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Old 3rd May 2013, 01:30
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Zoom-56
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Colorado
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I tend to agree with BOAC...

...but my opinion is suspect, since I have never flown commercial carriers. As an anecdote - since this is a flight test forum - flight testers are often multi-qualified and the types may be quite dissimilar. The T-38 is a tandem-seat fast jet with ejection seat. There were handles on both sides next to the thighs, and pulling either would result in ejection. The Phantom, another tandem-seat fast jet, had a face-curtain actuator for the seat. On touchdown, the pilot would deploy a drag chute which was actuated by pulling up on a handle next to the left thigh. While in test training I was flying both regularly, and I was always VERY nervous on touchdown. Before actuating the drag chute after every F-4 landing, I would methodically double-check the entire cockpit to convince myself that I was indeed flying a Phantom and not a T-38.
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