Why no mention of the T2V Seastar trainer which I flew at Forest Sherman field in Pensacola Florida. I was in the last class and the next class flew the North American T2J?
George Klet, e-mail, 12.08.2023 23:44
Jerry: If you are still around and convenient for you I would appreciate a telephone call to 979-229-1103. I was at Laredo AFB in class 59-F, beginning September 1958. Got question for you! Thanks. George Klett
Joel Smith, e-mail, 30.09.2021 05:07
I was 12 at the time My dad was the master sgt in the EOD at the time. I think we were in school at the time, I remember hearing a wet thud. My dad took my brother and I out there after the cleanup it was about 1/2 way between the end of the runway and our housing section, There were still a few parts laying around. We lived on Monroe street between the end of Adams st. and Lincoln Drv. that house is gone. I remember the planes used to take and fly over our house sometimes so low you could see the details of the planes. They would also come in low and slow. After that crash they changed the takeoff and landing aproaches.
Fritz, e-mail, 20.07.2021 03:28
In 1952 I flew a T-33 together with another pilot from Los Angeles to Cape Cod (Otis AFB) with one fuel stop in Omaha. Each leg was 3:20 hrs plus a few minutes. Both times, after we landed, we still had fuel to spare. :-)
Charles Northway, e-mail, 28.02.2021 01:37
This may be the information you need. The two men were Capt. Othel E. Fuller, and Lt. Gary L. Robenhousen.
Graham Clayton, e-mail, 13.02.2021 00:19
Robert,
The crash featured on the front page of the Waco News-Tribune, 17th October 1961. The lone fatality was 42 year old Major Wallace W Young, who was stationed at Connally AFB. The occupants of the other T-33, Captain Robert E Lambert (27) and navigator Lt Milton W Hawkins (24) both parachuted to safety. Young's navigator, Second Lt Loren H Kirsch (24), also parachuted but was seriously injured.
Both planes were on a routine radar-intercept mission when they collided at approximately 25,000 feet.
Tim Bender, e-mail, 05.02.2021 16:45
Thank you so very much. That info is a big help.
Charles Northway, e-mail, 05.02.2021 00:54
Their accident occurred 3 miles South of Watson Arkansas. The pilot in the plane with your dad was, Edwin M. Moorman. It was a mid air collision. Your dad, and Moorman. ejected. The other pilot, D. E. Smith, stayed with his ship, and returned to Greenville. Sorry, that's all I know.
Tim Bender, e-mail, 23.01.2021 00:40
Sir, my dad was stationed at Greenville AFB the same time you were. He was involved in a training accident on 8-15-1960. I believe it happened somewhere over Arkansas. His name is Leo Bender. He was an instructor at the time. He had to eject and subsequently broke his back. I am trying to figure out what hospital he might have got taken to. I cannot find any record of the accident. I need to reference it in my request to get his DD214. maybe you might remember the incident.
Respectfully, Tim Bender
Margaret Hovinga Madden, e-mail, 30.06.2020 00:05
Hello I was a close friend of Ormond Haydon-Baillie from 1972 -1977. Recently I have been donating photos of that time period to Warbird Museums. Someone texted me that you were a close friend of Ormond as well, during his time in the RCAF. Ormond mentioned a number of pilots and I didn't remember their names. I still miss him after all these years. Perhaps.we could.share some photos. BLUE SKIES, Margaret
Ron Hunter, e-mail, 26.04.2020 04:50
Loved the “Lockheed Limousine “ and Class 65xa...Hi Bill!
Ron Hunter
Bob Martin, e-mail, 26.01.2018 22:08
Let’s get back to the T-33 stories. I was a student pilot in Class 63-G at Laredo AFB. We started with 25; which included 3 Afgan students who had washed back; and two from Norway. We ended up with 13 Americans and one Norwegian student graduating. Six of us came in from OCS Class 62C. I still have both Annuals. The 63-G pilots annual also includes pictures of 63-H. I have some pictures of the 16 T-33 aircraft flyover and some Graduation Ball pictures of us and some of the Instructors. I also made the mistake of crabbing the nose wheel on my first taxi out and had to have the maintenance guys straighten it out. Most of us have passed on but I will gladly share pictures if anyone would care to have them. BTW, why no picture of a KC-135. I flew that for 9 years. Please put T-33 Laredo AFB in Subject line otherwise I delete unknown Emails Bob Martin rlwmartin@yahoo.com
Robert Daniel, e-mail, 28.12.2017 03:22
I can't find any info on two T-33's that collided near Crawford Texas in the early 1960's. There was one fatality. My brother witness the collision and saw the parachutes. He was on our street in Waco. My dad took us to the crash site. We were able to walk up to one the planes. The other plane was burning and they wouldn't let us near it. I remember two ejection seats sitting on the ground just like they sit in the plane.
Eric W Munson, e-mail, 20.08.2017 05:55
I am looking for information on crash of a T-33 trainer out of Perrin AFB (crash was 1.5 miles NW of base) on February 23, 1956. Pilot was George M. Munson (my uncle). I have a copy of the death certificate, but am just looking for anyone who might have any specific information.
Gary Quigg, e-mail, 19.03.2017 19:53
Part 1 of this post is to everyone. Part 2 is specific to Michael Coleman's post from 2014. I am a historian/archaeologist writing a report on a crash site approximately 6 miles from the center of the runways on Tyndall AFB. The remaining fragments from the crash on site are consistent with both Lockheed T-33 and F-94 aircraft. I did not locate a serial number on site, so I am narrowing the identity of the precise aircraft down by crash location. In anyone has any info of a crash site approximately 6 miles from the center of the Tyndall runways please email me at gfquigg@gmail.com. Thank you. Now for part 2: Michael Coleman if you ever check these comments please contact me at gfquigg@gmail.com. Thanks.
Deborah Taylor, e-mail, 24.12.2016 00:51
I'm trying to see if anyone has any information about my father's(Capt. Craven P Almond)accident in the T33A (53-5207 per the accident report). December 30th 1954 while exiting the aircraft, the ejection seat went off and hit my father. He died a few days later in DC. One story has it that his parachute got caught on the lever setting off the ejection seat. The other story is that this was a defect in the plane which killed other pilots as well and he was the last to die from this defect. Does anyone have anything to add to this account.
Jim Quinn, e-mail, 03.11.2016 02:11
I am one of several old veterans working on the restoration of a T-33, S/N 53-6132, for installation at our Veterans Memorial Park in the town of Dunlap, TN. The aircraft was formerly on display in Douglas, GA, but has been transferred by the USAF to us for restoration. I have two questions: (1) The aircraft has a very large stencil, TR-132, on the side. Obviously the 132 represents the last three digits of the S/N, but am I safe in assuming the TR was an abbreviation for training? (2) Does anyone know of a reliable source for parts, especially a canopy and tip tanks? The old bird has been sitting for many years... Thank you!
Richard Lambert, e-mail, 24.09.2016 02:56
Researching T-33 Aircraft serial Numbers staioned at Richards Gebauer AFB in 1966-68. Hoping someone can give me these as was stationed there and worked on 7 i believe.
Wally Leland, e-mail, 23.04.2016 08:28
I have over a 1000 hrs. In the T Bird, and enjoyed reading the comments of other T Bird pilots. While flying out of Lowry AFB in the 60's, while stationed at the USAFA, Capt. Lou Andrews and I logged 4.2 hrs. In a T Bird. I doubt if any one else has come anywhere close to that. We utilized the Mountain Wave off the Santa de Cristo mountains Southwest of Pueblo,Co. flying @ 12000 feet , crabbing into the westerly winds. On one leg of 20 miles we gained 1500 ft. @ flight idle, 115 Kts, 1/4 flaps.
After two hours working the wave, we climbed up to 20 K, and contacted Lowry base ops to see if they would extend our flying period. They said there was no schedule for the next period, and gave us 2 more hrs. When we landed after over 4 hours, the crew chief wanted to know why we had gone cross country, when we were only scheduled for a local flight. The only explanation we gave him was that operations had authorized a 2nd period. We were restricted to 165 gallons in the tip tanks, and when we landed , we had a full fuselage tank a some fuel in the inboards. Unfortunately Lou has " Gone West", but I do have the flight logged in my Form 5.
