BLOG 5
Yes, I did say that in my youth as we sat watching the arrivals for the Yeovilton Air Day in the late 1970s. Guilty as charged! I have always had a soft spot for the F-104, impressive displays, that distinctive howl when it was in the circuit, even after sadly watching one literally drop out of the sky and explode in front of us. However, we all wanted to see an F-16 for the first time.
We got our wish a few years later and the F-104 was systematically replaced by the F-16 as the years rolled by until there were no more. I eventually travelled to Italy to see the last display at Pratica Di Mare as it was pensioned off by the Italian Air Force, a great day as they did the display twice.
What goes around, comes around, and I’ve noticed myself muttering ‘not another F-16’ the past few years. I realise this must stop. With Air Forces swopping to the F-35, there are only so many photo opportunities remaining with the F-16. Get them while you can, and the same goes for all the older types that are rapidly disappearing from the skies, how long have the MiG-29 and Su-22 got?
You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.
