My Unusual Story
Author: Thomas - Tom Gunther
My story is different than others I have read in this forum. When I was a very young boy, my older brother and I would look up and try to identify the WWII aircraft flying overhead, and that sparked a lifelong interest in aviation. After graduating from college, I was hired by the U.S. Secret Service. One day I was working on a case with USAF Security at Vance AFB when I saw T-38s taking off and landing. I mentioned to the security officer that I had always wanted to fly in a fighter jet. He introduced me to the base PR officer, who talked to me for a while and subsequently sent a letter to HQ in Texas. One thing led to another, and I was approved for the flight.
In January 1972, I went through flight training with USAF pilots that included ejection seat procedures, spatial disorientation, and pressure chamber training (hypoxia and explosive decompression). My flight took place on January 13, 1972. My pilot/instructor was Major Wayne Zaricor.
After being strapped into the front seat and going through the checklist with Major Zaricor, engine running, he told me to taxi the T-38 to the runway. WHAT? I thought I was just along for the ride! (I had only seven hours of previous training in a Cessna.) I gingerly took the aircraft to the runway, and Major Zaricor took over for takeoff, climbing to altitude. The Major said the first thing we would do was go for a "torch run" to break the sound barrier. We did that, and while on the other side of the sound barrier, he let me fly the T-38 for a short time.
We then dropped down to a lower altitude and did some aerobatic maneuvers. After we had done five or six maneuvers, he asked me what I would like to do next. I said we had done all the maneuvers I could think of. The Major then suggested we try the clover leaf. I had been warned by someone on the ground not to do the clover leaf, so I hesitated. The Major said if I had handled the last few maneuvers, I could handle the clover leaf, and he talked me into it.
Well, I made it through two leafs before I said, "That's it!" I did not want to get sick in the T-38. As I remember, in that maneuver we pulled 5Gs and gained 1,000 feet in altitude for each leaf. The 90-degree move at the top got to me.
We landed, and they took a photo of me getting out of the T-38 and gave me two certificates. The photo was in black and white, which was fortunate—you cannot see how green I was. Needless to say, the training for and the flight itself are among my life's most memorable and unforgettable experiences.
To me, the T-38 Talon is the most beautiful fighter aircraft ever designed. Although I may be prejudiced, I thank Major Zaricor for letting me fly the aircraft on the other side of the sound barrier and letting me attempt simple aerobatics. He introduced me to the experience of "High Flight" (as written by John Gillespie Magee, Jr.), and I am forever grateful. I salute all U.S. military fighter pilots and ground crews for their training, professionalism, and service!