At the time, I was the only USAF pilot on orders to log flying time In Sailplanes ( Gliders ) . One month, I flew over 4 hrs. In a USAFA sailplane and logged that to meet my monthly flight requirement.
Lt. Col. James W. Leland, Retired, USAF
Wendell Wilson, e-mail, 17.03.2016 22:27
I am trying to find information about my father 1st Lt Robert Gordon Wilson who died when his T-33 went down in France on March 22, 1959. He was stationed in England (we lived in Bury St Edmonds). He was with the 81st Supply SQ. I found on another site that his s/n was 53-5828 and crashed at Chaumont AB - not sure if this is correct. I was always told that his aircraft experience hydraulic failure and he had to stay with it to use up fuel and guide it to a safe crash site. For whatever reason he was not able to eject and attempted to parachute but was entangled with the rear stabalizer. I would love to hear from anyone that knew him or any details about his service.
Charles Northway, e-mail, 09.01.2016 18:47
I was stationed at Greenville Air Force Base, Mississippi, an ATC base until 1961. I was there from 1957, until 1961. I worked in base operations, and got to know quite a few of the IP's who were kind enough to take me on Maint. flights with them. Had some interesting experiences inm the old T-Bird. Those who know the T-Bird, know it had a habit of having a cocked nose wheel at take off, which made for some interesting landings. I made two foamed runway landings with cocked nose gear, and one landing with no nose gear. My worst incident happened while sitting on the end of the active waiting for clearance. The IP ran the J-33 up, and we heard a loud explosion, and the whole aircraft shuddered. I turned around, and looked behind us, and the engine had exploded. The rear fuselage looked like some one had shot it full of big holes with a shot gun. It wasn't until a few days later thst it really began to sink in, and I thought, what if we had gotten off the ground and had this happen on climb out? I wouldn't be here writing this now. To low for the old ejection seats. We didn't know what zero-zero was back then. This would have been in about 1960. I had some great times in that old bird, though. She was tough, and reliable.
Larry Deal, e-mail, 11.08.2015 22:22
I was a plane captain on USMC T-33B at Headquarters Marine Corps, Flight Section, Andrews AFB from 1966-69. I had a taxi license and often did high power run ups to diagnose engine problems or insure proper operation after maintenance. Flew in back seat many times and got stick time often. It was a great trainer and enjoyed a long service history.
Peter Makowski, e-mail, 28.07.2015 01:09
Left active duty as a Marine pilot at MCAS Cherry Point NC May 1963. Thereafter a Marine pilot friend of mine was involved in a fatal accident flying a TV-2/T2V or T33B from Cherry Point NC. Allegedly an engine failure on takeoff with a Navy Flight surgeon ejecting safely; pilot did not eject Any where I can find an written accident report on this military accident. Peter Makowski
George Horvath, e-mail, 03.06.2015 18:04
Trying to find the location of T-33 s/n 536146 I was crew chief on TR-146 at Keesler AFB 1959-1960. The T-33's were transferred to Eglin AFB in 1962. The bird was bright metal. The right flap was replaced and painted in 1960 due to damage. Great plane, easy to maintain.
Philip White, e-mail, 26.02.2015 18:46
Writing a paper on the Lockheed tv-2 shooting star and problems with the plane's performance such as inversions or problems which may have caused crashes. I'm particularly interested in a crash of a plane that killed Lt Cmdr Robert Bollinger, USN Res in June 1958 while on flt from Lewiston ID to Denver in the vicinity 40 miles northeast of mountain home, ID. Any info appreciated.
John Tagnesi, e-mail, 15.02.2015 19:52
At England AFB in 1973, I was assigned to the Civil Engineers during the rated supplement phase of my career. My solo flight in the T-33 was very uneventful..until I turned on the runway and as I pressed the right brake to stop the turn and align on the runway, the brake pedal went all the way and NO right brake. As I continued the left turn and finally stoped in front of the RSU, I had to advised the tower and request a tow. To make matters even more embarrassing, I had to ride the aircraft during the towing process. All my friends in the RSU and tower came outside to wave and laugh at me. I dared the maintenance folks not to find some problems with the right brake..they did.
Gordon Scott, e-mail, 14.02.2015 02:26
We used T-33's in Korea for radio-relay and weather-relay missions in '69-'70. I scheduled aircrew members for those planes as well as C-47 Gooneybirds and H-19 helicopters. I was a USAF E-4 and worked for 1Lt's Sluss and Lacky, great guy's. One day Major Jones head of Stan/Eval came in and asked if I wanted to go up in T-Bird. It was a 2 hour blast of a ride. My only regret was I had no one take a picture of my getting in the aircraft---would love to have that picture today at my ripe older age of 68 :>)
Will OConnor, e-mail, 29.01.2015 19:44
The Vintage Flying Museum in Fort Worth Texas is in possession of one of the T-33s that were built in the US, but transferred to Canada for the license-building of the Canadair CT-133 Silver Stars. Our T-33 has a Rolls-Royce Nene turbojet( unlike the standard Allison J-33), as well as Canadian avionics. It is in the final stages of restoration to airworthy status.
steve, e-mail, 03.01.2015 02:38
My dad lost his life in the aircraft, March, 1955 on a training mission in southern Ohio. Would love any information available to anyone out there. Have library records of newspaper report from Portsmouth, Ohio. He was operating out of Wright Pat.
Gary J. Hebbard, e-mail, 02.06.2014 02:06
Looking for a crash report or other details of a T-33A crash near Torbay, Newfoundland, Canada on 9 Jan. 1956 that claimed the life of Col. Carl W. Payne. Have found the crash site, talked to a witness but need more detail. Thanks Gary J. Hebbard
Robin Armour, e-mail, 29.05.2014 17:57
As a student pilot and then instructor in this great aircraft it was a joy to strap on and fly. It always worked as advertised, and was often ridden hard in its role as a trainer. Thanks to all the engineers and maintenance personnel that created and maintained this fine bird. My class was 57U, Bryan AFB, TX and flight instructors school at Craig AFB Alabama. Thanks to all.
Michael Coleman, e-mail, 15.04.2014 01:49
I am looking for any information about a T-33 crash at Tyndall AFB in 1972. I was a medic that removed the bodies of the pilot and co-pilot and need any help that I can get.
Jetcopters Inc., e-mail, 16.02.2014 22:16
We still have this aircraft. It's what we used as the Skyfox Corporation Skyfox. This is a top secret military prototype that the firm fear is going to be sold to the Russians. In reality, this aircraft was a protoype of an upgraded Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star that was offered for production but never progressed beyond that stage. We were lucky to get our hands on it. The plane was sold to us and we used it for Airwolf. We still have it locked away in the hangar at Van Nuys Airport. If you email us at the email listed above, we'll give you more information and send you pictures. Thank you for your service. And, sorry that we're closed.
Charlie Brickett, e-mail, 30.01.2014 00:11
The last version of the original T-33/TV-2 which I flew out of NAS Pensacola/Forrest Sherman Field was the T2V which was primarily an instrument trainer but also used for carrier qualification having a tail hook. No mention of it in bio of the plane. Was part of BTG9 training squadron.
Jim Zock, e-mail, 11.01.2014 16:28
The T-33 was later modified with two Garrett engines that were placed externally on the aft fuselage. Some wing modifications were made and it was called the Sky Fox. The modification was purchased by Boeing and shelved causing it to never be mass produced. This mod would have kept the T-33 alive for many years and been affordable for many poorer nations that already had the T-33 in their fleets.
Bill Walls, e-mail, 13.11.2013 17:38
I was station at DM AFB when we took the T33 out of the Bone Yard and put the plane back in service for the pilots that were POWS and shot down in Southeast Asia
Jeff Cox, e-mail, 20.08.2013 16:29
I WAS STATIONED AT ELMENDORF AND IN 1981. That's all we worked on. Our squadron was the 5021 Tactical Operation Sq. I have to say, they were one of the best aircraft I've ever had the pleasure of maintaining.
