Cessna 182 vs. CF-18 Hornet

Recently, I had the pleasure of working with the 433 Tactical Fighter Squadron from Bagotville, Canada. They wanted to come down to Holloman AFB to use the special use airspace and munitions ranges that are unique to southern New Mexico. Project officers from both sides worked very hard to make this visit a success. While they were here, we shared our passion for aviation. I took Treason and FNG up in the Flying Sasquatch on a stormy day. We could barely see Cloudcroft nestled in the Sacramento Mountains under the clouds. We grilled out at the hangar and had ourselves a great time.

The following week, I was surprised with a ride in a Canadian F-18 Hornet. I rode in the back seat while we broke the sound barrier and practiced Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM) with another Canadian pilot Gottem. They were both full up and I was blown away with their ability to tactically maneuver under the strain of 7-8 Gs. I felt lucky I didn't puke or black out!

Low and slow Cessna 182 vs. a supersonic jet fighter. Opposite ends of the fixed-wing aviation spectrum but equally enjoyable. I will never forget both days.