So my wonderful girlfriend decided to surprise me for my birthday and set up a little joy ride for me.

 

The plane is a T6 Texan trainer and this was setup through Lone Star Flight museum at Ellington Air Force Base.

 

My pilot was awesome, ex military and current commercial. I told him I was fine if he wanted to try to scare me, and he obliged, wow that thing can pull some G’s. Can’t imagine what it would be like if he was really trying.

 

These are the plane specs.

 

That’s awesome. I did a ride in a B-24 for my 50th from a similar organization. Good times.

 

Now that's a cool birthday gift! The Texan is a great airplane, many an aviator have honed their skills in one.

 

They have a great museum there. We’ve flown in theIt B17 and B24(?)

 

If she got you that as a gift she is likely a keeper. That’s a great time!

 

I caught a ride in FIFI a couple years back.

 

She is definitely a keeper, we have been together going on 12 years. I am difficult to shop for, she says I’m like a seven year old with a checkbook since I just buy whatever and whenever I want
I was completely surprised and had no clue she planned this. Now I have to come up with something equally as cool for her birthday in November and that’s going to be a real challenge.

 

My wife paid for me and a buddy to fly to Texas and do air combat. We flew two Marchetti planes, with instructors. Those planes are ridiculous. They are high speed prop planes with glass canopies. They simulate jets. Laser and smoke equipped for simulated air combat. Loops, barrel rolls and flying upside down. The most exhilarating thing I ever did.

 

Wow, I bet that was exhilarating, not sure my heart could take it but would be fun trying.
Where did this take place ?

 

And with a nickname of "Old Growler", it seems appropriate.