Alfred J. D'Amario, e-mail, 19.08.2013 03:11
I graduated from pilot training at Craig AFB in December, 1951 (class 51-H) flying P-51s. Transitioned to jets at Williams AFB in early 1952 flying the T-33 and the F-80. Flew the F-80 at Fighter Gunnery/Bomber training at Nellis AFB and went to Korea in June 1952 flying the F-80 for combat and the T-33 for training. After Korea I was transferred to Pinecastle AFB (later McCoy AFB and now Orlando International Airport) where the T-bird was my primary mission aircraft. At Pinecastle and later McConnell AFBs, I got about 1,000 hours in the T-33. I agree it was a beautiful airplane to fly. It was affectionately called the T-Bird, the Oversized Hairdryer and the Training Aid. In all that time, I never had a T-Bird let me down.
LtCol William G. Sloan, e-mail, 09.08.2013 15:43
I was in the last class to fly T-33s @ Lauglin AFB called 65Xa. The following classes flew T-38s. The X classes were an experiment the AF tried to save money. They were 44 weeks vs 50 something wks and you had to be a pilot already and a college graduate. The X classes were discontinued because of a higher than normal flunk out rate. We lost a lot of good men that would have probably made it in a normal longer class. The T-33 was a Cadillac of an airplane and a real joy to fly. I can tell you you don't want to turn on the fuel boost on climb out! It like an afterburner and almost costed me my wings. I flew F-4 C&D after pilot tng. at Davis Monthan AFB, George AFB, Ubon Thailand, and Hahn AFB Germany, then went into the USAF reserves in New Orleans flying C-119 flying boxcars and transitioned in C-130A&B. Then flew C-130 Gunships out of Duke field until retirement after 28 years. Good times never forgotten!
Charles Weber, e-mail, 07.07.2013 18:41
I crashed in one at MCAS Cherry Point South Carolina in late 50's. I was a SSgt in the Maine Corps. Does anyone have any info about the crash? I thought the aircraft was great.
CURTIS BERRY, e-mail, 18.06.2013 00:47
ANYONE RECALL TWO T-33s FROM GREENVILLE AFB, MS COLLIDING IN MID-AIR SOMETIMES AFTER 1955? ONE WAS KILLED WHILE THE OTHER 3 PARACHUTED TO SAFETY. THIS TOOK PLACE OVER MY FATHERS FARM & HE RAN UP UNDER A LARGE TREE TO AVOID THE FALLING DEBRIS. I AM A RETIRED AIR FORCE MASTER SERGEANT CURRENTLY EMPLOYED FULL TIME BY CIVIL SERVICE AT KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM. IF ANYONE RECALLS THIS PLEASE CALL ME. MY DUTY PHONE IS 505-846-1898. THANKS FELLOWS.
James Baker, e-mail, 15.06.2013 14:02
I was the crew chief on the first aircraft to come out of the factory as a T_33 (previous were TF-80c) Serial No 49-901 (Lockheed No. 5051)It arrived at Williams AFB Az in July 1949 and had been flown twice by Clarence (Kelly) Johnson at Lockheed. It was the first aircraft to have a one-piece canopy, a J-33A-35 engine (with lower pressure fuel system),dual fire warning system metal brake reservoir(with sight window) TF-80C had all plastic brake reservoir.
William "Bill" Sloan, e-mail, 11.04.2013 18:14
I was in the last class of T-33 at Laughlin AFB Texas in 1964. It was the second 44 week experimental class called 65XA. These classes were terminated due to high drop out rates. The T-33 was a real Cadillac and I loved flying it. You had to be a college graduate and already a pilot to be in the class.
cecil paxton, e-mail, 20.02.2013 03:35
I crewed t-33's from 1956 to 1964 in tyndall, johnson and yokota japan and holliman. Loved the work. Good plane
josue, e-mail, 08.01.2013 07:38
I Need information of T-33A 56-1662?
John W. Van Dyke, e-mail, 08.12.2012 23:00
My initial "tech school" maintainence training was on T-33A's. My first assignment to Spangdahlem AB Germany, (1961 thru 1964) was at "Base Flight" and Crew Chief for T-33A, 52-9857. My Flight Chief was Bruce Athelston. After three years, I transferred Dow AFB, Maine,(1964 thru 1966) 75th FIS, T-33A section. My boss was SSgt Jerry Schultz. After three years, I transferred to Griffiss AFB, NY, replacing Earl Brice, working T-33A's. After a year there, I transferred to Keflavik, Iceland to work on Duce's. The T-33A was an awesome jet to crew, just a little rough on the knees.
Marsh Helena, e-mail, 06.12.2012 20:42
This is a long shot, but am hoping that someone might have some info on a T-33 crash just north of Vance, and on the southwest corner of Enid. This was between June 1959 and August 1960. Dad was in Korea for a year, so we lived close to base for BX, commissary, clinic, etc. The aircraft was on what I think was a maintenance check flight when something went amiss right after leaving the runway. The T-33 impacted in our housing development in a couple of vacant lots. Engine sailed down the street into a home.Pilot was killed, but no one on the ground injured. I was in 6th grade, eating breakfast, I think, went we heard a "thump", like something falling on the roof. Ran outside and saw the smoke. Rode my bike over to the site. First time (there would be other times) in my life I smelled the sick odor of a turbine-engine airplane crash.Picked up a couple of souveniers (piece of canopy and an avionics connecter). Mom really got angry and drove me over to Vance to turn in the items. Thought she was going to let the APs take me to jail. Anyway as best I recollect, the newspaper said that the pilot attempted to miss the houses.I've always wondered about the name of the pilot and the details of what went wrong. Have queried the AFSC for the accident report, but after a year I still have no response. Does anyone have memory or details of that accident? Thanks much.
Lauren Eastwood, e-mail, 01.12.2012 16:24
I worked on the hydraulic system's of the 2 that were assinged to the 49th FIS at Griffiss, AFB, Rome New York, fro early 1970 to mid 1971, then went to Kunson, Korea late June of 1971
David Hafford, e-mail, 21.11.2012 03:51
Please feel free to correct me on anything I say. I was a witness to what I believe was a T-33 flaming out with an explosion that I faintly heard. I could see the silver body of the plane going stright down. This was in the Decatur area of Atlanta Georgia somewhere around 1956-1958. The plane crashed in a backyard near my school. I was sitting in the classroom of my elementary school and just happened to look out the window (I had a window seat) and saw the plane go down. No one survived in the plane and no one was injured on the ground. It was on the news the next day. I didn't interrupt the class (you didn't do those things back then.) I have been searching the internet a lot without any success. Let me know if you have knowledge of this incident. Thanks.
Frank G. Smith, e-mail, 26.07.2012 21:12
Graduated Class 55H (Feb '55)at Bryan AFB then to Craig for Instructor training. Back to Bryan in T-28A and T-33, then to Shepard AFB , again T-Birds and T-28A Trojans then to Randolpoh in T-Birds, then to Webb AFB in T-Birds and T-37 Tweets. Finally got out of ATC and into F-102 at Perrin then Alaska's 317th FIS. Back to Perrin in Dueces and T-Bird. Went to Thailand as advisor to RTAF in T-28D-5 then to Tyndall AFB in T-33 to finish out my 20 years! How's that for advancement??? Started out in T-28 and T-33 and ended up in T-28 and T-33! Loved the 3300 hours plus in the T-Bird and the 400 plus in the Trojan.
Russell Henderlite, e-mail, 16.06.2012 04:08
Currently working with High School Aviation students at my school in Florida to restore T33A 58-470 for static display at my shool. According to the AF it was attached to the 3800th Air Wing (Air University) form delivery in 9/58 until 9/72 when it transferred from the air to become a maintenance training airframe. Any information or photos about this aircraft would be greatly appreciated to assist in our restoration efforts. Thanks in advance.
