Real Top Gun F-14 Tomcat at Fighter Weapons School

[Moblaffi]

wow...great vid...really,really nice..you guys got the best job in the world!...theres one question in my mind for a long time:...what happens to all the tomcat pilots and rio's after the f14 wasn't in the business anymore?..are they learn to fly the hornet?in a couple of vids it looks like tomcat guys hate the f18!...and sorry for my bad english..im from germany!

[AF401]

Sorry Goose, But it's time to buzz the TWR!

lol xD. Anyhow, anywhere and anytime baby!!!

[opshadow1]

@AF401

lol

[adamsmith85]

If the Wright brothers alive today they would be like " get the fuck outa here" about these planes.

[opshadow1]

@adamsmith85

lol

[ShadowGhost777]

KENNY LOGGINS :D !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[opshadow1]

@ShadowGhost777

OK

[ShadowGhost777]

@opshadow1.... the vid reminds me of the movie top gun and kenny loggins "highway to the danger zone" :)

[armadaskis720]

talk to me goose



[opshadow1]

@armadaskis720

Sad. Merry Christmas!

[Shay6995]

To past and present Naval Aviators and their Flight Crews,Thank you for all you do and all you've done to keep us safe. God bless you!

[opshadow1]

@Shay6995

Merry Christmas!

[exenrontexas]

While I admire the pilots of the F-14 since the Fighter Weapons School was started during Vietnam then the REAL TOP GUN must be either the F-8 Crusader or the F-4. Since the Chance Vought Crusade was a single seat fighter then the Crusader gets my vote as the Top Gun plane and, of course, the record and the performance in combat supports it.

[opshadow1]

@exenrontexas

I love the Phantom too.

[bbking0064]

Great choice of music for the clip!

[Rasmorak]

I watch these videos, and then I get sad.

I was born too late. I will never fly a Tomcat in real life. Ever.

:(

[freedomsoldier187]

get your butt above the hard deck and return to base immediately !

[opshadow1]

@freedomsoldier187

Funny. 

[freedomsoldier187]

@opshadow1 you gonna get a chance to fly the F35 ?

[ANICON2006]

@freedomsoldier187 .."time to buzz the tower Goose".. "no Mav this is not a good idea!"

[808crazyshit]

@ANICON2006 "tower requesting a fly by?" Negative ghost rider the pattern is full." lets shake his coffee haha

[ronaldinho71011]

Great video!, wat song is that?

[mustanglead]

Great plane and superb to see it being flown like this.. Sweet!

[Elgatovolar]

The F-14 is the muscle car of Naval Aviation...And chicks dig muscle cars...

[MetaliCanuck]

@Elgatovolar yes it is, but all chicks dig the little guy who knocks the big guy the fuck out, the f18 did it and its not hard against a f14 and the aim54 was useless something alot of f14 pilots really know, shooting at a drone is not like shooting at someone who can do ecms

[Elgatovolar]

@MetaliCanuck your right...My Mitsubishi out performs any 70's series Muscle Car...But the MC is still cool! And from what I remember of the fighting envelope and 6.5g won't win the knife fight against 9.0g with equals, so the F-18 is the hands down winner against F-14. Cheers.

[19Clutch69]

@Elgatovolar You're too funny. that statement isn't valid when not on paper. Most aviation kills are under 4G..

[RainbowManification]

Im sorry, I had to do it.

[RainbowManification]

Lets go kill us some Russians goose.

[xomanowar42]

i wish i can stop growing to i can do this (just under 6,5 and growing)

[nuckdukem1290]

when i think of Fighter pilots and jets the first thing that comes in mind is the F-14 TOMCAT!

[therealbamlee]

wow those guys are tom cruise 4 real.

[LupusAries]

Damn we need an F-14 sim! B or D Cat would be awesome and then maybe a bit A for the old scenarios. And mind you a Combat Sim a DCS: F-14 would be great. With a Functioning two-seater multiplayer, so a you can stack a friend in the Backseat as RIO.

[gbonkers666]

Actually your forgot about the F15!

[bw92]

fucking hey fever stopped me becoming a pilot :(

[lgarvey]

Question - what is the mask for (presume o2 when at altitude!?) and why need it sometimes and not othertimes?

[K9COP282]

EVERYONE HAS THEIR OWN FAVORITE BUT THE F/A-18 HORNET IS ONE BAD ASS FIGHTER!! IT'S THE ONLY AIR TO AIR AND AIR TO GROUND FIGHTER THERE IS!!! ONE TOUGH ASS JET!!!

