Page 79 - Never Fly Solo

52 | NEVER FLY SOLO
My left hand has a viselike grip on the bulky throttle with
its numerous switches and buttons. My right hand curls
around the stick that controls the elevator and ailerons. I
rotate it quickly clockwise and then counterclockwise, testing
the flight controls to make sure they operate smoothly. The
stick moves only a few centimeters in any direction, since the
F-16 is all about “fly by wire” technology. Electrical impulses
send signals to the control services that help the plane fly—an
amazingly sophisticated feat of aeronautical engineering.
Thirty million dollars of machine, and I am at the controls. I
feel like Hercules. I also can scarcely believe I’m actually going
to fly this thing!
My quick but steady breathing echoes in my headset as I
wait for the tower controller to clear me for takeoff. It feels
like forever. I’m nervous but confident. I have chair flown this
mission dozens of times in my head and in the simulator. Most
important, Deke and I planned and briefed the flight in minute
detail. From ground operations to area maneuvers to emer-
gency procedures, I am ready for any contingency. But most
of all, I’m ready, finally, to fly this jet on my own.
My headset crackles. “Viper two-one, this is Luke Tower.
You are cleared for takeoff.”
Deke calls out over the intercom, “OK, Waldo, you have
the aircraft, buddy. Push it up!”
It’s go time.
I thrust my feet forward to lock the brakes as I push up
the engine to full power for what is called a static takeoff.
Before I release the brakes, the engine instruments have to
check within prescribed limits. Everything looks good. I dou-
ble—check just to make sure. I release the brakes and am
instantly flattened into the seat as the twenty thousand pounds