Bob Arr, e-mail, 16.06.2012 03:25
I'm trying to make a video about about Foster AFB, TX, 1953, but I ran into a problem. I need some video, or homemade movies (8mm will do) of a T33 flying a 360° overhead pattern, showing him all the way from the break to touchdown. I've searched the Internet, and nothing I found comes close.
Can anyone help me?
Bob Arr
bill hudson, e-mail, 23.04.2012 01:16
i have searched and cannot find information for a crash i witnessed at nas cubi point pi t33 1968 0r 1969 please help i would like to know who those souls were
John Baldwin, e-mail, 03.04.2012 00:52
Three view included here is an F-80; not a T-33.
John Baldwin, e-mail, 03.04.2012 00:51
Three view included here is an F-80; not a T-33.
Julio Torres, e-mail, 16.02.2012 01:17
Flew T-33 at Greenville AFB, MS. Graduated Class 60-C 13 Oct 59. Returned to my country after gunnery course in F-86F in Feb 1960 at Williams AFB, AZ. Completed 30 year career in Venezuelan Air Force, retired 1989 as LT.Gral.
Iliff v. Gray, e-mail, 30.01.2012 01:41
I joined the training command 212 in 1956.Our plane was a tv2 I was a master inspector in the hydraulic,metalsmith shop.When you or the other 4 master inspectors sighed off on the airplane one of the 5 would have to fly.You never knew when so you had better be right. We received the huge sum of 65.00 Hazard duty pay for the Privilege/Then they needed a troubleshooter for the flight line so was a troubleshooter for the remainder of my time.I left the navy as a am2.Wish I had retired from the navy as I loved it..I am now 77 years old.Still love the navy..i.v.gray
JP Garvin, e-mail, 26.01.2012 18:56
I am wondering if anyone has heard of manually bailing out of these planes in the early days before the advent of ejection seats?
Bob Mutchler, e-mail, 06.01.2012 22:29
Learned to fly the T-Bird at Greenville AFB on Class of 57 November. Still remember my Dollar Ride. Loved the plane. Took Instructor training at Selma and spent about 2 years instructing at Vance AFB, Enid, OK. Flew it some more while in the North Dakota Air Guard in the 1960's.
Ray D. Reaves, e-mail, 03.01.2012 20:33
I flew the T-33 in UPT Class 62F at Laredo AFB, Tx. I cannot find any record of that class. Could you please help me. Thanks: Ray D. Reaves, Col (R) USAF 10261 SE 55th Street Oklahoma City, Ok 73150 Home phone 405-733-1188 Cell 405-640-2004
Colonel Ward Baker, e-mail, 25.09.2011 01:09
Class 55-S: Was fortunate enough to fly the T-Bird for almost 4,000 hours. Flew another great Lockheed aircraft, the C-140 JetStar for 2,000 hours. It was a great ride !!!!
Jack Krause (55-S), e-mail, 12.09.2011 01:58
Stayed current for almost all my 25 years in the USAF, and flew 2500 plus hours. Only one engine failure - got it started. Great machine, and I have logged time in 100 (exactly) different airplane models. Last flew the T-33 in a four ship flyby for a retirement ceremony. My retirement.
H. Craig Summer, e-mail, 28.08.2011 15:23
I am the current Curator of the Perrin Field/AFB historical museum, Sherman/Denison TX. We need T-33 pictures etc. from past Perrin people for the museum, please contact me at hcsummer@peoplepc.com.
Ron Biagiarelli, e-mail, 22.08.2011 17:43
I was stationed at Shaw AFB, S. Carolina, 1958-60. I was a crew chief on T-bird TR-939. It was a good airplane and I enjoyed working on it. Got to fly with it a couple of times. Anybody out there who was stationed at Shaw, 837th ABG, drop me a line.
Sherry, e-mail, 01.08.2011 04:36
I have been searching the internet for information on the crash of a T33 on June 25, 1960. I have only found two references to it, an article in the Chicago Tribune and one reference on Aviation Safety site. I am looking for any information on the captains that were killed in this crash. Training flight out of Erding Germany, crashed into a mountain side. capts. Charles Melton and Roger P Miller were both killed as well as two german pilots. I am trying to find history on Roger P. Miller. Anyone out here that knows anything ????????? Please contact me at my email address with the subject line Roger P Miller so I will not suspect as spam mail please. Thanks all
Don Scott, e-mail, 16.06.2011 20:30
Re questio by: bob, barnold6=optonline.net, 22.03.2011 Can anyone tell me the engine out dead stick glide ratio of the T33? Answer: Canadian T-33 was 11-1 ratio @ 165K
Bob Kibler, e-mail, 12.06.2011 05:45
Failed to give his name. Raoul S. Dossmann - Nickname "Bob"
Bob Kibler, e-mail, 12.06.2011 05:43
My dad flew the T-Bird at Laredo AFB in 1955. Was killed during night flying on Feb. 15, 1955 about 6 miles from the base. Was flying with Leon Taylor at the time. Neither survived the crash. Anyone remember my Dad? Would love to hear from you.
mehdi asili, e-mail, 17.05.2011 18:12
performance-dimentions-engine(figure)-(j85-ge-21)-atmospher moddeling in pattern-moddeling and simulation of take off
Maj Fred Blume, e-mail, 23.04.2011 02:37
If you read the article by Joe Bacon about the student that did the Saber Dance in the T 33 it was all true . I was his instructor in the T 37. Must have been something I missed. Testified on the FEB and said he was above average student pilot, and Crash Johnson graduated with his class. Wouldn"t happen today. Grad of class 65XA Laughlin. circa 1964. Loved the T bird.
Joe Santee, e-mail, 23.04.2011 00:46
I was in the last class to fly the T-33 as a trainer at Laredo AFB. After our class finished training some of us flew the T-33's to various bases around the US to be used in different ways by the AF. It was a good instrument trainer for the times. Those of us who went to the back seat of the F-4 after flight school who had flown the T-33 went straight to the F-4. Those who had trained in other A/C had to get "stick" time in the T-33 before their first F-4 ride.
Wm Turbo Tarling, e-mail, 18.04.2011 00:23
My father (Turbo Tarling) has 7,683 hours flying the T-33 (so far). I'm just setting up a website for him now [t33.ca] so he can archive his flying material from over the past 5 decades -- it will be a long process as he literally has thousands of photos, articles, and old home movies of his flights. Bit by bit I'm hoping to get more online for him. The T-33 has always been his favorite Bird.
John Irwin, e-mail, 08.04.2011 05:07
Transitioned from T-6 at James Connally in Waco. First flight, with Capt Don Hawkins, was 23 May 1953 in 19844. Soloed T-33 on 4 June 1953 in 19194. Went on to be a T-33 instructor at Perrin instrument school after graduation from cadet program. Most of my hours are in T-33 from 1953 through 1956. I later flew T-33 at Chambley, France for a year when I was recalled for the 2nd Berlin Crisis in 1961-1962. Best job in Europe! I flew airplane parts,VIPS, Flight Surgeon, Ground Liaison Officer, dispatches, and gave instrument refreshers to the F-84 jocks and was getting 50-60 hours a month having fun.
Lindsay Lanphere, e-mail, 30.03.2011 19:19
This is probably a long shot, but I'm doing some research on my grandfather and I know the T-33 is one of the planes he used to fly. He actually had a really bad crash in one in Okanawa in 1964. His name was Merten Stroh. If anyone remembers him please contact me at cl.lanphere@gmail.com. Thank you!
Jim McIntosh, e-mail, 28.03.2011 10:40
Still working on the rear seat from 58-0510, most needed parts have been aquired. Trying to locate MSgt Robert L. Sisco, 510's Crew Chief at the 49th FIS. Also still looking for pictures and other unit assignments for the aircraft.