[opshadow1]

@K9COP282

I flew the Hornet as well, and I still far prefer the Tomcat. The avionics in the Super-Hornet are fantastic, but Ill take the 14 any day of the week over the 18.

[glazuna]

@opshadow1 i'm with you :D

[ZeroFilth]

@opshadow1 Too right mate

[smacman68]

I was a plane captain with VF-41 Black Aces in the mid-late 80's. I was on the last Nimitz cruise and the first Roosevelt cruise. I actually took care of the CAG's personnel bird. He was on the transition team that phased in the Hornets. His major complaint with the 18A,B, & C were the lack of legs. Just to fly a simple CAP, over half of the stores were fuel. But he said that the actual flight performance of the 18's were supurb. And this from a man with 5000 hours in a Tomcat!

[fordlukebo]

@smacman68 have you ever shot down any jet fighters in the past? that'll be fun

[smacman68]

A plane captain is not a pilot. They are an enllsted guy, or girl, who "owns" one plane, and that's all they are responible for. They make sure all the maintenance is done on schedule, we wash our birds and basically make sure it's ready when the pilot needs it. The pilot also tells the plane captain things that dont work or needs fixing. Like a bad gauge, an engine that's running hot, etc. But I have shot down lots of jets in video games ;)

[fordlukebo]

@smacman68 so you really never shot down real life fighters?

[smacman68]

For the love of Pete, can you read? NO! I wasn't a pilot! Are you ten years old?

[kayakutah]

@smacman68 Thanks for your service. I was/am a pilot and we couldn't have done it without you!

[smacman68]

@kayakutah Thanks. People just don't understand that for every hour of flight, it takes twenty hours of work by a whole bunch of people. And for more complex aircraft, the numbers just go up. They think the pilot is everything, and he is, until it breaks down, then he is about as useful as a calveryman without a horse! But, the pilots really are the heros. They actually go into harms way, and deserve all the glory that they get.

[opshadow1]

@smacman68

Very enriching and thoughtful comment. I wish you a Merry Christmas!

[opshadow1]

@kayakutah

Thanks!

[CNCTEMATIC]

@opshadow1 Why, can I ask? Eg, you're in a 2 v 2 and your opponents are in Super Hornets, you and your wingman can take them on in F14s or Super Hornets: which would airplane would you feel most likely to win the engagement in and why? cheers

[opshadow1]

@CNCTEMATIC

I prefer the Tomcat for my own reasons. The 14 can fly farther and carry more weight than the 18, weapons weight. The 18 is a fine machine too. It's a very personal decision. Going nose to nose with 18's, I'd choose the 14. Good question too. Cheers back at ya mate.

[CNCTEMATIC]

@opshadow1 Many thanks for your answer! Totally get yr love of the F14 (as much as a civ can). A thoroughbred beauty. F18 seems to be a jack of all trades, master of none. Still, I'm curious why you prefer the older aircraft (in a fictional) nose to nose with a Rhino. Like yr chances lobbing Phoenixes over 100 miles? Otherwise isn't it AMRAAMs at the OK corral? Aka an avionics/stealth/CM contest, which the Rhino wd win? Very interested in a pilot's view. (+my nation's airforce!) cheers

[opshadow1]

@CNCTEMATIC

You're welcome. It's really a personal decision. It's my comfort level with the aircraft more than anything. Having been in the 18's for limited time, I'm not that comfortable with them. The 14 is a gem.

[crazytrain760]

@opshadow1 how was flying the f-14

[smallandy007]

@K9COP282 true but the f-14 has a bad ass revesve thotile move unlike the f-18 i love the f-18 but f-14 is the best their is

[xomanowar42]

@K9COP282

you forgot the f-35

[cranopal]

@K9COP282  You just pissed off 5,000 F-16 jockeys.

[Kingonads]

@K9COP282

Until the USN takes that horrific F-35. Not to sure about that overpriced bird.

[lgarvey]

Really wish I had become a pilot.

[opshadow1]

@lgarvey

It's a lot of fun.

[lgarvey]

Now I feel worse about my career path ...

[fordlukebo]

@opshadow1 how do i become a jet fighter?

[Replexity]

@opshadow1 Have you ever flown a F-22 Raptor?

[opshadow1]

@Replexity

No. I haven't heard of an F22N Sea Raptor that has been deployed yet. I believe the only ones using them are the Air Force.

