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.
Patrick also had OV-10's. The only airplane I can ever remember getting sick in! Didn't have a pair of nomex gloves to go with the flight suit so the pilot, Capt. McConnell handed me a pair of leather gloves to wear. We did rocket rides, firing rockets (WP- Willy Pete's)to mark targets for F-4s. out of North Carolina, I got sick but forgot my barf bags. So, I filled both leather gloves up.The Deal was If I got sick I had to clean up the cockpit! I remember walking across the ramp holding those leather gloves; they look like rubber gloves blown up with the fingers sticking straight out, but with water dripping off the finger tips. He did'nt want them back!
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OV-10 Bronco Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
Specifications StatsCentral Model Rockwell OV-10A Bronco Length 41.67 ft | 12.70 m Width 39.70 ft | 12.10 m Height 15.29 ft | 4.66 m Engine(s) 2 x Garrett T76-G-416/417 turboprop engines driving three-blade propellers. Empty Weight 6,969 lbs | 3,161 kg MTOW 14,442 lbs | 6,551 kg Max Speed 281 mph | 452 km/h | 244 kts Max Range 228 miles | 367 km Ceiling 23,999 ft | 7,315 m | 4.5 miles Climb Rate 2,650 ft/min (807.7 m/min) Hardpoints 7 Armament 4 x 7.62mm machine guns OR 1 x 20mm three-barrel gattling gun
