The fact you got to fly it for 12 minutes is honestly amazing, you achieved every mans dreams! Well done to you sir

It's hard to find the right words to descrbe what has to be one of the best aviation videos I've ever seen. Your videography and narration were first-rate! I had a smile on my face from start to finish. Thank you!

As a proud AF vet, I would give my left gone to take that ride, but at 81 with some health issues, not sure I could do it...well done, gentlemen! 🇺🇸

I think it’s awesome the respect that the pilots hold for their ground team.

As a USAF veteran, I am extremely proud of what our pilots go through to serve our country.

This is something that a lot of us maintainers never even get to do. As an engine troop I helped put these F16's in the air for over 10 years. I dreamed of doing this since I was a young kid. As I separated from the Air Force I realized it would now never happen. I'm jealous but happy for you. Thanks for the video. As a side note: I am currently working on my PPL. I will fly!

No chance you were actually talking during those maneuvers. I'm guessing the audio was recorded after? Amazing video. What an experience that must have been.

I served 24 years Air Force. Air Police and Security Police. I retired in Lake Placid Florida, where I stayed for 25 years, then moved back to Eglin Air Force Base in NW Florida. Love the T Birds. Got to see many T Bird shows. Thanks to all of the Military Branchs, for all you do. God Bless America.

The F-16 is definitely one of the most amazing aircraft ever built.

Brilliant video - what an amazing opportunity and honour!

Outstanding! This was so well done; the videography could not be better and the narration was spot on. Truly a bucket list item for a lot of us and you got to take it a step further and fly the F-16! Perfect.

ALL of these fine USAF personnel are AWESOME instructors. Clear & concise. WOW! There's a lot of information for the flight, but they don't make it seem overwhelming at all.

I was grinning and laughing like a little kid the whole flight. That is so AWESOME! Congrats man, what an absolutely incredible experience!

That was great! I was anF-16 crew chief for almost 9 years when I was active duty and got my ride right before I separated back in 2003. Although it wasn’t with the T-Birds it was still a very memorable experience. That is one experience you will never forget! Thanks for the video and helping me revisit the memories of my ride!

What a phenomenal video…and I’m a U.S. Navy guy. I worked with the guys at Nellis years ago. Top notch people and they’ve always been very accommodating to us squids. I’ve got all the respect in the world for them. Nothing but professionals.

Incredible video and I have a tremendous amount of respect for all of our military aviators! You’re so lucky to have had this experience, truly amazing what these aircraft can do!

Received an incentive ride in B model F16 back in the mid 1980’s when stationed at Hahn AB in Germany. Was INCREDIBLE! The negative G’s were so tough. Had pretty bad headache and broken blood vessels in my eyes for a few days after. Was so worth it. Glad you got the chance to enjoy that flight Steven.

I wont ever forget my flight in a F-16 when I was active duty. It wasn't with the Thunderbirds, but he was an instructor pilot. By far the coolest thing I have ever done.

I know I would never have the chance experiencing something this awesome being a farmer and never having time off. I had jumped several times around the age 18-21 and I am thankful for that and now this experience. Truly amazing. Thank you.

Steveo, I have watched your videos for a long time. This one really hits home. What our military does for us isn't just done half way. They do everything to perfection and strive for it. They are the true heroes of our country. And your emotions at the end speak volumes of who you are what you stand for. What an amazing experience! Great video man!

I believe this is my favorite aviation related video of all time. Thanks for all the commentary of what was happening during the flight. I've probably seen the Thunderbirds live ten times and they are awesome. I'm sure that's an opportunity you will never forget.

That was great. Thank you for taking us along. All the behind the scenes of the training post flight were absolutely incredible to see. So what's next on the bucket list? Can't imagine what could top that.

This is incredible. I’ve never seen this level of explanation and detail being shared by active military members. In particular all the safety procedures, etc etc. I don’t believe Ive ever come across some of the information shared in this video. So cool to watch. Feeling rather privileged to have stumbled upon this video. Thanks for sharing!

I’ve been to many airshows and the thing that surprised me most was the Doppler shift of the jets as they pass. It’s as if their sound follows behind them at some distance. They literally can fly overhead and be gone before you ever hear their sound. Also, a friend of mine gave me an autographed Thunderbirds picture like the ones in the video. It’s something I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.

Not many know how many years this has been in the making! Congrats brother! Glad you finally got to tick this off the bucket list and make the vlog that youve been visualizing for years!

