@OmegaRolex : to get back on topic (only to veer off in a minute), I stick to my contention that by your definition, the Speedmaster is NOT a pilot watch. HOWEVER, it is an extremely narrow definition of a "pilot's watch." I would posit that a better definition of a "pilot's watch" is "a watch that a pilot wears that is easily legible and is accurate." Some qualities that are desired but not required are looks cool (it's tough to talk with your hands when your watch is lame), has a second time zone (I used that all the time in a previous life hauling rubber dog sh1t out of Hong Kong, but not so much these days), a stop watch (for if you can never remember to write down your takeoff and landing times), can take a beating (G-shocks are worn by tons of guys in my squadron), and impress the ladies (or fellas if that's your thing, I ain't judgin'). An informal survey of the 80ish guys in my squadron, maybe 30-45% wear a G-shock or Timex, 20-30% wear a Bremont (we have 3 different Special or Limited Editions through them, not counting the T-38 version), a handful of Citizen Nighthawks, and quite a few of the new Garmin D2 GPS flight watches (uninteresting, but a great resource if the ship hits the sand). *steps off soapbox*
So what's that like going back and forth regarding a big U-2 wing and a stubby T-38 wing? Do you have to put your big wing/small wing hats on interchangeably? I would imagine so! I fly with quite a few former USAF T-38 FAIP types at Delta...and they often comment on that stubby T-38 wing regarding how it can turn you into a smoking hole in a quick-like fashion.
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Nevertheless...that T-38 is a HOT ride!
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Yessir, the -38 is a blast to fly. It's like a drag racer: it goes really really fast in a straight line, but it doesn't really turn worth a damn. 10,000' to do a loop. Seriously. And yes, it can get difficult to switch between the planes, especially in the same day, and if you don't have a lot of time in either. It takes lots of study and chair flying, because the two planes couldn't get much different. On final, the mighty Deuce flies at less than half the speed of the Talon, but is a handful in it's own unique way. At altitude (>70,000'), the Deuce can turn on a dime, but at low altitude, with only cables and pulleys for flight controls, she's a beast. Throw in the adverse yaw from the long wings and fighting the smallest crosswinds and your legs get a helluva workout.
@tyrantlizardrex : it's a helluva ride in the T-38, 720* roll rate per second, so I bet we could get you to upchuck pretty quick
馃榾 And yes, Ray-Bans are a must, unless you got issued AO sunglasses and still wear them (cough cough)...
Blue skies, y'all!
-only jake