Dennis Richardson, e-mail, 24.03.2011 06:39
3-23-2011 Yesterday, I went out to the Anza Borrego Desert and visited a T-33 airplane wreckage that crashed into a very rocky mountain. Does anyone know if the pilot's are still alive. The records show they both survived the crash with minor injuries. San Diego, Ca 619-861-4262
bob, e-mail, 22.03.2011 17:38
Can anyone tell me the engine out dead stick glide ratio of the T33?
uncle-mac, e-mail, 10.03.2011 20:35
Good grief! didn't we all get flight time in the T-Bird at one time or the other. Flew the bird at GMGRU-1,Barbers Pt. and Pt. Mugu in the late 50s and early 60s. Regulus-1 /and 2 Recovery. One crash on San Nick Island during Reg-2 recovery back in early 60s, Experimental Targets office.
Capt. Chuck KEndrick, e-mail, 02.03.2011 04:56
I flew the T-Bird at Laredo AFB, Tx., graduated in Class 61C. Lucky enough to stay current and fly the T-33 as a secondary aircraft during my entire AF career. We could always get a T-Bird for a weekend cross-country. We got another 25 hours of instrument training in the back of the T-33 at Perrin prior to flying the F-86. Some exiting times mostly caused by my stupidity.
Clancy Miller, e-mail, 25.02.2011 05:48
As a host of a radio show, called "WingTip to WingTip" on WIZR radio in the early 60's, I gave a lot of publicity to the USAF recruiting service. As a result,the local AF recruiter arranged for me to fly back seat in a T-bird. We were the "target" for F-101's out of Griffis Air Base in Rome, NY. During the excercise in which we were "shot down" 10 times, I got to fly 3 hours in 10 minutes. With the exception of the birth of my two sons, this was the greatest moment of my life. As a student pilot with about 80 hours solo time, I found the aircraft very easy to handle. On our way back to Griffis, the field was closed, due to inclimate weather and we were directed to Ottowa, Canada. After 3 hours on the ground we headed back to Griffis where I experienced my first ILS approach. Lt. William Reese told me ahead of time that he was going to fly the approach 20 foot below the glide path. The fact that the controller continually notified us of being 20 foot below the glide path, convienced me that USAF pilots are the best in the world. I have always had a warm spot in my heart fir the T-bird
LTC (Rt) Ray Burke, e-mail, 24.02.2011 13:11
Flew the T-bird at Vance AFB for four years in the early 60's. I'm 6'-3" tall and had a hard time IPing in the rear seat. Very uncomfortable. No problem in front. Great trainer. Very dependable. Very few mechanical problems.
Randy Jardine, e-mail, 21.01.2011 02:02
Flew T-birds it Craig AFB, AL. Class 65G. Enjoyed it all. Traded single engine for 8 engines at Barksdale AFB, Wurtsmith AFB, Anderson AFB and Ellsworth AFB. Loved the T-bird.
leroy McVay, e-mail, 13.01.2011 00:32
1953, North Island Naval Air Station, San Diego. Not too bright 2nd class petty officer put JP in the de-icing tank. Thankfully an E-3 (AN) caught it.
Nolan Bailey Sr, e-mail, 11.01.2011 04:06
Dang! I must have flown an entirely different T-33A at Craig AFB, as a member of 63-G. I had no trouble keeping it in trim, and found it to be an excellent instrument ship for me. On my very first GCA approach in the bird my instructor asked me if I'd ever flown an instrument approach in a T-33. When I replied it was my first, he said "Damn, you flew that approach as well as I can." Guess he must not have been very good, right. But, you must understand. I was practicing "integrated flight training" before the FAA decided it was the thing to do. Look outside, check instruments inside, look outside, check inside. Another instructor said that I was the best "instrument flying VFR pilot that he'd seen." Yup! Whatever works! The T-33 was A-OK.
Marc Feigenblatt, e-mail, 31.12.2010 01:28
Flew T-birds in AK at Elmendorf in the 80s- one of the last to do so. We were young crazy lieutenants and captains. We restored them to be able to drop bombs, take photos and developed our own canister delivery systems to drop recon photos to army commanders.
I ejected from one at Tyndall in 1981. I'm restoring an e-seat and would appreciate any help in locating parts.
Ralph Goff, e-mail, 22.12.2010 13:27
Was plane capt. on T-33B at NAS Andrews AFB HQMC sub. Unit 1 Flight Line. Got to fly backseat once with Capt. Mike Blunden, USMC test pilot. Wonderful A/C. Looking for pictures of these a/C if any exist.
G Byrd, e-mail, 20.12.2010 04:27
In the spring of 1956, I was in my 2nd year of AFROTC at South Carolina. We were taken to Shaw AFB and given a ride in some of the T-33s. We flew over Columbia and other areas for about 20 min. My first jet ride. I have a model of one on the shelf next to my PC.
Jim McIntosh, e-mail, 15.12.2010 07:50
Restoring the rear seat from 58-0510, need a survival kit, inertia reel,shoulder harness and anything else that would help in this project. Also looking for a picture/s and unit assignments for the airplane. Any help out there?
george d ward, e-mail, 06.12.2010 08:23
yup i worked on the t33 at andrews air force base 1966 67 it was just like vw bettle easyto work on the pilots would fly to flordia and bring back oranges and other friut andgive it to us nice little bird i got my training on it
Dick Lethe, e-mail, 27.11.2010 18:50
I flew the T-bird in Valdosta Gs in cadet class 52Charlie. Went on to the F-94 B and C in 1952. It was my first jet aircraft. I went from the T-6 to this aircraft. I remember all the toggle switches. It was very difficult to trim, but was an easy plane to fly.
Larry Jividen, e-mail, 20.11.2010 04:33
Flew the Seastar (T1-A) '70-'71 at VT-10, NAS Pensacola. 530 Hrs.- Squadron Traded it on the TF-9J Cougar. J33-A24 engine had to be blown down on shutdown with GTC-85 huffer. 1st jet I flew. Great all weather machine.
Bill Jowett, e-mail, 15.11.2010 09:21
I flew this aircraft from 1956 - 1971 along with the F-86, F-102, F-106 and the F-4CDE. I loved to fly this dependable airplane. Each squadron having a few of these allowed pilots to gain a lot of varried experience and pleasure. Class of 57T.
Capt. J. Gonçalves, e-mail, 12.11.2010 16:06
It was my first jet aircraft in the Air Force. I flew it after the T6. Big challenge. The fuel system just amazing, and the aileron boost for the first flights. Any way great plane and it gave to me a good preparation for the next fighters that I flew.
Holmes Mylin, e-mail, 04.11.2010 20:50
My introduction to the T Bird was at Connally Air Force base in Texas in 1952 then in 1955 at Osan(K55) in Korea and I fell in love with that plane as it took me quite a few times to Japan(Itauzki)for 100 hour inspection and sometimes the stay was a week or more.It was a tough bird and in a year had very little maintaince problems
Jon Frost, e-mail, 03.11.2010 06:39
I was a plane captain on T-33 & T-1a's from 1967-68 at Cherry Point NC. USMC. Nice plane but I liked the T1A better. I was able to fly back seat if it was empty. I also have about 4-5 actual stick time because pilots were bored and let us fly their TPQ's. Doesn't seem like many hours to a pilot but when you have zero experience it still was great. The only time that I got scared is when a pilot pulled a stall without telling me what he was doing. The other pilots would tell me when they were going to do something unusual. During this stall maneuver I was ready to bail out. If the pilot would have cleared his throat I would have been gone, but he put the nose down and then I realized what he was doing. When we got back the other guys asked how the ride was. Seemed like I was the only one who didn't know about this pilot. Never rode with him again but I would have. The only thing that I didn't like was that you can not see the ground from the back seat.
