By the end of the '80s, as an ab-initio F3 squadron pilot, I got 20 hours a month in my first year and less than 16 in the second year. I was no worse off than my contemporaries.
I once did 3 sorties a day for 3 straight days getting LCR recurrent for an unexpected tasking. 12 hours total and involving every task - day, night, tanking, every kind of intercept, affil, and air combat on every sortie. Not a moment just 'in the cruise', and it was completely exhausting, especially having done only about 3 sorties a month previously (one of which, co-incidentally, was with Geehovah).
Interesting human factors. I could barely finish my dinner each evening before collapsing into bed, yet was alert first thing in the morning (which wasn't usual for me!). I remember on the last trip setting up for another split and the nav complaining " do we have to turn so hard?". I was unnecessarily pulling 5 'g' because I wasn't even noticing it anymore. It was immensely satisfying though - aircrew just want to fly!
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Last edited by Fox3WheresMyBanana; 27th September 2012 at 11:48.