Hi Steveo, I was lucky enough to fly an RAF Hawk many years ago. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget. A real lifetime highlight.

Stevo… I came back to this video of yours after I took my family to the NY Airshow over the weekend where they had the F16- Viper Demo team and ofcourse the Thunderbirds! We were blown away by attending our first air show… Anyways, long story short… These folks are truly incredible in what they do every single day for our country. Respect and Love for them as always ❤️👏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

This video was an absolute thrill and a pleasure to watch! Thanks for having me along for the ride.

I love the voice over, making it seem like you were talking us through it live with the distortion. Awesome bucket list item for so many of your viewers, myself included.

Can’t even imagine how awesome that would be. I would want to fly so bad. At that height I could do anything and if I screw up he would have plenty of time to save us. Super jealous. Being 9 when Top Gun came out in ‘86 I’ve loved military aircraft. This would be one heck of an experience. Unfortunately, a car accident paralyzed me at 17 so it’s impossible for me but I’m stoked the military lets people do these kinds of things and I can, in a small way, experience it with them. 🤙🏻

What a great experience Steve I’m happy you got this chance! Thanks for taking us along on the ride!

Viper is probably the sexiest fighter jet ever made! Literally the Lamborghini of the sky that 30° lean on the seat is hella comfortable! Had the pleasure of working 16s for 2 years in Korea!

I was a Crew Chief on F-16's and 15's and got a ride in both. Nothing turns like an F-16. It snaps you into G's so quick. For an aviation person, the day you ride in a fighter is one of the best days of your life. I'm glad you got to experience this.

Now you saw the fun P1D had as an F16 Driver! Thanks for the ride!

Living in Plant City for 15 years and getting my Private ticket at PCM I know all that airspace like the back of my hand. Haven’t lived there for 20 years. Volunteered for Sun-N-Fun every year. Good times!

Shit, I was thinking "how many hours of prebreifing?" I feel like you did a solid job of showing how many things need to be covered to keep someone on track and safe when flying in a very very high performance jet. Kudos bud, I feel like you did a better job presenting this than almost anyone else I've seen.

Congratulations Steveo You have just received something that very few people on the planet get to enjoy. I'm really very happy for you. When you're 80 you'll still be talking about this day.

Thanks! That was special to me. I've been around flying all my life, and it's too late for me now to have the experience you had - but I was at HAFB for awhile, and got to fly with Army Air... but this was awesome. You deserve it Steve.

I worked on the first Block 1 A and B models between 1980 & 1983 in the 16th AMU @ Hill AFB. The Viper had it's teething problems but turned out to be an awesome airplane. Steve, glad you had the chance for a ride, I know it was incredible. (I was never able to get a ride because I was too tall)

It was a cool sighting when in contact with the enemy in a pretty good gun fight. But when they heard or got signaled about fast movers in the AO. These pilots and their crew terrified the enemy on the field. Thanks for the support!! Forever grateful

I think I speak for every pilot, pilot-to-be and wanna-be pilot, when I say steveo, that you did this not just for yourself, but for us! Thanks to you and the USAF Thunderbirds for such an awesome, inspirational video. I couldn't stop smiling with tears of joy! Just sensational.

Steveo, let's reflect. First and foremost, the "hometown hero" moniker that was ascribed to you is an understatement. Your experiences related to aviation transitions borders. It's not simply "hometown" recognition but "global" recognition of how you enlighten viewers about aviation. Kudos and thank you. Additionally, how many "coasties" were living vicariously through you during this flight? You were part of that elite organization. The Air Force simply allowed you, through interdepartment cooperation, to experience what they do in support of defending our borders not from the sea but from the air. As a former USCG member, you were part of that total force package. Your "ride" was well deserved. You earned it. The aviators and support team from the USAF can and should be proud of you as well. I know you were humbled; believe me, they were impressed with you as well. Teamwork makes the dream work. Thank you for your service. After all, that GI Bill helped you to attain what you have accomplished in your aviation career. Great job.

The training at SAFB is impressive. I've lived here since 2004 and the amounts of pilots they turn out is incredible.

So happy for you for this opportunity! I felt like I was right there with you which is amazing to say the least!!!! Thank you for sharing your experience with us in such detail. Love your enthusiasm for aviation and overall life!