Dick Troy, e-mail, 01.11.2010 18:54
The T-bird was the greatest "seasoning" aircraft. In the '60s, most bases had a few T-33s and young pilots in more sophisticated a/c could build up their time with Tbird cross-countries to almost anywhere. Maxwell was a favorite stop as they had supposedly the best T-33 maintenance. You could always tell if a bird had been to MXF as there would be a chalk message to that effect in the tailpipe. If you could fly instruments in the Tbird, you could fly instruments in anything: The cockpit layout was haphazard, with a huge heading indicator in the middle and everything else placed wherever there was a hole. That's because it was built before the standard "T" layout of subsequent instrument panels. I also remember there were about seven different airstart procedures. I heard from an IP or two that selecting "manual fuel" could give you another 30% to help in formation! Never had the guts to try. 65B at Moody, 1500 hours at Duluth, and I donated my Dash 1 to the Franklin Institute. Hope it's on display with their T-33.
Jack Wise, e-mail, 27.10.2010 18:51
Boeing A/C in Everett, WA still use t-Birds as chase planes. I saw one spring of 2010 when they flew a new liner. I was more interested in the T-Bird. I had a great view and air show as they flew over the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Joe Mike Bacon, e-mail, 21.10.2010 08:14
I flew "T-Birds" at Laredo AFB, Class of 66F. Enjoyed aerobatics the most though I never mastered clover leafs. Hated flying under that bag in the back seat. My copilots today don't believe you can make a zero zero take off from the back seat of a jet. But they wouldn't believe a lot of the things we did then. I bounced a night solo landing and learned the "sinking" sensation earned by such a mistake. Sitting 30 feet above the runway, airspeed deterioriating, wing starting to shudder, can't put the nose up or down, just wait while the J-33 behind you takes 12 seconds to spool from idle (35%) to 100%. I made it, but it made Flight Captain Johnson's nappy hair a little gray in mobile control. Looking back through forty five years of professional flying, I believe Lockheed's T-33 prepared us pretty well. And so did Captain Johnson. Once in close trail position, Capt Johnson took the controls from the back and did rolls around lead's tail while lead was doing his own maneuvers oblivious to the rolls. Lead's tailpipe never left the exact top center of my windshield. Explaining that the maneuvers were not in the cirriculum, he wanted me to see what the plane could do. Through him I learned what it meant to be one with your machine. The planes were well maintained. And tough! A guy in the class ahead of us over rotated on take off. I watched from mobile control while his T-Bird mimicked the horrific F-100 "Sabre dance". The plane disapperaed in a cloud of dust, impacted the dirt in a level attitude, sheared off all three gears, and speed brakes which the hapless pilot had put out contrary to the crash landing checklist. As he said later, he wanted something between him and the ground. Nor did he punch off the tips. "Pedro" found him across the highway, beside the drive in resteraunt, engine still running, fuel everywhere. The pilot got out without a scratch while the firemen had to wade through the fuel, reach into the cockpit and stopcock the throttle. Fuel was cheap then and each graduation ceremony rated a sixteen ship T-33 fly by, courtesy of the class behind you. A sky full of USAF jets during the National Anthem. Wow! My Dad's buttons popped off his shirt and Mom cried. Those were good times.
Dave Doyle, e-mail, 19.10.2010 03:56
I was a Crew Chief of a T-33 at New Castle DE. 1956-57. My Plane 51-9176 was involved in 2 1/2 in flight collisions with other aircraft and target,and survived them all. 1st was with a F-94C it's right Elevator ripped thru the left tip-tank of the 94 and tore the Elevator off. The second was on a GCA approach to New Castle and the pilot looked up and a tail wheel of a C-46 was on the canopy, it slid off and ripped of the left tip-tank bent up the left wing, tore the tail wheel off the 46. The Pilot jettisond the right tank and saftly landed. I was in the back seat while towing a Delmar target when reeling it in one of the fins must have been hit by one of the rockets that the 94's were shooting at it. It was osculating and hit the left horizontal stab tip and bent it down. Took a half hour to fix after we landed.
ralph, e-mail, 14.10.2010 19:33
what a plane. the t-33 was used at williams afb in az for the acro jetsd. these were the fore runners of the thunder birds. I also worked on these at craig afb . I was there untill 54.
Tom Kane, e-mail, 10.10.2010 20:43
I flew the T-33 as a student in 1955, out of Grenville, Mississippi. We had finished out training, and were waiting in the class room for the next step, when a Sargent came into the class room and said "009 needed an hour of flight time"-(009) being the tail number. I beat everyone else out of the room, and walked over to the plane, fired it up and took off. I had forgotten my 'clip board' I started several maneuvers and began an entry for a loop. I remember looking at the airspeed indicator. I had entered the maneuver well below the recommended speed, and as a result, there was only enough speed to go to the top of the loop, but not enough to finish it. I found myself upside down with no forward airspeed left. The plane began to fall strait down - upside down! I was in trouble. I tried the controls, but they were dead. There was no air speed for the controls to push against. It was the same feeling as when the plane was sitting on the ground. No push back from the air. I thought of ejecting, but I could see that in this condition, if I did eject, it was likely that the plane would fall right on top of me - since we were both "upside down." As I continued to search for answers, I was mindful of the ground rapidly getting closer. After a little more time, I felt the controls begin to have some push back, and I was finally able to pull out and fly level. That was my last flight in the T-33, and one I will always remember. It had responded just in time to save a young and stupid pilot from what could possibly have been fatal
Robt. "Robin" Armour Class 57-, e-mail, 10.10.2010 20:43
Great aircraft. Highest was 47,500' on a cruise-climb cross country out of Brian AFB, Tx, and just a bit less in the Base Operations T Bird out of Pease AFB, NH. I believe there are very small differences in airframe and engines that effect altitude capabilities. Acro in the T Bird was euphoric. Instructing in the Jet Qualification Course at Craig AFB, AL was frightening, but rewarding. Do I ever wish I owned a T Bird? No, not more than three or four times a day, every day.
Tom Williams, e-mail, 09.10.2010 06:14
I worked on the T-Birds when I was stationed at Elmendorf AFB,AK 1971-74. I loved the ease of maintenance having just left an assignment as an F4C crew chief. The only plane I ever lost was my T-Bird. It ran out of fuel due to some bad weather advice my pilot had gotten on headwinds. Now retired in Biloxi,MS we have one of our old T-33s from Elmendorf on display in the main boulevard median. It brings back a lot of good memories every time I see her proudly in flight on her pedestal.
Dotti Steele, e-mail, 23.09.2010 00:32
As a newly assigned A1C, the first ride I ever took in an Air Force jet was in a T-33 at McChord AFB, WA. After that, I used to ride in them regularly, traveling between McChord and McClellan AFB, CA. My second DCO after being assigned to McChord was Col. Crutchfield and I remember so clearly the day that he went missing on a return flight from McClellan. We found the crash site on Mt. Rainier at a little over 14,300ft. The mountain is officially 14,410. I believe the remains of the plane are still there on that glacier. One of the saddest days of my long AF career. It was a great little jet and even though I've flown on just about every training model of AF fighter jets during my career, I still remember and love the T-33.
Daniel Hull, e-mail, 20.09.2010 04:16
No comment about the airplane, but why did you accept that dopy comment from the lady that is looking to give her $29 million to someone? Don't you have a way of screening these comments? That thing she's up to is one of the oldest-running frauds around.
JOHN, e-mail, 09.09.2010 21:24
WAS A CREW CHIEF ON THE T 33 FROM 55 TO 58 AT SCHULTHORPE AFB 47TH BOMB WING ENGLAND.WE DID IT ALL ENGINE ,HYDRAULICS,AIR FRAME TILL I BELIEVE IN 57 THEN EVERY THING BECAME SPECIALIZED.HYDRAULIC MECHANICS,ENGINE MECHANICS.RADIO AND ELECTRONICS WAS ALWAYS DONE BY THE TECHS.PRIOR TO 100 HOUR INSPECTIONS AND BREAK DOWN OF ENGINE AND UP GRADES TO AIR FRAME WE DID IT ALL RIGHT ON THE FLIGHT LINE.IN 3 YEARS ALWAYS HAD AN OK FLIGHT OTHER THAN A DIRTY CANOPY ONCE IN AWHILE.HOW MANY YOU GUYS REMEMBER A GREEN PILOT HITTING HIS FUEL SWITCH BEFORE HIS IGNITION SWITCH AND HAVING TO PUSH THE NOSE UP TO DRAIN THE FUEL FROM THE TAIL PIPE.PLUS CLEANING UP THE BACK SEAT FROM A WEAK STOMACH.
