By Richard Hixson, EAA Chapter 23 Newsletter Editor
On Friday, January 13, EAA Chapter 23 (Salt Lake City) hosted its annual banquet at the Hill Aerospace Museum located at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah. Over 200 members, friends, and guests attended. We were assisted by members from EAA Chapter 58 (Ogden), and joined by members from EAA Chapter 753 (Provo), EAA Chapter 1677 (Heber), as well as members from IAC Chapter 139. It was nice to see 25-30 high school and college-age guests in attendance.
The venue, the Hill Aerospace Museum was perfect for the event. We were surrounded by some incredible historical U.S. military aircraft.
Ed McKenney, president of the Ogden Regional Airport Association, opened the meeting with a brief discussion of the challenges facing hangar owners/tenants at the Ogden Hinckley Airport. Ed indicated that the airport manager, backed by the City of Ogden, is taking aim at general aviation at the airport. For example, they are terminating ground leases for older hangars as they expire (notwithstanding renewal provisions). For more information, please visit the ORAA website. Ed then showed a brief video on the history of the Ogden-Hinckley Airport (which dates to 1927).
Max Cloward, president of EAA Chapter 23, then presented the January Chapter Video Magazine as those in attendance dined on delicious barbecue from R&R Catering.
The featured speaker for the evening was Maj. Kristin ‘Beo’ Wolfe, commander of the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, 388th Fighter Wing, based at Hill Air Force Base. If you attended AirVenture 2022, you most likely saw Maj. Wolfe demonstrate the Lightning II.
Maj. Wolfe is a graduate of the University of Alabama and its ROTC program. Her undergraduate degree is in chemical engineering. Maj. Wolfe has flown and instructed first in the F-22 Raptor, then transitioned to the F-35A in 2017. Since 2020 she has commanded the F35-A demonstration team.
Maj. Wolfe’s talk and PowerPoint presentation was incredibly interesting. A few tidbits:
- The F-35 Lightning II demo team does 20 demonstration engagements per year. The timing of our banquet (January) was fortunate.
- Wolfe is supported by a team of 10 for each engagement.
- The F-35A uses approximately half of its 18,000-pound internal fuel load in a single demonstration.
- In cruise, fuel burn is a more leisurely 100 pounds per minute.
- The minimum radius turn generates a sustained 6-7 g However, one maneuver briefly generates 9 gs during the program.
- The technology inside the cockpit is amazing. The custom-fitted carbon fiber helmet provides the HUD display inside the visor — “think Iron Man,” per Maj. Wolfe.
- The F-35 Lightning is flown by the U.S. and seven other program partner countries.
The question-and-answer session was even more interesting:
- The Lightning II is fly-by-wire. In some ways actual flight controls inside the cockpit are relatively simple compared to many GA aircraft.
- In response to one young lady’s question: yes, survival (SERE) training is required for pilots.
- The F-35A is equipped with an Auto GCAS, Ground Collision Avoidance System. In the event that a pilot suffers GLOC (g-induced loss of consciousness) or is otherwise incapacitated, the aircraft will right itself and follow terrain to give the pilot a chance to recover.
- The F-35A doesn’t have TCAS or other commercial avoidance systems. However, the IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) radar-based system works well. Yes, they ‘see’ GA aircraft.
- The F-16 or other older fighters might be more maneuverable in some arenas. However, they are not stealthy. Maj. Wolfe pointed to an F-15 at the museum and noted that they can ‘see’ it at 100 miles.
- Wolfe acknowledged that some artistic liberties might have been taken in the filming of Top Gun: Maverick.
- Comparing the F-22 to the F-35, Maj. Wolfe indicates the F-22, with vectored thrust, is more maneuverable in a dogfight, however both are incredible aircraft. She noted that as the F-35 is 10 years newer, there are even more advances with stealth technology and in the cockpit.
- The Air Force is looking for pilots. Physical health, adaptability, and GPA are more important than specific degree programs or technical training. If you have the willingness and aptitude the Air Force will train you.
Overall, the banquet was a fantastic success. As mentioned above, the venue was incredible. Maj. Wolfe was very approachable and informative. Our members came away enthusiastic about the event and appreciative of our relationship with Hill Air Force Base. Feedback from the younger guests was overwhelmingly positive. We are incredibly appreciative of Maj. Kristin Wolfe and her team for their selfless contributions to the event.