I’m so glad that the internet lets the Afterburner Club bring in excited fighter-pilots-to-be from around the country. But if you need the motivation that actually seeing these awesome jets in person can provide, I’ve seen a couple ways to get up close and personal with the planes you can fly in just a few short years.
You may have already missed out on the F-22 Raptor that touched down in Walton County, Florida to celebrate the opening of the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, but you can always check your local newspapers for events like that.
I saw that Little Rock is promoting Navy Week until May 30, and that could be a big hit for the folks here who plan on serving our country in either the Navy or the Marine Corps. They don’t have the F-35 on display yet, but they do have one jet that is near and dear to my heart.
The F/A-18 is versatile and has been since the Navy and Marines got their hand on it. If you live anywhere near Arkansas, or at least near Little Rock, I recommend the multi-person simulator that they’ll have running at Grider Field in Pine Bluff.
Sometimes what you need is a chance to see the controls, the leading edges and all the little nuts and bolts. I know that training can sometimes seem tough, but when you see a Hornet or Super Hornet it makes it worth it.
You can also meet my fellow brothers in arms on Friday around 5 p.m. at the field and all day on Saturday. You might already have plans, but if you’re looking for excitement this Memorial Day Weekend and a chance to honor the ranks you will soon join, this is it.
T. Boss says
I live near Point Mugu Naval Air Station/Naval Base Ventura County in
southern California. They have an air show coming up featuring the Air
Force Thunderbirds on August 7-8.
T. Boss
P.S. My Application for Commission in the US Navy was completed on Monday this week and should be going to the selection board in mid June. Thanks for all your support and encouragement. I’m praying I can be another one of the success stories on your website, more importantly that I will be an officer in the US Navy!
Christopher says
Congrats T. Boss. I am going to join the Navy on my seventeenth birthday, can not wait for those few months to expire. 🙂
Anonymous says
congrats ed rush for really helping flying enthusiasts to reach their dreams. i live in Kenya in Africa PRESIDENT OBama’s dad homecountry. I still wonder can akenyan work for the USAF ARMY OR NARVY
Rosky says
I can already see me sitting in the cockpit of a F/A-18 and waiting to salute and cat shot of a carrier an fly off into the blue to complete my mission, im 17 turning 18 and im going to college soon and im planing on going into NROTC i cant sleep some nights for the past few montjs i’ve been thinking about my future and what always hit is that Fighter Pilot this is the only job i want, i dont want to be a doctor or a lawyer i want to be a Fighter Pilot! But the question i always ask my self can I?