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F-106 Night Intercept
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PapaJoe



Joined: 09 Nov 2020
Posts: 73
Location: Massachusetts USA

PostPosted: Sat Jan 02, 2021 1:36 am    Post subject: F-106 Night Intercept Reply with quote

There's a running joke among Fighter Pilots that we'd like to take our annual hearing test while flying at night over the ocean.

Years ago, my wingman and I were scrambled off the eastern US coast to identify an unknown aircraft that had penetrated and was paralleling US airspace. We were flying single-engine, single-seat F-106 interceptors.

We blasted off, flew straight east, and ID'ed a Soviet bomber on his way home. After exchanging pleasantries, we turned around for the long ride back to base.

It was during this phase of the mission I felt a mild vibration in the rudder pedals and heard a slight buzzing sound coming from the airframe. I don't remember what time of year it was, but I remember thinking it would be a long cold night floating in the survival raft if I had to eject over the water.

After landing, I wrote up the vibration for the maintenance team to troubleshoot and went to bed. The next morning, the crew chief told me I had felt the vibration of two slightly loose bolts that held the generator to the accessory case. The remaining bolts were still tight. He was surprised I even noticed it. On a daytime mission over terrain, I probably wouldn't have.

Regards,
Joe
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Rick
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Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 22423
Location: UK

PostPosted: Sat Jan 02, 2021 10:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

So flying over the sea was a lot smoother experience, that makes sense, which other aircraft did you fly?

RJ
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PapaJoe



Joined: 09 Nov 2020
Posts: 73
Location: Massachusetts USA

PostPosted: Sat Jan 02, 2021 12:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Flying at night over the Atlantic in a single-engine fighter heightened the senses somewhat.

I've flown over thirty different types of airplanes including military, airline and civilian aircraft. The oldest military jet was the T-33. I also flew the F-15 Eagle for about half my career.

Joe
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Peter_L



Joined: 10 Apr 2008
Posts: 2680
Location: New Brunswick. Canada.

PostPosted: Sat Jan 02, 2021 3:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi Joe.. Interesting posts, can OCC now boast of having its own "Top Gun" member ? I have a thin family connection to your country's late and famed author.
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PapaJoe



Joined: 09 Nov 2020
Posts: 73
Location: Massachusetts USA

PostPosted: Sat Jan 02, 2021 4:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Peter, I'm glad you found the post interesting. Although I've always loved vintage cars first and foremost, I was lucky to fly some special now-vintage airplanes with some very special people. Comparing the characteristics of a vintage airplane, like the T-33, to a more recent one, like the F-15, is similar to comparing a vintage car to a modern one. There's something special about the vintage experience whether it's airplanes or automobiles.

I'm curious. Do you want to reveal the connection you mentioned?

Regards,
Joe
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Rick
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Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 22423
Location: UK

PostPosted: Sat Jan 02, 2021 4:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

It's certainly interesting to read your first-hand experiences in these aircraft, thanks for sharing your memories.

RJ
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PapaJoe



Joined: 09 Nov 2020
Posts: 73
Location: Massachusetts USA

PostPosted: Sat Jan 02, 2021 5:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Rick, It's a pleasure to recount these experiences. Thanks for providing the forum to do it. I hope readers get a sense of what it was like to be in the cockpit.

Regards,
Joe
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Penman



Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 4746
Location: Swindon, Wilts.

PostPosted: Sat Jan 02, 2021 5:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi
You tale of the vibration reminded me of this episode in Earnest K Gann's "Fate Is The Hunter".

http://rwebs.net/avhistory/fate.htm
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PapaJoe



Joined: 09 Nov 2020
Posts: 73
Location: Massachusetts USA

PostPosted: Sat Jan 02, 2021 5:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Penman, Gann's story supports the adage: "I'll take Luck over Skill any day of the week."

Thanks for the link,
Joe
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