Bear Thomas, e-mail, 05.09.2010 02:56
As a 1LT, I flew T-33 and AT-33 out of Myrtle Beach AFB, AFB in the early 70's. I was one of the last pilots of the 3320 Tactical Air Support Trainin Sq. I flew a number of these fine A/C to the boneyard at D-M AFB, AZ and one AT to a Guard unit in Salt Lake City. It was a great jet to begin a USAF Career in and it got me home more than once. I have the dubious distincition of flying one from Shaw SC to Houston TX unrefueled. The engine was running until I shut it down about 100yds away from parking. I coasted to a stop in the proper place. The fuel truck recorded it put 830 gallon into a plane that held 814. I knew it was close but didn't think I owed it any fuel! When you flew a t-bird,you actually flew an airplane.
Ward Baker, e-mail, 31.08.2010 16:50
Reference George Ioos question about the fuel capacity of the T-33. It was 813 gallons.
Glad to see I wasn't the only one who took a T-33A to 50,000... course damned near flamed out for lack of fuel before I got it on the ground. (Needed to be light to get it up there.) Read in Dash-1 it only took about 10 gallons of fuel from 50,000 to sea level if dive made at idle, speed brakes out, and on the mach. So I left up there with less than minimum fuel. Got to pattern altitude with still enough fuel for no-sweat pattern... until the entire aircraft became frosted over with the moisture below and a super-cooled bird. Couldn't see out of cockpit, defrosters not that good on that bird, and not enough fuel for GCA on instruments. Some very serious scratching on canopy cleared area big enough to see to land flying somewhat sideways. Flamed out in parking area. I thanked Good Man Upstairs for helping a stupid young pilot. Flew the bird for over 2,500 and have a lot of stories in it. Like landing in zero-zero fog after missed approach and not enough fuel to go to alternate (which was also below minimums). Took tug 45 minutes to find the bird on the runway as it was too foggy to taxi in. Great forgiving bird. It, the F-84F and the little A-37 fighter were my favorite birds.
Ward Baker, e-mail, 22.08.2010 01:23
Grauated from Williams AFB in Class 55-S. Have almost 4,000hours in the T-Bird. The only aircraft I liked bettedr was the Lockheed C-140 JetStar
Bob Matiska, e-mail, 10.08.2010 02:13
I'm a retired Air Force bomb loader whose first assignment out of tech school was Cannon AFB, where I loaded bombs, rockets and ammo on the AT-33. I rarely saw them after that until I visited the Franklin Institute in Philly a few years ago, where they had one on display! It sure brought back memories!
Jack J. Joyce, e-mail, 10.05.2010 04:32
Looking for members of Lorado AFB class 55L (Jet Pilot School) who knew Martin(Marty)J. Joyce USAF Retired.
David Rehkopf, e-mail, 30.04.2010 08:29
I was a crew chief on the T-33A at Peterson Field Air Base, CO. From 1974 to 1976. And just few years ago I came across one of my T-Birds the local community college. It was still used for training, but instead training pilots. It's training new mechanics. I had fly time in the seat.
Ross Peeler, e-mail, 05.04.2010 20:04
I flew the T-33 at Webb AFB, TX(Big Spring), class 62-H in 1961-62. I loved the T-BIRD. I thought it was an excellent trainer. I flew the last student sortie with my IP at Webb in the T-33 (May 1962) as the T-38 was taking over in basic training.
Michael Greb, e-mail, 11.03.2010 04:22
I was stationed at Myrtle Beach AFB, 1968 trough 1972. I was assigned to the Air National Guard initially, and worked on F100's. I then was trnsferred to the Teeny Tiger Squadron and was a crewchief on the T33A aircraft. My plane was number 321. My Pilot was Col. Harper, the Base Commander at the time. I was assigned to rewrite parts of the Maintenance Manual for the T33. I have some very good memories of my time there, both on base and down at the beach.
Jose Rastelli Junior, e-mail, 04.03.2010 19:39
I`m a flight controller on my country,Brazil.Since the my early years I live in contact with aviation.I LOVE ALL ABOUT AVIATION!!!!!!! I flew some military fighter missions,it`s fantastic the feeling.
C.J.Walker, e-mail, 02.02.2010 22:17
CC on 53-5021, Langley Field, 1958-59 for 836 CC, BG Perry Griffith, Aid was capt. Charles Woods. Tough old airplane, tough old General but enjoyed the tour, moved to Lockbourne and continued on T-33's. One of the T-33's I worked on I run across years later in Iceland. My name was still in the old Inventory records. Great Aircraft for training, forgiving and would bring you home. Thanks Lockheed.
Stan Wright, e-mail, 29.01.2010 09:16
As an ROTC student at East Texas State U.... the Cadet of the Month got to ride in the T-33. It was a race track pattern for a couple of hours while other planes used it as a radar target. When that was done, there was usually a few minutes to see show the kid what this baby could do.... every student came away with a memory to last a life time.
Our ROTC Instructor, Capt. Craton as I remember, was killed in a T-33 crash while on a night training mission there in North Texas. It was my first year of college. 1965-66.
Robert Przybylski, e-mail, 23.01.2010 16:01
I am involved in maintenance for a CAF T-33 and am inerested in obtaining inspection work cards for the T-33. Does anyone know where I can find some?
Pete Nelson, e-mail, 23.01.2010 04:00
I'm happy to see real T-33 vets out here posting their memories about this wonderful airplane. I currently crew two of these airplanes to this day, and love the relative ease of maintenance these airplanes offer. I say relative because if it were all easy, it couldnt be an airplane! (I've been E&E on the A-10; F-16AB,CD,CGDG,CJDJ; KC-135E,R for the USAFR&ANG, and privately employed as CC on the CT-133 (T-33.) I have some back seat time and hope to own one of these pieces of history one day. This acft is built like a tank thanks to the sturdy wing spars and I can see these airplanes flying well past 8000hrs. The T-33's flying todays air shows are generally privately owned and funded by their owner/pilots. If you veteran pilots or maintainers see a t-bird at an airshow and see its CC or pilot/owner, feel free to stop by and tell us your story, we would apprediate it.
Norm Stutts, e-mail, 22.01.2010 19:55
George,
Total fuel was 813 gallons (US); 230 in each tip tank.
Crewed them from 67 - 70 and then again from 73 to late 75.
Like Przybylski, I was at GFAFB, ND. Then, again, in SCANG at McEntire ANGB, SC.
Have accrued about 16 hours in the backseat. Delightful acft to crew and fly in.
Robert Przybylski, e-mail, 22.01.2010 17:18
I was t-33 crew chief in the Air Force from 1967-1970 at Clark Air Base Phillippians and Grand Forks AFB North Dakota.18 FIS ADC in N.D was the best. Loved the A/C helped me decide I wanted to work on A/C when I got out. Remember how easy the engine was to get out but don't drop hardware in the engine screen! (Looking for 18 FIS T-Bird Section Chief Richard Burdick)
Tom Tompkins, e-mail, 18.01.2010 23:22
I have a "T-Bird Tailender" certificate signed by Tony Lavier. I was a student in the last class (64G) trained in T-Birds at Vance AFB. The next class, 64H flew the first T-38s there.
Speedy Hamill, e-mail, 17.01.2010 22:11
Flew T-birds at Greenville, MS and Big Springs, TX in 55U and 56A in single engine basic. Later at "Fighter Ops" at Tyndall AFB for a total of about 1000 hours '54 to '58 plus some more at Moody towing targets after passing on F86D instructors billet to return to dental school. Some great memories!
Richard Lane, e-mail, 07.01.2010 22:28
First flew at Williams AFB. Class 56K. Great aircraft. Fun to fly in formation and instruments. Those were the days.
bob glomb, e-mail, 04.01.2010 00:51
Worked on T33's for years in the USAF. Great aircraft to fly and to work on. A real work horse. Flew some rear seat and loved every minute. Later in the army, got to fly helicopters in VN. Loved that T33 though.
