I hear the Strike Eagles from SJ frequently but most of the time they are at high altitude. Their engines have a very distinctive sound at cruise. They aren't really that loud unless they are close to the ground and/or have the afterburner lit. You have to keep in mind that sort of training could, in fact, be readiness to intercept and thwart another 9/11 type incident. It doesn't necessarily have to be training either. Small planes likely wander into areas they shouldn't rather often. The F-15 is more than capable of speed necessary to close distance quickly on something unidentified.
Strike Eagle http://www.f-15estrikeeagle.com/ or Hornet http://www.1000pictures.com/aircraft/F-18/index.htm
I think this is the BIG MOMMA we see the most C-130 HERCULES http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=92
When we were taught aircraft identification, we knew to look at how the tail fins were oriented. On the F15, they are perpendicular to the air frame. On the Hornet, they are a bit lazily slanted...and, yes, having to be able to id friend or foe in a split second can be that tenuous and critical. More likely they aircraft were Eagles, flown by the Air Force, ilo Hornets flown by Navy and Marines...
Not dissin' the other pilots whose job is important. I've always wondered how the pilots of A-10's, other CAS aircraft and Combat helicopter pilots/gunners aircraft ever walk normally, given the huge set of CO Jones they must have. Probably explains why they swagger. For my coin, they earned it. good link for aircraft recognition.... http://www.inetres.com/gp/military/ar/index.html
The other two primary military aircraft you'll see a lot of are the A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warhog), C-17 Globemaster and as far as helicopters, the Blackhawk and Chinook. Also, expect to see more Marine Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. They will look like a traditional airplane to most but will have oversized "propellers". This is the aircraft that can tilt its wings and hover like a helicopter yet fly like an airplane. Its sort of a rarity to see any F-18s around these parts. The Hornet is a Navy/Marine jet and are operated primarily out of Virginia and near the coast. You may see an occasional F-16, T-38 Talon or even a Harrier ever so often (very rare this far inland) but in all likelihood any jet that appears very dark grey and is moving fast, screeching overhead at low altitude will be one of Seymour's Strike Eagles, but I don't often see that myself. I have in the past, but very seldom. Most of that type of activity will be limited to Wayne County around Goldsboro or at the coast over Dare County, which is the military bombing range. One thing some might not realize is that many military jets practice landings at civilian airports where they lower their landing gear, touchdown briefly, power up and take off. They do this at airports even with airline traffic like RDU or Kinston Regional. They may even do it occasionally at an airport like Johnston, however I'd imagine that doesn't occur with any kind of frequency if ever.
We moved to McGee's area 12 years ago, not many houses (or anything else for that matter ) back then. We saw military planes all the time, flying low enough that the pilots could wave back. Don't see that anymore! Do hear them occasionally flying low at night.
I think that might be due to the differnce in peace time and war time. I imagine that most of our pilots are getting plenty of flying time under the current situation.
Flight of Freedom I really enjoyed looking at all the Photo's of the F/A 18. I remeber when the first ones arrived at N.A.S Lemoore when I was stationed there in 1981-83. I even loved it when I got my first ride in one. I had the pleasure of working on the A7-E and getting a back seat rde in the F-4. Everytime I hear a jet coming I still go out to watch it screem overhead. I just wish it was more often. Those pilots need the low level training here in the states. You may think we wont ever get attacked by land here, but it just might happen and I'd rather have our pilots prepared . I welcome the sound that protects my country. Sure it scares the bajeebee's out of ya :shock: , but after it goes by doesn't it make ya feel really proud?? :-D
i totally agree - whenever we hear one overhead we all run out to see and my grandkids do the same thing - we feel a total sense of pride and are reassured of our protection both now and for the future.
I am definitely a youngin' ar heart when it comes to military jets. I hear them and I run out the backdoor to see if I can identify them. Ever so often, I'll see one of SJ's KC-135Rs dropping altitude making huge circles.
