Flying a CF-18 - Kathy Fox's Experience of a Lifetime!

On May 24, 2007 I realized a childhood dream of flying a fighter jet, notably a CF-18 Hornet out of CFB Baggotville.

My duties as NAV CANADA's Vice President Operations (now retired) included co-chairing a joint ANS Cooperation Steering Committee with DND. I was offered a familiarization ride in the F-18 to better understand the operational issues faced during fighter operations.

To prepare for the ride, I underwent a medical with a DND Flight Surgeon, first in Ottawa a few weeks before the ride, and then again with the base doctor the day before my flight. I watched a DVD on physiological factors associated with high altitude and high speed flight, then did a written review exam. Once on the base, I spent several hours the day before the flight getting checked out on the ejection seat, emergency procedures, parachute harness training as well as being fitted with all the necessary gear - flight suit, boots, g-suit, helmet, oxygen mask and gloves. Although I was a few pounds lighter than the minimum required for the ejection seat, once fully suited up, my weight wasn't an issue.

I met my pilot Capt. "Robbie" Robinson for dinner the night before − a great opportunity to get to know one another and "bond" before our shared flight. First impression, I remember thinking "he barely looks older than the aircraft!"  But Capt. Robinson's enthusiasm and professionalism quickly put me at ease, and he promised to explore the envelope of what the airplane can do, while still being considerate of my lack of previous aerobatic experience (beyond those exercises normally conducted for flight training). Needless to say, I had a light dinner and skipped dessert! 

The next morning dawned hot and humid, somewhat unusual for northern Quebec, even in late May. I have to admit to nervous stomach in advance of the ride... my butterflies were definitely not flying in formation! 

A professional military photographer accompanied us to the aircraft for the customary "hero" shot. I suggested my smile might be wider "after the flight", to which the photographer replied "No, you'll probably be green!" 

Strapping into the aircraft, I felt more like the airplane was wrapped around me.  I found that reassuring and confidence building, in spite of the rather cramped cockpit. Capt. Robinson talked me through the pre-flight checks, then we lowered the canopy and taxied out. Our take-off was delayed about 10-15 minutes as we watched a group of six F-18s practicing for an upcoming airshow in Quebec City. Great spot to view this from, but I was glad to get moving again as we were starting to "bake" in the greenhouse effect under the canopy. I really felt the acceleration as we rolled down the runway for a normal take-off but my first impressions were how smooth and quiet it was and what a great view I had! Even sitting in the back seat, you don't see the rest of the aircraft behind you unless you turn around and look at the wings, something it isn't easy to do when you're strapped in tight with visor down and oxygen mask on. 

Shortly after take-off, going through 1500 ft. and 300 knots, Capt. Robinson said the magic words: "You have control"!  

Although I'm left handed, I found it easier to operate the joy stick with my right hand as he proceeded to give me headings and angles of attack to fly using the Heads Up Display (HUD). We quickly climbed above 40,000 feet and he levelled off and set-up at Mach (M) 0.93. "Well, while we're up here, let's go supersonic", said the pilot. "OK" I said and watched the HUD as it rolled up to M0.96, M1.0 - the speed of sound - and he finally established it at M1.3 (760K at that altitude and temperature) and again said "You have control."  Not only had I broken the sound barrier, but he was letting me fly it supersonic ...AWESOME!  

Interestingly, you just feel a slight burble as you hit the sound barrier, kind of like going over an invisible speed bump. It was oh so quiet and smooth.... the F-18 is obviously capable of a lot faster, but that was good enough for me and we didn't stay long at that speed to avoid the high fuel burn. Slowing back to about 350K felt like putting the speed brakes on. 

We spent most of the next hour putting the aircraft through its paces. Having gone supersonic, we tried some slow flight (at 120K with 45 degrees nose up) then rolled into an incipient spin. We did a barrel roll; he did a loop, then I did a loop. I had never looped an aircraft before, so doing my very first one in an F-18 was certainly memorable, especially when you end up at a higher altitude than when you started! He also showed me a "0" G maneuver. 

Capt. Robinson asked me if I'd like to see how fighter pilots get down fast.  I said "Sure". As he peeled over and headed down, I felt my only real discomfort of the flight as I had difficulty clearing my ears through the oxygen mask. We went "tactical" at 200 ft. and 350K following a valley over lakes in a remote area northeast of Baggotville. It was the only time we encountered any turbulence in the low level heat and humidity. I used the opportunity to detach my oxygen mask, clear my ears, and then buckle up again.  

The pièce de resistance came near the end of the flight as we did a vertical climb on afterburners ...straight up at 90 degrees, lying on my back and feeling like I was riding a rocket. 

Too soon it was time to return to base. We flew back low level, entered the circuit for a "closed pattern" over the runway at 2000' and 350K, then a tight descending left turn for a low and over, followed by a high performance climb back up to 2000' and around again for a landing. That was the only time we pulled any significant "g" forces, just under 4G, but the g-suit worked great, reducing the effect by about 1-2G. 

The landing was a greaser!  It was great to put the ejection seat and canopy eject safety pins back in, open the canopy and savour the experience of a lifetime. 

All in all, I couldn't have asked for a better experience (especially since I didn't have to use either of my "boarding passes" which 90% of first time F-18 passengers do). I attribute that to an incredibly smooth aircraft and a very professional and skilled pilot. 

I probably "swaggered" back to Flight Ops, feeling the fatigue that comes with "g"s and an intense experience. But, to quote from that old song, "Oh, what a feeling....what a rush!!". It took several days for the whole experience to really sink in and even now, I can close my eyes and relive it. 

I feel very grateful and blessed to have had this tremendous opportunity to fly the CF-18, a wonderful "smart" aircraft that seems to sense what the pilot wants and figure out the best way to achieve it. 

I have renewed my tremendous respect for the men and women in our armed forces for the job they do everyday serving our country and often putting their own lives on the line. God bless our troops! 

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