bmarshall 0 Posted November 30, 2004 My father is a verteran of the Vietnam War and was a mechanic on F-4 Phantoms aboard the U.S.S. kitty Hawk. For the past several years he was wanted to take a backseat ride in an F-4 Phantom. We live in the Houston area near Elington Air Force base. It has been several years since I have seen one fly over. Does anyone know how I can set this up for him for an unforgettable Christmas gift He is getting older now, so I do not know how long it will be before he cannot do this. If anyone knows anywhere I can start it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Weasel Keeper 0 Posted November 30, 2004 Unfortunately, the only F-4s flying anymore in the US are drones used for target practice. They've been retired from active duty and National Guard since around 96. The German AF even pulled them out of Holloman AFB in October to retire them. The last places flying drones I believe are Tyndall AFB in FL, Holloman AFB in NM, and Point Magu NAS in CA. The only one I'm really sure of is Tyndall. They fly manned drones for targetting practice for awhile before they modify them to be unmanned and shot down. Not to sound too negative, but it's nearly impossible to set up a ride in a military fighter. My only advice would be to contact Tyndall AFB and see for yourself. http://www.tyndall.af.mil/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmarshall 0 Posted November 30, 2004 Thank you so much for all of the good information. Maybe I can get lucky. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dutchy 0 Posted November 30, 2004 Hopely for you and your dad can he makes his dream come treu. But even as Weasel_87FIS says, the last Phantoms are drones/targets. And I thought also that are one of the few still flying. In a magazine Aircombat (I think) was an article about it. I saw it last in the bookstore (in Europe) Wish you luck with the search and more luck with trying to get the flight for your dad. Salute Dutchy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scout_51 0 Posted December 2, 2004 Not to sound too negative, but it's nearly impossible to set up a ride in a military fighter. My only advice would be to contact Tyndall AFB and see for yourself. There are a few places where you can get a ride,not in a jet fighters as I understand but its a pretty peppy a/c that they use for managed dogfighting... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
