After almost 32 years of Government Service with the USAF and the FAA, I retired in 2004. 12 years Active Duty with one break and Two years Active Reserves, I served in Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia and Ten CONUS assignments as a Jet Engine mechanic (B52's and KC135's) an Air Traffic Controller ( Tower/ Radar and the MOB) and an Airfield Management Specialist (Reserves) and I can say I enjoyed all of them. I just enjoyed some more than others! I left the Air Force in 1984 when the FAA gave me an offer I couldn't refuse. I spent two more with the Air Force Reserve at Greater Pitt. After 30 years of telling pilots where to go, I hung up my headset and now I watch my 16 year old son grow up. And Yes he wants to be an Air Force Fighter Pilot. He's a Plane nut just like his dad!
Other Comments:
The Aircraft in this profile I either worked on as a mechanic, or controlled as an Air Traffic Controller in the US Air Force or the FAA. Some have interesting stories if you click on the photo.
Aircraft/Missile Information
Model Douglas B-66 Destroyer Length 75.13 ft | 22.90 m Width 72.51 ft | 22.10 m Height 23.62 ft | 7.20 m Engine(s) 2 x Allison J71-A-11 / J71-A-13 turbojet engines generating 10,200lbs of thrust each. Empty Weight 42,549 lbs | 19,300 kg MTOW 83,776 lbs | 38,000 kg Max Speed 634 mph | 1,020 km/h | 551 kts Max Range 2,467 miles | 3,970 km Ceiling 39,370 ft | 12,000 m | 7.5 miles Climb Rate 5,000 ft/min (1,524 m/min) Hardpoints 0 Armament 2 x 20mm cannons in remote-operated tail turret assembly.
Up to 15,000lbs of internal ordnance Accommodations 3