Flightline at Tyndall Air Force Base

I love aircraft of all types. From radio controlled models to the largest monster planes flying around the world. Anytime I have the opportunity to get up close to an airplane or helicopter I go for it. Such was the case when my buddy Gabe asked if I'd like a tour of the flightline at Tyndall Air force Base. Gabe is in the USAF and maintains the F-15s. Of course I said "Heck yeah!" I did not take these photos. They were taken for me by an Air Force member with a photo pass. This means he had permission to take photos and knew what he could and what he had better not take photos of.

 Gabe and me standing next to an F-15 on the flightline.

 Yep, that's me sitting in the F-15. This is not a display model in a museum somewhere. This is an active, fire it up and fly it off to battle USAF F-15! I found it very interesting that the cockpit of these jets are rather small. I'm not a big guy - five foot six and well, never mind. You get the idea. I was fairly comfortable sitting there for a minute or two. But, fighter pilots work in that space for hours at a time. My hat's off to them.

Thanks to Gabe for the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of the flightline. I learned a lot that day and had a great time. Did I mention I sat in the cockpit of an F-15?