So do you believe in miracles?

[serverandenforcer]

Saw today on the cover of the Air Force Times that some F-16 pilot was able to land his plane after snapping his neck from a 9g+ turn at 500 knots. I haven't read the whole story, but that's just crazy. Hope that doesn't mean the pilot's career is over.

Edited May 13, 2009 by serverandenforcer

[+FastCargo]

Saw today on the cover of the Air Force Times that some F-16 pilot was able to land his plane after snapping his neck from a 9g+ turn at 500 knots. I haven't read the whole story, but that's just crazy. Hope that doesn't mean the pilot's career is over.

 

Flying fast movers...ya, he's probably done. But I know plenty of guys who have crossed over to heavies because a particular medical problem prevented them from staying in high-G enviroments. Assuming he recovers, wants to fly again, and the USAF has room, he can probably switch over.

 

That's one thing you don't hear about too much. A LOT of guys I know who've flown Vipers for a long time have permenant neck/spine problems. Hell, my neck is tweaked and I usually only do 5-6Gs on a regular basis. Usually it's not the G's in and of themselves...it's the twisting while under G that causes all the strain (incidently, similar problems creep up in spines at 1 G for the same thing...twisting while picking up something heavy like baggage).

 

FC

[scouserlad13]

Wow, you cant imagine how much pain the guy was in, and he was able to land?!?!?! Must of been a good pilot, hope he gets to fly again

Edited May 13, 2009 by scouserlad13