[ushouldntjudgeme]

@lgarvey Never once did I regret becoming a private pilot, got my license at age 19

[theodorebrown1]

that's a Creed song, but I don't know the song name

[opshadow1]

@theodorebrown1

Creed - Weathered, it's listed under the video.

[TheRedSkin2009]

name of the song?

[opshadow1]

@TheRedSkin2009

Creed - Weathered. You can download it too. It's listed beneath the video.

[GhostRiot]

I love when you can see the aircraft's shadow, That's such an amazing career. I have nothing but respect for all Navy and Air Force pilots.

[sonicfan1996]

F-14 all the way baby. Ghostriders!

[opshadow1]

@sonicfan1996

It was a monster.

[F5FreedomFighter4evr]

I highly dislike this plane! It's always beating up my precious F-5!!!!!

[opshadow1]

I know how you feel. I love the F-5 too, a/b, or e/f?

[klassetompa]

Sweet! you´re a pilot yourself?

[opshadow1]

It's a fun job.

[F5FreedomFighter4evr]

@opshadow1 Definately the latest version of the F-5. Everyone knows that advanced is better. I don't like the E/F 'Tiger'. It's a really cool plane, but Freedom Fighter sounds soo legit! right?! lol

[opshadow1]

lol I agree.

[F5FreedomFighter4evr]

@opshadow1 I don't get why they didn't buy the F-20 instead. It's better than the F-5 in every way.

[CRsBeem]

@F5FreedomFighter4evr The F-20 was in fact a derivative of the F-5, intended to compete with the F-16, not the progenitor F-5. As a derivative, it would have been far less expensive, but the F-16 won the contract.

[F5FreedomFighter4evr]

@CRsBeem Well I'd want an F-20 in a dogfight against the F-16. It's got 2 engines. So if one malfunctions, there's still another one. The F20 is more maneuverable, and faster than the F-16.

[CRsBeem]

@F5FreedomFighter4evr Sorry, but unlike the F-5, the F-20 had ONE engine...in fact, the same engine as the F-16.

[opshadow1]

@CRsBeem

Dead on Bud!

[F5FreedomFighter4evr]

@CRsBeem Gosh darn it. Fine. I need to get my facts straight. How ignorant of my.

[Koci86]

@CRsBeem Hi. Not exactly. It has one of the same as the F-18. GE F-404

[CRsBeem]

@Koci86 I believe you are incorrect. In fact, the GE404 was not even out of R&D when the F-20 prototype was tested. The F-20, I believe, flew an early version of the F-101

[Koci86]

@CRsBeem The F404 first run was in 1978. The F 20 first flight was in 1982.

[Koci86]

@Koci86 Check this: f20a.com

[Koci86]

@Koci86 I think you mean the GE YJ101 which was predecessor of the F404. The GE F101 is the power source of the B1 lancer which is the predecessor of the F110 alternative engine to the F-16. In fact all type of F-16 engines are too big in diameter for an F-5 airframe and their power is unneccesary for such a little aircraft like the tigershark.

[hlruizgomez]

nice video, nice music!! thanks guy!! :)

[BryF]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing!

[opshadow1]

Glad you got a kick out of it.

[xTomcatsForeverVF84x]

I can watch these videos all day. These were the glory days of flying and aviation, when the Tomcat was at its best 1980's-1990's. I miss those days.

[opshadow1]

I do too.

[monkeynuts76]

I can't believe we sold some F-14 to Iran back in the 70's.

[opshadow1]

I am aware of that. It was Republican president Nixon. It's always the Republicans that sell our weapons technology to dangerous countries. It was George H.W. Bush that had the CIA train bin Laden, although the Bush family is life long friends with the bin Ladens. Good work GOP.

[JAMESD5573]

Actually, it was Carter that sold F-14's to Iran in 1979 and he was a Dem.

[opshadow1]

@JAMESD5573

No, you're wrong. President Carter only sold parts for F-14's, Bush sold the actual aircraft and he was a Republican.

[CRsBeem]

Actually, it was Nixon, after a fly-off at Andrews versus the F-15. The then-Shah opted for the F-14. Bck then, Iran was an ally. Of course, we subsequently armed Iraq (via Reagan) before we fought them. Crazyforeign policy, don;t you think?

[opshadow1]

You are absolutely right. In both instances it was a Republican President who armed the countries that would become our enemies. President H.W. Bush was the Deputy Director of the CIA when Osama bin Laden was being trained by the CIA and our military. Crazy policy for sure.

