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.
The only way I could get out of Korea on a mid-tour.
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C-9 Nightingale Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
The US Air Force C-9A Nightingale aircraft were used for medical evacuation (MedEvac), passenger transportation, and special missions from 1968-2005.
General characteristics
* Crew: 5 to 8 * Length: 119 ft 3 in (36.34 m) * Wingspan: 93 ft 3 in (28.42 m) * Height: 27 ft 5 in (8.36 m) * Max takeoff weight: 114,000 lb (50,000 kg) * Powerplant: 2× Pratt & Whitney JT8D-9A turbofans, 14,500 lbf (64.5 kN) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: Mach 0.84 * Cruise speed: 558 mph (485 knots, 898 km/h) * Range: 3,000 mi (4,825 km) * Service ceiling 37,000 ft (11,000 m) * Rate of climb: 3,000+ ft/min (900+ m/min) * Thrust/weight: 1:3.93