Sat Feb 19, 2005 6:24 pm
I think it would take a lot of work to reprogram the computers and key systems to the aircraft. I was an avionics tech (AT) on FA-18 and the aircraft had two flight computers, two mission computers and a central computer for all communications and displays and all the MUX buses that are needed between them. Keeping those in working order isn’t that easy. Even when you have a dozen in the supply system that are “in working order”.
I found that the man-hours pre flight hour was a joke. We basically made sure that we each had our 12 hours accounted for in paper work. Also half the systems a civilian would not need and could not get, Weapon systems, release and control checks, ECM. T-FLIR. Radar. IFF…
I can’t even comprehend that someone would be able to afford the cost of keeping a modern jet in the air. But I can’t see how someone can afford keeping a WW2 fighter in the air.
I found that the man-hours pre flight hour was a joke. We basically made sure that we each had our 12 hours accounted for in paper work. Also half the systems a civilian would not need and could not get, Weapon systems, release and control checks, ECM. T-FLIR. Radar. IFF…
I can’t even comprehend that someone would be able to afford the cost of keeping a modern jet in the air. But I can’t see how someone can afford keeping a WW2 fighter in the air.
Sat Feb 19, 2005 10:57 pm
The possible sound of twin Merlins pulling one of Glyn Powell's new-built Mosquitos is very appealing to me...........
Tue Feb 22, 2005 8:54 am
What type of Avonic and flight control systems does a L-39 have?
OR some of the other Jetwarbirds that are around?
OR some of the other Jetwarbirds that are around?
Tue Feb 22, 2005 6:45 pm
How about ex-Iranian F-14s flying in South Africa with Thunder City, the rules down there aren't quite so over the top, thats why the Buccaneer and Lightings are operated there in exile. 
Thu Mar 03, 2005 6:46 pm
Anybody have any info on the F-106 being built to fly some where in TX??????
As for the Helicopters of Vietnam. The VHPA sells a disk with all the s/n's of helicopters that flew in Vietnam. As a Vietnam War historian, I have been documenting all the Hueys & Loaches that I have found. In 4 cases, with individual aircraft in my area.....3 I am trying to Purchase. I have found and talked to some of their former crews that flew them in Vietnam. One being a special case as he has pics of her in Vietnam. So now in the spring, the Tech school that owns her, them and myself are going to paint her back in her old unit from Vietnam.
As for the Helicopters of Vietnam. The VHPA sells a disk with all the s/n's of helicopters that flew in Vietnam. As a Vietnam War historian, I have been documenting all the Hueys & Loaches that I have found. In 4 cases, with individual aircraft in my area.....3 I am trying to Purchase. I have found and talked to some of their former crews that flew them in Vietnam. One being a special case as he has pics of her in Vietnam. So now in the spring, the Tech school that owns her, them and myself are going to paint her back in her old unit from Vietnam.