This A/C was the first to have more thrust than it weighed. It was able to accellerate when climbing straight up. When the aircraft would reach its rotation speed on take off the pilot was able to raise the nose to verticle and climb while accellerating. No other A/C was able to do this until the F-22 arrived in the inventory. To an aviator this fete is very impressive. Taint cheap, but still a thrill. I was able to go verticle one time but my A/S fell off quickly as the A/C started at mach 1 and wound up in a tail slide. Rolling at mach 1 is something that gets your attention as it occurs at about twice per second. Not as thrilling as the Eagle but a blast and a half to a student pilot on his first solo in the T-38! Most flying after that was mundane. My biggest thrill in the C-141A was eating a freshly prepared beef tips and noodles dinner while cruising the North Pacific Track at FL 350. Took a nap when I was done eating. Flying does have its ups and downs but it is still the most fun I've ever had with my clothes on!

When I arrived at Kadena AB in 1980, the fighter wing had just transitioned from F-4 Phantoms to the F-15 Eagle. There were a few speciality F-4s around, but the show was the Eagles. It was fun to watch the flight testing when a F-15 had clear skies above the airfield. Since I've been chasing air shows over the last few years, the one aircraft I've missed is the F-15. I have static shots, but nothing in the air. Untill a few days ago during the Reno Races. One of the differences between the east coast - to include mid west - and the west coast shows that I've been to is the west coast show aircrart seem to have more unique color schemes.
These aircraft are out of Oregon, the 173rd Fighter Wing. They only flew on Friday, but that was enough fo me. I now have Eagle in the air shots. Love the paint.
KMPankopf!
Two F-15s in the Blue Sky


F-15 Painted Low Level


F-15 Low Level


For more Reno Air Race Photos: Reno Air Race '23 Album