Flying With a Fighter Jet
It’s the biggest day in flight each year.
We are not referring to record-setting flights during Thanksgiving or Christmas, we are talking about August 19th, the day set aside to revel in all things related to flight!
Ever since 1939, August 19 has been celebrated as National Aviation Day, a day shared with the birth of civil aviation pioneer Orville Wright.
For those who know Dr. Rex, you know he LOVES airplanes. So much in fact that he had his own plane built and flies as often as time allows. One of his most memorable flights took place in 2006 when he and Sherry were traveling from Phoenix to Sacramento.
It was a normal day with a few storm clouds on the horizon. To ensure a more comfortable flight for Sherry, Dr. Rex slightly re-routed his course to avoid flying through the storm. Unbeknownst to him, they found themselves in temporarily unapproved airspace. This became immediately evident as an F-18 fighter jet appeared on his left wing. Dr. Rex and the fighter pilot made eye-contact and then the fighter jet disengaged. Moments later it appeared on the right wing. Again, eye contact was made and then the fighter was gone. A third time it appeared on the left wing and recognition flares were discharged. After this intense interchange Dr. Rex was given orders to change course and land in Palm Springs. Once safely on the ground he discovered waiting on the tarmac were multiple military aircraft accompanying Air Force One and a swarm of secret service agents anxious to interrogate Dr. Rex and Sherry.
The next time you are in the office, have Dr. Rex share the entire story – it was an adventure for sure!
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