I'll take an F/A-18C or a F16C with Gums as lead, anytime! I had an unforgettable ride in a Phantom F4C out of NAS Oceana long ago and far away. (My father was a "big guy" in the U.S. Navy and could arrange such things.) I was 15 and Angels 40 was reached far more rapidly than my young flight-suited self could have imagined! My face was peeled back by the G's for a minute; the smile has been on my face ever since.
When I earned my PPL in 1977, I'd go around the pattern or aviate long cross county flights to maintain currency. For the joy of it. I'd always look upward and think: "I've been there!"
Salute right back!
- Ed