Billy is such an inspiration. His philosophy of eating right and exercising applies to all walks of life. Billy looks great for his age and that he is still capable of being a test pilot is just amazing.Great vid Hasard. Thank you.
When guys like this talk in general about the capabilities of the F35 it really cements my support of the program and lays waste to those who only seem to care about turn radius at ground level with guns. Vietnam and the F4 was likely a half century too early for the ideal of the end of the dogfight, but I do acknowledge that that time might just be upon us now, without access to any of the classified fun info.
Pre-ordered book, can't wait! I think I filled out the form correctly for the signed plate... Thank you so much, Hasard, for your service and incredible content for the community!
I appreciate the comments regarding the F16. I am not a pilot but I live very near Holloman AFB in Alamogordo, NM. I see & hear the F16's doing their training sorties daily. I always stop to watch them when they are out & about, frequently flying directly over my home next to the Mountains. Always very cool to see. Americana.
Be glad. I live in Germany (land of the ever anxious) and in former days during the eighties we had a lot days in my home town with 10 or more fighter jets passing by. In the low level areas it could be 100 and more in former days. Nowadays I had years without a single fly by. This year I heard (only heard!) a few days ago two jets flying at high altitude to the "Grafenwöhr area". And that's it for 2023 so far... Miss the old days. ☹️
I have always wanted to be a fighter pilot. This video is very inspirational! I have already flown a Cessna 172 at the age of 14, with an instructor, and not takeoffs or landings. I hope you have an amazing day!
That is fantastic. Keep up the good work. There will be a place for you in professional aviation as a pilot for a very long time. Just stay out of trouble. Best of luck.
I recently got to take a tour of some of the test pilot facilities at Edwards AFB. Definitely one of the coolest experiences of my life, can’t wait to join the Air Force
I can't imagine your frustration when you realized that auto-focus was on. Can't do the whole take again, maybe you found much later. Great interview, thank you so much !!
I never get tired of hearing consummate professionals telling real life stories of their milliseconds encounters with death and how they survived their brushes with that. There are lessons that everyone can learn from just keeping your attention strong and having your hands ready and, in the right place, when those occurrences come out of nowhere that everyone should put in their brainsack. Bravo American airmen and women. and thank you for protecting America.
Hasard… I always enjoy your RU-vid channel. Billy has an exceptional story to share in this video. Thank you both for your past and continued service to the nation. I just pre-ordered five copies of your new book. I plan on keeping one copy and sharing the additional copies with family members. I am looking forward to receiving it soon and reading it. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for sharing these stories. Grew up with a "Super Chief Dad" (VF202/Crusaders) and an Uncle that was test pilot/CTP on the Cobra over in Hurst ... me, I went another way ... 4 decades with GDFW/LM Aero starting with the F-111/FSD Block Zero F-16's ... in 38 Countries around the World. And whilst I've contributed to ALL our platforms, the Viper remains my "first love". And know this, also did a stint in England at "Martin-Baker" on the JSF's Egress System (had the Elbit Helmets at the same time ... interdependent as you know). I know the MB ejection system is 400% more cost than ACES II ... but IMHO, worth every penny to give a "Zero-Zero" egress ... regardless of "Body Mass". It truly is that good !!! Bon chance on the book sales Hazard ... no more "APO" as in the Riviera ... but if you're ever in the area, do look me up and I'll give you a personal tour. Check 6
I still remember thinking the YF-16 just looked really weird at the time with the blended leading edge root extensions and the underslung intake. Took a while to grow on me. We left Edwards in 1980 to go work with the West Germans on ECA 1980-1982, then came right back to ED on F-16 CTF, then went to B-1B CTF, UTTR work out of Hill AFB 1985-1987, came back to F-16 in 1987 on Block 30G doing AIFF. The Viper changed so much in those 10 years. AIFF was supposed to be on late Block 30, but didn't become a production install until Block 50 much later.
@@LRRPFco52 Yep on the first YF-16 design ... High School friend that was a Grand Daughter of Mr. Hilacker and still has the paper napkin from the Old South Pancake House on University Drive on which he first drew a plan view rendering of the F-16 ... wild path and many blocks later, we're now at Block 70 and just doesn't seem like it'll ever end !
