My dad was the Flight Chief during this time. They switched from the F4 to the T38. I wish they would do this paint scheme again.. This video makes me miss my dad so much. The Thunderbirds tour was such an important time in his life.
The T-38 remains the most beautiful jet fighter ever in my book. ❤ When I was a kid on Long Island NY, I would go to Fairchild Republic to watch them takeoff.
I had a friend who was a crew chief on the T-38 Thunderbirds and has since passed away. This reminds me that there may be footage of him out there somewhere.
Interestingly enough, if I’m not mistaken the Thunderbirds used them until 1983 where they switched to the F-16. While the Blue Angles didn’t switch to the F-18 until 1986
I was flying T-38s in pilot training at Williams AFB near Phoenix back in 1980-81. While I was shooting some touch & go landings, I heard the advance guy come into our overhead pattern and make his exaggerated, over-the-top radio call announcing "THUNDERBIRD SEVEN on initial..." Several of my instructors went on to fly with the team years later and during my stint at FedEx, I even flew DC-10s with the #5 solo pilot in this video, Kirk Brimmer!
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This video is so retro. I absolutely love it.
Yep. Not sure it could even get anymore '70s! Those sound effects and camera cuts in the beginning couple of minutes!
The T-38 might be the only aircraft that is just as nimble as the F-16. This video is a masterclass in retro nostalgia.
My dad was the Flight Chief during this time. They switched from the F4 to the T38. I wish they would do this paint scheme again..
This video makes me miss my dad so much. The Thunderbirds tour was such an important time in his life.
The T-38 remains the most beautiful jet fighter ever in my book. ❤ When I was a kid on Long Island NY, I would go to Fairchild Republic to watch them takeoff.
That opening sequence music lol
Damn that music gives me flashbacks! 🐾✌️🇺🇸
Diffenatly 70’s or early 80. Still gotta love it.
I had a friend who was a crew chief on the T-38 Thunderbirds and has since passed away. This reminds me that there may be footage of him out there somewhere.
I remember seeing them flying the T-38's at Eglin AFB and that was what made want to be an Aircraft Mechanic.
Thanks for watching and for adding your story.
Keep up the great work. I miss the older gentleman who used to introduce the video's. Hope he is well. You guys are awesome as always!
Thank you for watching and commenting. All's well -- some of our programs are narrated and hosted, others are more raw video. More of both to come...
Never saw the T38's in action. Love this video. Have seen the F4's and F16's. Always AWESOME!
Glad you enjoyed it
Saw them in 75 at Hamilton AFB
Beautiful aircraft
I actually saw them do a show at Reece AFB before the incident they were beautiful to look at and touch...
This and the Navy Blue Angels switching to A-4s. The 70s were a time when had to use less gas guzzling aircraft even for air displays.
Interestingly enough, if I’m not mistaken the Thunderbirds used them until 1983 where they switched to the F-16. While the Blue Angles didn’t switch to the F-18 until 1986
Where do you find these oldies but goodies? Great film from 70s. And that paint job was spectacular! Thanks for the film/video.
It is satisfying to search all kinds of archival sources and find films like this. Glad you liked it.
Better (and safer) than sex! Great clip, thank you!
Is this the group that flew into the ground while in the diamond?
Same type aircraft - T-38s, but probably filmed eight years before the mishap.
I was flying T-38s in pilot training at Williams AFB near Phoenix back in 1980-81. While I was shooting some touch & go landings, I heard the advance guy come into our overhead pattern and make his exaggerated, over-the-top radio call announcing "THUNDERBIRD SEVEN on initial..."
Several of my instructors went on to fly with the team years later and during my stint at FedEx, I even flew DC-10s with the #5 solo pilot in this video, Kirk Brimmer!
That Minimoog, tho.