit, I was thinking "how many hours of prebreifing?" I feel like you did a solid job of showing how many things need to be covered to keep someone on track and safe when flying in a very very high performance jet. Kudos bud, I feel like you did a better job presenting this than almost anyone else I've seen.
No chance you were actually talking during those maneuvers. I'm guessing the audio was recorded after? Amazing video. What an experience that must have been.
Yea - a little sneaky to throw the radio effect on the voiceover.
Agreed, but not a problem. If his narration had been going over the plane's intercom system while in flight, it would have been an unwelcome distraction in Primo's ears.
@@xheralt no doubt
@@mountainblack you are one of those people that just thrives on ruining someone's day I'll bet. The world is dark enough without your two cents worth of tarnish.
Lol he was worried about how he sounded.. that’s the best part of these vids is the stress on normal people
Steve, what an incredible experience and I’m so happy for you as it’s truly deserved!
Holy sh*t Steve! That was amazing. I was stressed watching the briefing. Can't imagine how you felt. 9+ G's wow. You did great. What an opportunity of a lifetime. Not too many civilian pilots can say they flew an F-16 let alone a Thunderbird. Great video. Thank God your cameras worked!!!!!
no barf, no snoring. OUTSTANDING STEVE0!!! They say there are two kinds of fast movers, the ones who have puked and the ones that will puke and you sir, are the exception to the rule!
Thank you No. 8, I have seen many flights like this before. It is hard to describe just how great this video really was, made me feel like I was right there with you. Thank you, for a great ride.
You’ve done something I’ve wanted to do my whole life and I no I never will but I can always have hope. You got to fly with the VERY BEST OF THE BEST not only pilots but Mechanics, Maintainers, Crew Chiefs and all the Support of the team! Thanks for sharing the whole experience with us mere peons……..I would give a kidney, a lung, a leg or an arm to go and do this!
Superb video, Steveo!
Once saw the Thunderbirds on one of their rare visits to the UK and they were fabulous. Could not believe how tight their formation flying was.
Thanks for putting this video out.
The training at SAFB is impressive. I've lived here since 2004 and the amounts of pilots they turn out is incredible.
That was so cool to watch and I'm sure way cooler to experience. Definitely felt the emotions you were going through towards the end. Thank you for letting us experience this with you.
I worked on the first Block 1 A and B models between 1980 & 1983 in the 16th AMU @ Hill AFB. The Viper had it's teething problems but turned out to be an awesome airplane. Steve, glad you had the chance for a ride, I know it was incredible. (I was never able to get a ride because I was too tall)
Absolutely my favorite aircraft of all time, I'm a navy guy but I love that F-16. If I had to limit my bucket items down to a single one, Steve, you mailed it. My heart was racing watching your video. 👍
Steve, it means alot for you to thank us. I've been working on f16 engines (f110) for about 5 years and I've never had the opportunity to fly in a jet. But, it makes me proud that all of the USAF maintainers could make that happen for you. Congrats!
Thanks for your service to our country!
This was just TREMENDOUS!! Great job in editing, and talking us through the flight!! I liked all the preflight training. I always wondered what they tell you before these flights!! This was great!!!
Our Vets are the best! We should honor them everyday for their sacrifices they do to protect the USA. Bless our Vets! Thank you for all you do. Love you guys 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
So cool. When he pulled up into the slot, it was so smooth it almost seemed like you both were stopped in midair not moving. I love the F16, and I used to watch them all the time at Luke AFB in Litchfield AZ.❤❤❤❤❤
Sweet Ginger- Great Balls of Fire. Speaking of how to deal with an ejection situation during the training procedures sure makes things real and very serious. Thank you to all the men and women of the military and the amazing skills of the Pilots. I bet you slept like a baby that night. Great video Steveo as always safe flights and continue to have the time of your life.
I feel like being in that seat would bring tears to my eyes. Flying is so beautiful. The F16 is so beautiful. Formation flying is so beautiful. Just a perfect beautiful experience. Being from the USAF it's sad I never got to experience anything like this. I did get a fly along on a refueling tanker once lol. That was just cold for hours lol.
I nearly didn't get an Incentive ride in my 12 years in. Being in the right place at the right time played a huge role. I had to get PCS'd to Turkey and basically beg a ride with one of the Turkish test pilots. I met him at the Simulator Building that was just outside the main gate. Made friends with him and his commander. One day while I was in the simulator and they were observing new updates to the sim software, I mentioned for like the dozenth time I sure would like to take a ride in a real one while his commander was there and he was like... "sure why not? You seem to know your way around the cockpit." I had 120 hrs in the simulator by then. Next thing I know my Commander is like, "Hey, you seemed to have made an impression with the Turkish Test Squadron guys. Enjoy your ride, your going to love it!" This was back in 93-94' when we still had a remote post at Mürted Airfield. A Turkish AFB. A General Dynamics F-16 factory literally sat on the fence line of the Airfield.
@@SternLX I was stationed in turkey in 2010-2012. That's where I took my refueling incentive flight.
Simply spectacular Steveo, congratulations on experiencing the ultimate in aviation. Thanks for sharing!
Well, that's going to be hard to top!!! What an incredible experience!! Thanks for taking us along for the ride, and God Bless America!
What an amazing, once in a lifetime adventure!
Early part of my life was spent living in Vegas where I was born. I have fond memories watching the Thunderbirds practice on my recesses. I'd love the chance to just meet the pilots and the rest of the crews and see the planes up close.
Steveo I'm so glad you were able to experience this epic once in lifetime bucket list item. I second Sky King below, that this is the best and most exciting aviation video that I have seen here on UA-cam. Everything in the video from beginning to end was well done. Your narration was superb, giving us the play by play was awesome. You got to live a dream that most dream of doing. Thanks for sharing!!!
Thanks to USAF, and all those who made this possible.
I can't even imagine the exhilaration of that day! Congrats Steveo for getting to experience what I have dreamed to do!
That's called real pride, professionalism and dedication to something bigger than the individual..service to your country..shame folks these days don't get that..brilliant video
So happy for you for this opportunity! I felt like I was right there with you which is amazing to say the least!!!! Thank you for sharing your experience with us in such detail. Love your enthusiasm for aviation and overall life!