Thought its military career is at an end, the mighty F-8 Crusader still plies the airways in mufti. Operated by Thunderbird Aviation of Phoenix, Arizona, it is the ideal flight test vehicle.

On 12 March 1987, N19TB, as she is now known, made its first flight from Deer Valley Airport in Phoenix, Arizona. The pilot on this historic occasion was Roger Moore, US Navy, Retired, of San Diego, California. Captain Moore holds the distinction of being the first pilot to receive an FAA license to fly the F-8. This initial flight was much more than a historic event, it was a ride which turned out to be much more exciting than Roger would have liked. Immediately after takeoff he noted that the airplane rolled hard left and it took all his strength to keep his unruly steed from rolling over on its back. It required him to keep both hands on the stick at all times. Power adjustment was made by momentarily releasing his left hand and “slapping” the throttle. An emergency was declared and he headed back for the runway. After a very “hairy’ ride, he was safely back on the runway. Investigation revealed a failed component in the stability system had commanded full left rudder during the entire flight. A pilot of lesser experience may not have survived the event.

Thunderbird Aviation owner, Bill Hauprich, had the N19TB built specifically to meet the needs of flight test programs requiring speeds up to Mach 1.5. With its high speed and enormous fuel capacity, it is ideally suited for this role. Bill is fond of telling of missions where F-15s and F-16s have to refuel while the F-8 waits in orbit. And he can match them in speed over the long haul.