[vahxes]

read a little about tomcats history

if it wasnt for the iranians investment the congress wouldnt approve tomcats full production and grumman would go broke .

and tell me who made the best use of tomcats

iran:  79 tomcats <100 kills

usn 700 tomcats 5 kills

[opshadow1]

@vahxes

I know about the Tomcat's history. Are you trying to imply that Iran has more capable pilots than the U.S. Navy? Maybe you're trying to insinuate that they get into conflicts constantly. Are you aware of the kills themselves? The Iranians exaggerate everything. If I were to engage an Iranian Tomcat to Tomcat, the Iranian Tomcat would be splashed in minutes. You don't know what you're talking about.

[vahxes]

iraqis claim 5 iranian f14 kills total.

for further reading:

(osprey combat aircraft 49

Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in combat)

and are you a pilot?

[opshadow1]

Yes.

[pulsejet1]

Are you really an ex-tomcat pilot?

Or are you assuming you could defeat an Iranian simply because you are american?

[opshadow1]

Yes. I know I would splash the Iranian aircraft due to higher proficiency and more experience.

[chestateegold]

@vahxes

who gave iran those tomcats??? oooooooo

and this just proves that iranians want blood and nothing else

[CRsBeem]

Nixon.

[opshadow1]

You are right.

[crytekengine]

F-14 was the bestJet fighter ever built.

[opshadow1]

I believe that is affirmative.

[g1rd4p]

thats awesome.

by the way what song is playin?

[opshadow1]

It was Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin, but YouTube pulled it off and inserted Weathered by Creed.

[mohlfs]

Ya you are correct

[honalululy]

is top gun optional for pilots or is it required as part of training?

[Sasherra]

If I remember correctly, it is the best pilots of every navy squadron that get to go through Top Gun. it was created during the Vietnam War when the kill ratio wasn't satisfactory (US pilots had learned to rely on missiles, and against gun/cannon armed MiGs, they were not effective.)

[opshadow1]

Top Gun is reserved for the best aviators. The nuggets that show superior skills of observation and ability with their aircraft.

[adamcrookedsmile]

Did/do those nuggets then go on to train their squadron buddies once they have gone through the syllabus?

[opshadow1]

@adamcrookedsmile

Nuggets don't train other Aviators, they sit back and learn, which takes some time.

[CLK15]

Those are some great flying shots. Thank you for sharing. Long live the Cat,....Baby!

[opshadow1]

Yeah, the guys did a great job.

[xxmaximus213xx]

Did you attend the Naval Academy? Just out of pure curiosity

[opshadow1]

No. Just OCS.

[xxmaximus213xx]

@opshadow1 Gotcha

[Kukkonaama]

1:10, what did you check over there or did you just smile to camera? ;)

[opshadow1]

Funny you should ask, I was looking to make sure the camera was recording. Looking to see if the little red light was on.

[bobinhobr]

great plane, but the F 5 to me it is the best!

[opshadow1]

Everyone has their favorite. The F-5 Freedom Fighter and Tiger were capable aircraft.

[bobinhobr]

yeah, you´re right.. but do think the F 5 wins a dogfight against F 14 tomcat! what´s favorite fighter?

[FSboarder]

the tomcat was (and he's still) the most beautiful plane ever. it's my biggest regrets, i can't see him in real. you are soooooooooooo lucky to fly with him. i envy you so much

[opshadow1]

The Tomcat was a monster, everyone was sad when it was retired. Thank you.

[Kukkonaama]

So, is the Top Gun for the best of the best? If it is, you must be good pilot.

[opshadow1]

I would say yes to both.

[187YKZ893]

my vision is fucked up

[opshadow1]

Sorry to hear that.

[mathamaticgennisis]

I also want to be a fighter pilot when I am older. I was inspired by the movie top gun. I was suprised when I found out it was a real school. Can you sned me some of the basic requiremens to go to top gun, including test and challenges?

[opshadow1]

I will send you some info.

[zloyobar]

If you score high on the ASVAB test the US Navy hs programs to accelerate your education i.e. go to university on the Navy's dime in return you do a determined amount of service as a commisioned officer and you start out as an ensign O-1 rank.

1st and very 1st requirement to be a pilot in the world's Greatest Navy is 20/20 or better vision.