George Ioos, 31.12.2009 21:37
Trained in T-33 at Laredo AFB, class 55-L. Afterwards flew at Tyndall AFB. I don't remember the fuel capacity. can anyone tell me? Thanks.
Dick Cottle, e-mail, 31.12.2009 20:40
Trained in the T33 at Bryan AFB 1955-56. Graduated class 56-H and continued AF career as T-Bird Instructor at Bryan and Craig AFB till 1963. With fellow IP, cruise climbed one to 50,000 ft. No way to verify but Don Minihan was the other IP. More than 2000 hrs in it, were every bit as pleasurable and exciting as later 1000 hrs. in the F100.
Lee Revell, e-mail, 30.12.2009 00:52
I spent three and a half years at Tyndall AFB, Florida from '76 to '80 as an avionics tech, working the T-33A primarily, along with the F-101B/F and F-106A/B interceptors. Working on T-birds was like being a mechanic trained on Vettes but working on VW Bugs! I crosstrained on electrical, engine and hydraulic systems and served as crewchief, we T-bird techs did it all! :-) I loved those birds. Sad to see them gone.
JEROME BAKER, e-mail, 23.11.2009 00:29
I READ AN ACCOUNT OF THE DEBACLE AT THE BAY OF PIGS(1961). THE AUTHOR WROTE THAT CASTRO HAD T-33'S AT HIS DISPOSAL AND RIGGED THEM WITH M-60 MACINEGUNS TO FIRE AT INVADERS AND B26'S FLOWN BY INVASION FORCES. IS THIS TRUE? I FLEW IN THEM AT CORPUS CHRISTI NAS IN 1966 WHEN I WAS IN\\ NROTC. THEY WERE CALLED TEENIE WEENIES AND A LOT OF FUN.
DANIEL WHITE, e-mail, 31.07.2009 08:40
I have a warehouse full of T-33 and lockheed F-104 parts if anyone has any interest in purchasing. Alot of new and old parts and components. Located near Whiteman airport in San Fernando, Ca
Franca Dona, e-mail, 17.04.2009 17:24
Dearest Friend PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND GET BACK TO ME
I crave your indulgence at this mail coming from somebody you have not known before. I decided to do this after praying over the situation. You should please consider the transaction on its content and not the fact that you have not known me before. I need not dwell on how I came by your contact information because there are many such possibilities these days.
I would like to introduce myself as Mrs. Franca Donna of Republic of Benin, widow to Late Mr. Sheik Donna (for Consular of the Benin embassy in Madrid, Spain. I have been recently been diagnosed of Cancer of the Pelvic. I am writing from my sick bed in a CHINESE HOSPITAL here in Benin Republic.
There is this fund US$29.5 Million cash my husband deposited with a Security Company here in Cotonou, Republic of Benin of which I am the next of kin. With my health condition and because my husband, I have no child, I am looking for a credible person to whom I will pass the right of next of kin. This person will apply to the Security Company and request for the change of beneficiary.
This is on the condition that you will take 25% of the fund for yourself, 5% used for expenses, while you will use the remaining 70% for the less privilege people in the society. This is in fulfillment of the last request of my husband: that a substantial part of the fund be used to carter for the less privileged.
If this condition is acceptable to you, you should contact me immediately with your full names and contact information so that I will put you in contact with the Security Company directly for the change of beneficiary of the money. I cannot predict what will be my fate by the time you will receive the fund, but you should please ensure that the fund is used as l have described above. I look forward to your response.
Best Regards Mrs. Franca Donna.
Jock Williams, e-mail, 16.04.2009 08:34
On 414 Sqn RCAF we had at the most I believe 14 CF100s and 18 T33s. Our squadron callsign was "Yogi #"
I chose to be Yogi 13 because I was not superstitious and no one else would take the number.
40 years later it seems to have had no ill effect!
Any other "Yogis" out there?
Jock Williams
Yogi 13
Jock Williams, e-mail, 07.04.2009 17:41
I have almost 2000 hrs in the T33 -beginning in 1967 and ending in 1987 -and I would love to acquire another 2000 if they were not so expensive to operate as civilian aircraft. Several sit at airports that I land at regularly -but none are flying. My first 85 hrs or so on the TBird were as a student -and at first it was a bit challenging after flying the Tutor -but it quickly became "second nature" and I am sure I could climb into one today and fly it without difficulty. After I got my wings in 1967 it was always only a "second aircraft" for me -with the primary one being the CF100, CF5 or CF104 -and eventually the Falcon 20 and the Challenger. Nonetheless -for pure aviation pleasure and reliability you cannot beat the T33. It took me home for a lot of wonderful weekends with a succession of equally wonderful girlfriends spread around North America! (It was a different Air force in those days!)
Jock Williams
Frank Teurlay, e-mail, 27.03.2009 05:51
I see that Butch Owens (9-5_2008 Posting) was crew chief for Gen Woodrow P Swancutt. Would like to hear from him. Am doing rsearch and looking for people who knew the General.
George W. Callahan, e-mail, 13.03.2009 23:20
I was a crew chief at Chaumont AFB, France (1952-1955) and crewed F-84s - F-86s and the best T-33s before I was discharged. I miss them.
Samuel Montaño, e-mail, 09.03.2009 21:13
El avión T-33 ha sido uno de los mejores entrenadores de la historia. En que año Japón empezó a producir el T-33? Gracias.
Bill Yarnall, e-mail, 28.01.2009 06:50
Worked T-33s at Myrtle Beach AFB SC 75-79 and Elmendorf AFB AK 79-82. EAFB T-birds painted with Imron, beautiful paint scheme with Black Widows on tip tanks. Had a whole lot more than 3 TOs. Great site
William Steely, e-mail, 09.09.2008 06:17
What a great site. I flew the T-bird (class of 57A, Webb AFB, then BIS at Craig, and instructed them at Laredo AFB, returning to civilian life. Many many fond memories of practically every flight. If I started writing more, it would become a book....so will stop here.
Ben Thurston, e-mail, 18.08.2008 19:32
I had the pleasure of flying the NAS Atlanta station aircraft, a T-33B 137956, on 08/26/1971 from NCQ round robin via TYS and BNA and the ROJOS jet penetration to NCQ. This was an orientation flight, had to turn the hydrolic boost off in order to keep the wings level for the first few minutes of flight. Once I got used to the aircraft, it flew like a dream.
Mel Mendelsohn, e-mail, 05.07.2008 18:49
FLEW 115 HOURS IN BASIC AT LAREDO AIR FORCE BASE CLASS 60-D JUNE TO NOVEMBER 59. FUN AIRCRAFT TO FLY.
Jerry J. Smith, e-mail, 26.05.2008 22:09
Got 115 hours in the T-33A as a student pilot, Class 60-G, at Laredo AFB, TX from October 1959 to May 1960.
Butch Owens, 09.05.2008 06:23
I was crew chief on T-33A 56-0580 at Turner AFB, GA 1962 - 1965. I was personal crew chief for 822 Air Division Commander, Brig Gen Woodrow P. Swancutt. Liked the aircraft. The crew chief did it all except radios and some electrical. There were only 3 Technical Orders on this aircraft. 1T-33A-1 (Flight Manual), 1T-33A-2 (Maintenance Manual) and 1T-33A-4 (Illustrated Parts Breakdown). In contrast Lockheed's C-130 Aircraft has over 800 Tech Orders.
Dave Corley, e-mail, 29.04.2008 04:38
Basic training Aviation Cadets---class 56-I Fun airplane to fly---first thing to learn is to not lock the nose wheel (cocked 90 degrees)---Great memories.
Nikos J. Farsaris, e-mail, 08.12.2007 22:52
There was a also a single-seat conversion to recon roles known as RT-33A (back seat was mooved for extra avionics and phootographic equipment). It served in Hellenic Air Force before and alongside early RF-84 Thunderflashes. njf
