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Ahh...a jet engine mechanic on targets. :)
And yes - I say that smugly. I was a jet engine mechanic on the F-15 and F-16 at Nellis. And you're not kidding - it was an awesome job. We had an open test cell for the J-79 (yes, we had some antiques at Nellis) and we used to throw 12x12 inch ziplocs full of JP-4 into the exhaust path. Made a great fireball.
People who have never been a foot away from an engine at full power (whether it was your TF-39 or my F100-100/200/220/229) have no idea of power. Even the pilots don't get that close to the motors.
I tell people that it was the best job I ever had - and I say that with no embellishment. The people I worked with, the equipment I worked with, the job satisfaction - none of it can be beaten.
Actually a jet mech on targets, fighters and "bombers"(F117).
The sense of accomplishment you get from taking a sputtering or inop. engine and making it roar again is the best job in the world!
I tell folks that I would rather be under an engine at mil. power than anywhere else on the flightline. I found that it's usually alot safer!
I had to learn how to service LOX while over in Saudi in '90-'91 and hated it. Highly compressed gas that wants to blow up damn near anything it touches, screw that noise.
I had my first experience with AB's at Shaw working on Blk 40/42/50's. What a rush that was! I was working on a Blk 42 on an open trim pad and the first time I felt the jet kick into burner, I knew that I was in for something special.
Did you ever run a jet in a test cell with the doors closed in full AB? You're looking at the doors about fifteen feet in front of you and you know that if the restraint lets go you're hosed.
Could regale FR all day with acts of accomplishment and buffoonery, but I do have a job to do today, so must keep it short.
Take care!
Cheers,
SZ
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