Post 401

Waiting for engine start

Ok, so the title of this blog entry really has nothing to do with its content, but since I now have over 400 posts on Bent Ear, I thought it was noteworth, if even in passing.

Many of you know I am in the USAF Reserves. I am a crewchief on the F-16's and serve as an all-around grease monkey (aka: jack of all trades, master of none) on the aircraft. My job is to make sure that all of the daily inspections are completed and documented in the aircraft forms, that all of the necessary hydraulic and nitrogen servicing is accomplished, and assisting the pilot in the launch and recovery of the aircraft.

By the end of next April, I will have hit my 8 year mark in the Air Force. During our trip down to Tyndall AFB in Florida, I was able to get a camera pass and take pictures out on the flight line. One of my buddies was willing to shoot a few pictures while I was launching out the jet, so I thought I'd post them so you all know what I do.

The pilot prepares to start the engine

Beginning my checks

The pilot throttles up the engine

Pulling the landing gear pins