Agreed, the F-16 is the equivalent to a Ducati Superleggera V4 motorcycle. If you have never stood next to a single seat F-16 you will be amazed at just how small this fighter is when you do.
"If something goes really wrong, you better wind your watch." I still think of this every time I'm driving. My instructor was a pilot and he said he didn't know where he heard it but he always remembered it. When you lose a tire, when your windshield gets completely shattered, when you need to control a broken machine you take a second and think critically about the actions you can take, should take, and will take.
_"you take a second"_ And this second will definitely kill you! I have two personal collision avoidance dash cam videos and if I "think" for a second, I wouldn't have avoided these collisions! One second in a car is a lot even at a speed of 40 km/h.
I spent 8 years at NATC Pax River. Absolutely amazing place and the things that go on there are beyond normal aviation. Thanks to all now serving, those who have, and those who will in the future. FLY NAVY!!!
I got a lot out of this, thank you for your part in developing ACAT. My brother in law Stephen Taylor of the Vermont ANG lost his life in a F-16 crash near Tuleleke CA 11/29/93. The report stated it was due due to a situational awareness incident on a low level run through a canyon during a snowstorm. He had a 300’ ceiling flying in excess of 500 knots. ACAT may of helped him to still be with us. Our thoughts we’re always why was this exercise even happening?
07:21 When I remember right was a lot accident of our german F-104's caused by controlled flight into terrain during low level missions because the pilots didn't noticed the little hill before the higher hills behind it. So yeah, I guess that system is a live saver!
Pretty awesome vid. As a former Viper Driver, I have to agree on the F-16! But then again, I have never flown an F-22 (but have seen it at airshows) and I'd be curious to compare.
I've admired the F16 since I first got a model back in the late 70's in my youth. I've always thought the Viper was/ is the most impressive looking and performing jet fighter since the F86. And before that the P51. Many people will have broken hearts when the USAF retires the last Viper. Such a legendary aircraft..Long live the F16 Viper!!
Mr Lee, Sir, You know there were pilots before Chuck Yeager to break the sound barrier but didn't live to tell about it. There are stories from WW2 of pilots dive bombing and breaking the sound barrier but it often meant that the aircraft broke apart or couldn't pull up in time. The problem was that the shock wave and wake turbulence stopped airflow over the horizontal stabilizer rendering it useless....there are some very interesting stories out there.
My favorite plane I would say would be the F22… it takes a lot of heroism I would say to do with these guys do. But I’m happy he is an example of a person that loved what he did, and may still even continue to do. It seems as a US fighter pilot. Man, it makes me a little jealous actually hearing him say how much he loved it. Ha ha. I think it would be an amazing experience!
“I walked away and he didn’t” damn… one reason I don’t like flying shit can always happen and the people working now days probably on their phone and wouldn’t grab the stick
2:26 That is either Westover ARB or Westfield/Barnes ANG he's talking about (I'm quite certain) (near Springfield not in). My father used to fly me up to Barnes for breakfast ( and all over the North East) in his PA 24 (six seat with custom tips). It's where the A10s are based. We live in the flight paths of the sorties that originate from both bases. The C-6 galaxies are amazing to watch come in and out. You can't miss the telltale whines of the engines. Even at my age now I still run out to see them and think of my father! Powerful memories.
At one time people thought if you went faster than 100mph, your skin would be torn off. Then the sound barrier was the next, they said we will never be able to break. I remember Chuck Yeager saying how violate the plane was until he got through the sound barrier and everything smoothed out. Everyone on the ground heard the boom and thought the plane blew up. Was the first time anyone heard it.
No, was not the first time anyone heard it. Artillery shells and rifle bullets were known to get supersonic and the people witnessed the sonic boom of them. But they thought that it was unable for planes to reach that speed without break up... And Yeager proofed them wrong. (with a few broken ribs! I was for weeks unable to get into a glider after I had three ribs broken... 😱)
@@MisterIvyMike You are correct, but what you are talking about is like a gun shot. They already knew about weapons making that sound, but this was louder than anything else they heard. That is why the people watching and waiting was so surprised and thought he blew up. I forgot about him breaking his ribs, lol.
in 2003, I had my first and but also my last incentive flight in an F-16 while TDY to Nellis AFB, NV. I worked on the F-16 as a Weapons Loader/Armament Systems Technician aka 2W1/462 Load Toad. So, I have to agree the F-16 is a sexy and best fighter jet every built.
