Who's the new cat on the block...

[Panther]

It is time to introduce myself, as I am sure some are wondering who I am when I request information or want to buy something.  I have been a long time lurker here and I finally registered in December.  I am slowing putting together plans on building a viper pit, getting pieces here and there.  Right now I only have an un-assemblied ACES II kit, and few other goodies.

Here is a shot of my current setup, which is a generic setup:

Who's the new cat on the block...

Who's the new cat on the block...

My plans are to get me a lot closer to the real thing.  Which of course I have spent some time in.  

Who's the new cat on the block...

Who's the new cat on the block...

Who's the new cat on the block...

I am Enlisted in the United States Air Force and I'm currently stationed at Nellis AFB, Nevada.  I am a Fuel System Repair Craftsman on the A-10, F-15, F-16, F-22 and the HH-60 and I will soon be adding the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper to my list of aircraft.  Previous assignments were Luke AFB, Arizona and Kunsan AB, South Korea.

My virtual hobbies consist of Falcon 4 AF, OF and LockOn.  I was just recently selected as #11 on The Virtual Thunderbirds.  Other hobbies are playing Paintball (speedball), shooting firearms, camping and just being lazy

Now it is time to let the fun begin.

Oh before I forget
 

[AiRdAncE]

Excellent setup you got there ! And you're soo lucky to have actually been flying that amazing bird

Too few girls on here; the ones that once were, are no longer so I'm glad to see some new blood. Keep us posted on every kind of progress And keep the pictures coming - you are in a fortunate position at Nellis AFB

[Squid]

Welcome to the pit !
As you are in the USAF, maybe you can cut down a cockpit for your house, I m pretty sure nobody will notice 

Wish you luck in your project

Skid

[Ka-Bar03]

Hi Panther, nice Bio. I suppose your pit will be built so it's ultr-portable for moves? Thanks for your service and congrats on being #11

[Killratio]

Welcome, good to be able to show my wife that it isn't just guys who are crazy about this stuff....good luck with the pit.

[101-douxx]

Well Stephanie,
Welcome in this "boyz" craziness!

Nice to see another girl in this hobby and congrats on being on this incredible thunderbirds team.

Take care,
Stephane.

[Panther]

I thought I would share this short video from my last flight.

Who's the new cat on the block...

[Jarrod66]

THAT VIDEO IS SWEET!!!!

I am quite jeaulous...

Welcome aboard....great to have you Stephanie!!

[Valcor]

Hello Panther

Welcome to the group. Nice hardware setup! I really enjoyed your images and video. It looks like you have had more than one incentive ride. Earning that privilege in the Air Force is hard to do. Good luck with your pit project.

Valcor

[Muddog]

Welcome Panther,
             I too am building a pit(low budget)It seemed to be a quick project at first and I keep adding things to the list.......Keep a couple years on the side for time
I am jealous you get to touch these birds everyday
Mud

[Valcor]

Hello Panther

I noticed that you said that you are a Fuel System Repair Craftsman for F-16s. One of my many jobs at Lockheed was sealing and testing the F1 fuel tank for single and two seat F-16s. I can't tell you how many time I cracked my head entering a two seat F1 fuel tank. And, I always seemed to hit my head on the spot with the least amount of hair...less padding. I whacked my head one time so hard I actually saw stars. Haha! By the way FYI, the stars don't circle around your head like in the cartoons...they just appear everywhere.

The F1 tank on a single seat was much larger and had enough room to stretch out and get comfortable. It was about the size of a large dog house. After the tank was sealed I ran a 2-3 pound air pressure test to confirm that there were no leaks. The bladders were installed later by people that were even smaller than me.

The bulkhead that separated the fuel cell from the cabin area was very thin and contained many seams and rivets that had to be sealed. I was always terrified of the idea that a single leak into the oxygen rich cabin area during flight could spell disaster with a single spark.

Did you ever work on or know of a F1 fuel tank leak where fuel or fumes leaked into the cabin area?

Thanks
Valcor

[Panther]

Did you ever work on or know of a F1 fuel tank leak where fuel or fumes leaked into the cabin area?

I have had many leak but none were mentioned with fuel fumes in the cockpit.

[Gunner]

Hey Panther!
Shows how much I've been checking in here lately - just saw your post. You already know it's a great bunch over here, you'll get all the help you need. Let's see now, we have you, STRIKER, Whack and myself participating over here...I'd say the team is becoming pretty well represented!

[Panther]

I can see it, in a few years v1-12 having a fully functional cockpit, lol.

[TOR]

Hi "Panther"

Welcome love... you?re gonna have a ball in here - we hope 

Trying to find words congratulating you with the TB-thing..... 

Your current "pit" looks like it does the job. Very impressive I?d say!

Haven?t used the word for years - so corrections are fine..... but you have got to be the Tomboy of 2008 

Now... we just wanna see some carpentry-skills - and a lot of pictures 

... and Steph..... there has got to be a longer version of that video. Unless there?s footage you?d rather not show us... as in vomit-bag 

Cheers,

GUN