Flying the F-16 Fighter Jet: A Heart-Pounding Experience

⚡️Fatigue sets in immediately during dogfighting and BFMs, with defensive fighting being more physically demanding

✈️Manual flying requires continuous focus and maximum physical exertion, with no room for relaxation

👨‍✈️Becoming a fourship flight lead is an important milestone, bringing increased responsibility and trust

👥Defensive BFM is a high-stakes battle for survival, relying on controlled contortions and visual awareness

🌍Flying a fighter jet is a highly demanding job, requiring extensive mission planning and debriefing

What is the most dangerous situation you've been in?

—I experienced a critical fuel leak over the Pacific Ocean, but safely diverted and refueled mid-flight

When does fatigue set in during dogfighting or BFM?

—Fatigue starts immediately, especially during close-quarters knife fighting, where physical exertion is higher

Top Gun or Iron Eagle?

—I haven't seen either movie, much to the disappointment of the aviation community

What is the most meaningful sortie you've been on?

—My most meaningful sortie was my first flight as a fourship flight lead, having gained the trust to lead other F-16 aircraft into combat

What is the experience like flying in a fighter jet?

—Flying a fighter jet is an intense and demanding experience, with a high level of responsibility and constant focus on survival

00:00Introduction to flying the F-16 fighter jet and its intense and thrilling nature

02:00Fatigue sets in immediately during dogfighting and BFM, with defensive fighting being more physically demanding

07:00Becoming a fourship flight lead is an important milestone, bringing increased responsibility and trust

11:30Defensive BFM is a high-stakes battle for survival, relying on controlled contortions and visual awareness

14:30Flying a fighter jet requires extensive mission planning and debriefing, with hours of preparation for each flight