Wow. Thank you Sir for what you have did for this country in your Outstanding Military Career. Thank you for sharing this Hasard on social Media and hopefully a few young gals or guys will see this and take a path in our Military flying jets .
I pre-ordered the book as well. Was a bit dismayed when I got kicked to Amazon for purchase as I will likely miss out on the advertised freebies. No matter, it’s for my nephew that just got his card punched for af flight training school. Somewhere in the us.😉 I’m sure your insight will be INVALUABLE to him sir! Thank you for your service!
I have to add all the commercial flight test pilots for aircraft manufacturers. For military aircraft, they are the first ones to push the aircraft to its limits. In the case of commercial aircraft, they are the ones who take them through to FAA certification. These pilots are made up of all kinds of personalities and one common characteristic - they are all professionals.
The Germans at the end of WWII actually had data showing the me-262 going supersonic because it did have the flying tail but all the records were lost after the war I wonder why I was a air Force fighter pilot for 12 years 🤠😮
Sat for two pilot boards in the 90ies, didn't get selected (ANG) this was during the 93 defense cutbacks to getting a slot was like winning the lottery. Flying a fighter was all I wanted to do, life didn't take me that direction. Still enjoy flying in VR on DCS. Perhaps one day I'll get a chance to fly in a 16, who knows... Appreciate the video!
This guy (BILLY) has a HUGE record, probably inthe same flight school as Chris Hatfield . probably flew the Tutor, Voodoo, F5 and original CF 18 pilot and many many many more so impressed
I was talking to myself yesterday about how and why I can be a test pilot, but my nationality is Moroccan I don’t think that I’m qualified to be test pilot of the F-35
Wonderful. Interesting about f35 power. At any fuel load above 3,500 lbs the f35 has a better (higher) thrust to weight. And yes, the Pairis f35 flight was a real eye opener for the f35 - we learned that the f35 was a highly maneuverable fighter - something everyone quite much had incorrect. I wonder, what is typical fuel loads in f16 during training and flights? As noted above 3,500 lbs fuel the thrust to weight favors the f35 - something most are surprised to hear. In other words the F35 has a higher and better thrust to weight than a f16.
Great interview Hasard! Do you know of a place where a civilian can try a centrifuge to see how many g’s I can handle? That’s one of the things on my bucket list.
interesting vid. I believe "computer glitch" minimizes what's happening, which is really over-dependence on automation. As he said, he had one hand on the side stick. great save. I am not convinced that the drive to more automation improves the combat effectiveness of modern fighter aircraft. One stray bullet and the thing will be unflyable. Yes, I know, dynamic instability, full authority DFCS, sure. But it does not degrade gracefully in an adverse environment.
If the flight control terrain following software had a glitch that caused that push over the system wide integrity mgmt function should have kicked in to override that so it seems multiple things had to go wrong there.
If only I had access to the right education and provided with the proper upbringing to become a fighter pilot. It was always a dream but I never had the tools.
03:35 you fail the test pilot concentration awareness and recall test (I made that up)! 01:42 he tells you he was flying a Block 60 when he almost died.
Just so awesome, could have been done without the blasphemy, but morals aside my respect for these most badass of the badass who fly by instinct can not be overstated.
Hey, i dont know how many people will see this but i just want a second input. In the future i want nothing more than to be a fast jet pilot in the RAAF but i am having so much trouble deciding on the fa18f super hornet and f35a lightning. I prefer more air to air combat than air to ground so i think that is causing me to sway more to the hornet but im not sure. I know i have lots of time to decide but i just love them both so much and i dont know which one i prefer
I just ordered your book from Amazon, it didn't ask put that code anywhere, i would like that plate. Thank you for your service to USAF. Maybe you are in the next TopGun movie. Cheers
Hasard - what's your thoughts on AI, does it worry you that 1. careers are going to be lost and 2. computers are not infallible as per Billy's F-16 story?
