Sir, I think You Are Crazy!

Author: Bobo

Sir, I Think You Are Crazy!

In the late '70s, we received 29 Iranians at Vance AFB, OK, for pilot training.  In preparation for these guys, we had a 3-4 hour briefing on their customs from the State Department. (In retrospect, one of the best USAF briefings I ever received.)

One of the things they told us was that, in their culture, if "they" lied to you, and you didn't 'catch it,' it wasn't considered a lie. And, in addition, it was an insult to these guys to challenge them if you suspected they were lying... Well, okay then.

I flew with their Class Leader, Lt. Bosh, very early on in his T-38 training.  We had just returned to the pattern and were coming off a touch-and-go that I had demonstrated for him. As we pulled up for another pattern, he asked me the final turn and final approach airspeeds - something he was responsible for computing. I gave him the speeds, about 5 knots slower.

As we were about mid-way through the final turn, we began sinking like a sewer pipe. "Go around, use Burners!" came the call from the RSU controller as he saw our sink rate beginning to develop….

As we went around, Lt. Bosh said, "Sir, I don't think the airspeed was correct..."

"Well, you got me, Lt. Bosh," I replied. "I was just messing with you. I wanted to show you that, if I ask you a question and you lie to me, I will lie to you.  So, if I ask a question and you don't know the answer, just tell me. Okay?”

"Sir, may I speak freely?" he then asked.

"Of course."

"Sir, I think you are crazy!"

But you know, the "word" got out, and I never had any issues with those guys, and I came to enjoy flying with them.

Note: These guys were all reported killed after they returned to Iran. They weren't the Khomeini's guys...