I’ve listened to many military aviation related interviews and podcasts over the years and 10 Percent True is without a doubt my favorite one. Steve does an incredible job as host asking questions, delving into all the right ‘rabbit warrens’, and his guests are always brilliant!
When Jose mentions that hair-raising AMRAAM launch at 800 kts, I was his back-seater that day. Also graduated in the same TPS class as a Flight Test Engineer.
Pat! We sure missed you at the Vark/Heath reunion in the UK last summer. Really, a fun time. Rusty O'Brien is talking about doing it again in 2025. You should make it a point to come.
1:30:25 If you think 👽, then you’ll know where he’s talking about. And yes, some of it has been declassified. AF and Navy pilots both participated. Very neat stuff they got to do.
Another cracking interview - kudos and thanks to both of you gents. Jim @FoursInHot, I laughed out loud at my desk as you described your polygraph test, haha. (And for disclosure, I did 'forget' to turn in my flight suits, g-suit and helmet when I separated at Eglin in July '86. Took them with me when I moved back to the UK that month and now have them with me here in Spain. Not quite office supplies but I just couldn't let them go.)
Jim @FoursInHot, your story of nearly flying into the water when mixing it with the Belgian F-16s reminded me of my last Air Force boss, who flew into the ground over the range during Red Flag (he got jumped by an aggressor and was looking over his shoulder while he was at 3 degrees nose down). He woke up in hospital with a broken back, having managed to eject just as his aircraft impacted. I've thought about that many times since hearing his story... how it only takes a fraction of a second.
Funny what we reflect upon as we get older. I remember that moment very clearly. I tried to shake it off and down-play the whole experience during the debrief, but it was a big deal to me. It's the biggest escape of my career.
Sorry about the mush that came out of my mouth. If I said "England," I meant "Eglin." In the late 80s and early 90s, England AFB was next to Alexandria, LA and was an operational A-10 base. Eglin AFB was on the panhandle of Florida and home to the Air Armament Center and the 33rd FW (F-15Cs). I wanted to go to Eglin.
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I’ve listened to many military aviation related interviews and podcasts over the years and 10 Percent True is without a doubt my favorite one. Steve does an incredible job as host asking questions, delving into all the right ‘rabbit warrens’, and his guests are always brilliant!
When Jose mentions that hair-raising AMRAAM launch at 800 kts, I was his back-seater that day. Also graduated in the same TPS class as a Flight Test Engineer.
For the record... John Hardeman came to Eglin with me from my TPS class. How could I have forgotten the Hard Man?
Loved this episode too, Jim. You tell a great story, with such passion. All that's missing is an appropriate beverage for each of us! 😉 🍻
Wish he would have pinned this comment.
So much fun listening to Jose recall days past. Always a wonderful story teller!
Pat! We sure missed you at the Vark/Heath reunion in the UK last summer. Really, a fun time. Rusty O'Brien is talking about doing it again in 2025. You should make it a point to come.
That's a great pic of the 494TFS at Zaragoza (one of few live ammo ranges). Probably the most widely circulated F111F photos.
Where do you come up with these guys? Very interesting and enjoyable.
Equally as good as the 1st part. Jose is a fascinating guy. Looking forward to part 3
1:30:25 If you think 👽, then you’ll know where he’s talking about. And yes, some of it has been declassified. AF and Navy pilots both participated. Very neat stuff they got to do.
Another cracking interview - kudos and thanks to both of you gents. Jim @FoursInHot, I laughed out loud at my desk as you described your polygraph test, haha. (And for disclosure, I did 'forget' to turn in my flight suits, g-suit and helmet when I separated at Eglin in July '86. Took them with me when I moved back to the UK that month and now have them with me here in Spain. Not quite office supplies but I just couldn't let them go.)
Thanks. I wasn't kidding about the poly. Worse than the centrifuge.
Jim @FoursInHot, your story of nearly flying into the water when mixing it with the Belgian F-16s reminded me of my last Air Force boss, who flew into the ground over the range during Red Flag (he got jumped by an aggressor and was looking over his shoulder while he was at 3 degrees nose down). He woke up in hospital with a broken back, having managed to eject just as his aircraft impacted. I've thought about that many times since hearing his story... how it only takes a fraction of a second.
Funny what we reflect upon as we get older. I remember that moment very clearly. I tried to shake it off and down-play the whole experience during the debrief, but it was a big deal to me. It's the biggest escape of my career.
I love listening to these interviews!!!
Very much looking forward to part 3 😀
Amazing stories non stop, looking forward for part 3 thank you all
Fantastic interview gents. Loved it👍
Awesome as usual! Brilliant listening! 👌
What a great interview,really looking forward to part three,cheers
"Boots" was another infamous WSO who flew with the 494th on THAT day...
Boots was hilarious! Always a fun guy in the flight planning room.
I found the very, very interesting! Food for my brain.😊
Fascinating content, thanks
Congrats on digging up Jose! He could organise a good party! I wonder who will be next?
Have we shared the same air somewhere?
another great show, Steve.
I have that same dream about wires when flying! I wonder if it is common? I also have combat experience….
I have the exact same dream.. It's the only one that happens again and again
As a former F111F WSO (1990 -1992), I can tell you about 1,000 ft high towers in western UK to watch out for.
Great interview
Hat's off!
Two questions:
1) What was that base he really wanted to go to?
2) Did he ever get sent to England AFB?
Sorry about the mush that came out of my mouth. If I said "England," I meant "Eglin." In the late 80s and early 90s, England AFB was next to Alexandria, LA and was an operational A-10 base. Eglin AFB was on the panhandle of Florida and home to the Air Armament Center and the 33rd FW (F-15Cs). I wanted to go to Eglin.
I wonder if that drunk pilot who fell out of the pickup MiGht Su Jim for something in the area of $51,000. 😉
How does it feel to have destroyed a country that had nothing whatsoever to do with you directly?
Do what?
Which one are you referring to? I think there have been many through history.
Cry more, cream puff.