F-15E Strike Eagle Pilot Surpasses 3,000 Hours in the Sky

By Tactical-Life

The following is a release from Airman Shawna L. Keyes, 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs:

For F-15E Strike Eagle aircrew at the 4th Fighter Wing, flying through the skies is a part of their lifestyle. However, for Lt. Col. Paul Hibbard, a 333rd Fighter Squadron instructor pilot, the clouds are almost like a second home.

Hibbard surpassed the 3,000-hour mark in the F-15E July 22, joining an elite group of fighter aviators.

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“It’s quite an honor,” Hibbard said. “Not many fighter pilots accumulate that many flight hours and experience.”

Hour one began more than two decades ago when he started his career as an F-15E pilot on Feb. 9, 1995, as a student in the first Basic Course held at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

“My first couple of hours in the Strike Eagle were exhilarating,” Hibbard said. “What an amazing machine. The simulator and ground briefs prepared us for all of the procedures we would execute, but nothing prepares you for the kick in the pants, the G-forces and the mind-racing visuals of a flight in an F-15E. Over time, I’ve grown accustomed to the physical demands, but the joys of …read more

Source:: Tactical Life