[Nickshark1982]

Good job champ! I missed my chance hehe, did not really put the head down at school so I did not have the marks to apply for the Air Force academy. I envy you and all the fighter pilots out there!!! What a way of life :). I did go up in a Mig 15 once, it is nothing like the F14 however it was pretty amazing to say the least. From memory we pulled about 7g's and did not pass out however I threw up BIG TIME :).

[opshadow1]

Thank you.

[Nickshark1982]

My dream :)

[opshadow1]

It's worth the effort.

[Duchovicius]

Wow, it must be so great to fly a jet fighter@_@

[opshadow1]

Yes it is.

[Kukkonaama]

Are you still a fighter pilot? If you are, what aircraft?

[opshadow1]

I'll send you a message with the details.

[USCG121]

Hi im 13 years old and live in sweden and my big dream is to fly military jets i have seen the top gun movie its great but i have a question if you are in the swedish airforce for example if you move to usa can you ask for a transfer to the u.s. airforce/us navy?what are the requirements to do that if u want to fly for the navy do you need to do a course then i will be happy if you answer great vid

[flyboy4692]

There is no transfer program. In order to be a pilot in the U.S. Military you must be a U.S. Citizen. I suggest you research methods to become a U.S. Citizen if you're serious about this goal. Good Luck.

[opshadow1]

Thank you bud.

[opshadow1]

No, flyboy4692 is exactly right. Appreciate your interest.

[USCG121]

yeah but i have heard that if you become a us citizen our if you are from the us and become a citizen of another country and have been a pilot in that country that you dont need to do like basic training or what

[opshadow1]

No, that's not correct. Each country has their own rules. I have never heard of that arrangement before. Contact the military you're considering and ask about their enlistment procedures and flight training programs. It seems very unlikely and improbable to me.

[umahuma4]

I think you have to become a US citizen first, then if you are a pilot you are probably going to start off a 1st Luietenent, and that a commishioned officer rank, which means you would need a college degree typically to recieve a commishioned rank. Not exactly sure all the details, if your ever in the US talk to an Air Force or Navy recruiter and thell be happy to help you :)

[zloyobar]

Enlisted personell in the military can go to naval flight school.

1and very 1st requirement is 20/20 natural or better vision.

That was my one and only disqualifier was given the option of the NFO ( Naval Flight Officer) Program.

[Kukkonaama]

Sweden has great air force to. I would love to fly gripen. If i join finnish army, maybe ill be in the training mission with gripens. Just join swedish air force. Its awsome.

[DiGiTaLdAzEDM]

Found this on a cool aviation site--nice vid, and great music. I will never be a puilot because of low vision, but do enjoy using flight sims a lot. Online flying with a buddy is great--I use LockOn (like flying the A-10, and SU-27 as well), and MS FlightSimX. I have a Hotas Cougar stick, and TrackIR for head tracking. Do you ever use flight Sims, and what simulators does the military use for training?

[opshadow1]

I Haven't use a FS in a long time. The military uses proprietary Simulators.

[b747dude]

I this you? Man i respect you God bless

[opshadow1]

Thanks Bud.

[crazyyankyisback]

i worked on eglin afb in ft.walton beach fl. doing the roofs when them jets would take off in pairs it was awesome 1 day we were out there and a pilot i assume was taking his test cause when he left the tar mat he went straight up and did some kind of upside down spin and swooped right over the mat from where he took off that was some thing to see.now i have a ? when they fly over in groups of 5 what is that called is it the attack formation? thanks

[opshadow1]

A formation like you are describing with five aircraft is traditionally a missing man formation, but there are attack formations and air show formations that are similar. The Blue Angels fly in a diamond of four with a solo and opposing solo outside the formation, but also have a patrol formation of six and a missing man formation of 5 jets.

[OVITHEKILLER]

i really cant stop watching this video ... i have a special passion about aircrafts since i was a kid like 5years old and this video it make it stronger

since i started to go to high school i was thinking that i made a mistake chosing the socials profile but just yesterday i founded out that it's the best profile if i wanna become a pilot :) so i will work hard from now on

[opshadow1]

Good. Nothing can hold you back if you keep pushing ahead. I wish you much luck with your hopes.

[RainbowManification]

@OVITHEKILLER Have you started working on your PPL yet?

[Skaflar]

Yo, 16 years old, great vision and the like and thinking about joining the navy and becoming a pilot. Besides the obvious, would you be willing to tell me the requirements of just flying for the Navy?

[opshadow1]

I sent you some basic info on becoming an NFO, or Naval Flight Officer.