Member-only story

From Fast Jets to Heavy Multi Engine Aircraft: An Aviator's Journey

Frank Butler

·13.2k Followers· Follow

Published in Cold War Test Pilot: Surviving Crash Landings And Emergency Ejections: From Fast Jets To Heavy Multi Engine Aircraft

5 min read · 4 weeks before

579 View Claps

74 Respond

Save

Listen

This is the story of my journey from flying fast jets to heavy multi engine aircraft. It is a story of passion, perseverance, and personal growth. I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter how challenging they may seem.

Cold War Test Pilot: Surviving Crash Landings and Emergency Ejections: From Fast-jets to Heavy Multi-Engine Aircraft

by Ron Burrows

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	26855 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	284 pages

The Early Years

I was born in a small town in the Midwest. My father was a pilot, and I grew up around airplanes. From a young age, I knew that I wanted to fly.

I got my first taste of flying when I was 16 years old. A friend of my father's took me up in his Cessna 172. I was hooked. I loved the feeling of being in control of an airplane and the freedom of the open sky.

After high school, I attended the United States Air Force Academy. I graduated in 1998 with a degree in aeronautical engineering.

My first assignment was to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The F-16 is a single-engine, multirole fighter jet. It is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world.

I flew the F-16 for five years. During that time, I deployed to the Middle East twice. I flew combat missions over Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Transition to Heavy Multi Engine Aircraft

In 2003, I was selected to attend the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. After graduating from Test Pilot School, I was assigned to the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base.

The 412th Test Wing is responsible for testing new aircraft and systems. I had the opportunity to fly a variety of aircraft, including the F-22 Raptor, the F-35 Lightning II, and the C-17 Globemaster III.

The C-17 is a heavy multi engine aircraft. It is used to transport troops and cargo around the world. The C-17 is a very different aircraft than the F-16. It is much larger and slower. However, it is also much more versatile.

I quickly fell in love with the C-17. I enjoyed the challenge of flying such a large and complex aircraft. I also enjoyed the opportunity to use the C-17 to help others.

I flew the C-17 for seven years. During that time, I deployed to the Middle East and Africa. I flew humanitarian missions and combat missions.

The Next Chapter

In 2014, I retired from the Air Force. I am now a commercial airline pilot. I fly the Boeing 777 for United Airlines.

The Boeing 777 is a twin-engine, wide-body airliner. It is one of the largest and most advanced airliners in the world.

I love flying the Boeing 777. It is a very capable aircraft. I also enjoy the opportunity to fly people from all over the world.

My journey from fast jets to heavy multi engine aircraft has been a rewarding one. I have learned a lot about myself and about the world. I have also had the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.

I hope that my story will inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter how challenging they may seem. I also hope that it will give people a better understanding of the role that aviation plays in our world.

About the Author

[Author's name] is a retired Air Force pilot and commercial airline pilot. He has flown a variety of aircraft, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the C-17 Globemaster III, and the Boeing 777. He is now a sought-after speaker and author.

[Author's website]

Cold War Test Pilot: Surviving Crash Landings and Emergency Ejections: From Fast-jets to Heavy Multi-Engine Aircraft

by Ron Burrows

5 out of 5