Last F16 training in Arizona

I was a crew chief on F-16's at Luke from 1995 thru 1998, working block 25 F-16Cs and Ds. Those were great days and I have many fond memories from that time.

 

If you think the F16s are loud just wait for the F35s.

 

Was at a airshow at PAX a few years ago. some little Czech jets, Red Bull prop racer, Harrier, and F22 in ascending order of loud.

F22 was wonderfully loud on a lower ceiling day.

Dad (Technical Director for JSF up to First Flight) said his was MUCH louder. Nice little smile of pride was fun to see.

 

I worked in a machine shop in the 80’s just west of the runway at Carswell AFB/General Dyanmics. One day while standing outside one a break a T-38 flew over quieter than a small biz jet. Following it was an F-16 that was significantly louder but not too bad. It was followed by an F-15. As it flew over the ground shook. No comparison in noise level.

 

F-35s have been at Luke for years. They’re making way for more.

 

next level above the F-15 is a SR-71, even flying towards you from 2mi. One of the quietest I have ever heard doing a low pass is a B-2.

 

When I was based at Luke from 1994 thru 1998, there were (I think) 7 squadrons of F-16s and 2 squadrons of F-15Es. There was something like 200 takeoffs and landings every day and night, mostly in full afterburner. Luke was a LOUD place and I loved it! Now that I'm older I can't stand the noise. I still absolutely love the planes, however. My old jet, block 25 F-16C 83-1161 has been converted to a QF-16 drone and is currently operating out of Tyndall AFB. I should go see her before she is gone...