Thrilling. Uplifting. Started to get queasy when canopy was closing. I had to avert my eyes during the spins. Wow. Thanks to all involved for making this possible. Thank you Steve for posting this wonderful video.

WoW, this is by far your best video ever. I always enjoy flying with you but this was the next level. Thank you for the ride and Thank You to all those who serve !

i like how you show us everything that happens before too

Awesome video! I was fortunate to go for an F-16 ride when I was stationed in Germany in the Air Force back in the early 90’s. The normal incentive flight was canceled due to weather and when I was rescheduled it was to go along on a regular training flight for the pilots. We were paired up with an F-4 and we flew over into France to take out a simulated SAM site. We did some fast low-level flying to evade radar as we got into France. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Thanks for bringing back some great memories!

You just keep raising the bar, Steveo. Congratulations on flying an F16. Real happy for you and thank you for your efforts in furthering aviation through your fantastic videos. You have no idea how many people you have inspired to embark on the journey of becoming a pilot - yours truly included! Thanks again and wish you all the very best!

I've watched a number of military aerobatic ride-alongs with Thunderbirds and Blue Angels but this one really shows what it is all about. Good work, Steve, or as this retired Coastie would say, "Bravo Zulu".

showing the preflight steps, G tensing, and getting suited were the best part to me. So many logistics and things to learn before flying

What an amazing, once in a lifetime adventure! Early part of my life was spent living in Vegas where I was born. I have fond memories watching the Thunderbirds practice on my recesses. I'd love the chance to just meet the pilots and the rest of the crews and see the planes up close.

What an amazing experience with some of our country's finest! So incredibly impressive. Thanks for the ride a long Steveo!

I’m so stoked that you got to fly with the thunderbirds! You’re such a great ambassador to general aviation and totally earned this once in a lifetime honor. Thanks for taking us along with you and allowing us to experience this bucket list item vicariously!

Amazing flight. 9.2 g forces it's really awesome. Congratulations to all personnel.

Just brilliant. What a buzz for you Steveo. I always remember my back seat ride in a RAAF F/A-18 back in 1996 out of RAAF Williamtown - a real thrill for a naval officer.

seeing someone with flight experience and being able to really appreciate this kind of flight is so refreshing. I'm so glad for you that you got to experience this. Great video Steve.

What an unbelievable experience!!! I am so jealous! Well deserved honor. Appreciate all you do for aviation! The Thunderbirds and the USAF are RockStars!! Thank you for sharing!

That was so cool to watch and I'm sure way cooler to experience. Definitely felt the emotions you were going through towards the end. Thank you for letting us experience this with you.

Steven, You are amazing. After watching your videos in December 2021 I bought a Cirrus SR20 put 250 hours in 5 months got my PPL. I am working on IFR now and this Tuesday coming up I go pick up my 2020 Cirrus SR22T in Atlanta. Bro thank you for all the time and effort you put into this channel . You rock!

Of all of the videos you have done and shared this one was amazing - the flight most pilots dream to do you did! The shared video of the flight got as close as we could to the sights sounds and forces you experienced. Breathtaking- thank you and god bless the Thunderbirds and all of our military present and past. Thank you all for your service.

Congratulations Steveo! It's nice to see good things come to good guys. Thank you for supporting our military.

One your best videos! I love how you showed the training and the precision of their flying. It looked like the perfect day to fly. Love the emotion at the end when you had the floor. The Thunderbirds are truly the best! The night time video at the end was epic! Thanks!

Well, that's going to be hard to top!!! What an incredible experience!! Thanks for taking us along for the ride, and God Bless America!

This was just TREMENDOUS!! Great job in editing, and talking us through the flight!! I liked all the preflight training. I always wondered what they tell you before these flights!! This was great!!!

Steve, thank you for sharing that. I grinned from the start to the end and I probably won't stop for hours. What a great bunch of guys and gals that gave you the flight too. The flight was out of this world and so enjoyable to watch. You nailed it Steve! Thanks again and regards from Wales.

You are a fortunate man! Thank you for sharing this experience with us!

Amazing, happy for you Steve! I'm sure your dad being there to see his boy get to experience this was pretty special too. Well done! I was fortunate enough to get about 30 min in the f-16x Sim at Luke AFB. Even got the captain to endorse my log book for it too!

Awesome! Looks like you were put through the ringer! I could imagine the exhaustion you felt afterward. And just think, these guys do it everyday. They are the true Athletes! Bravo to you and The whole Thunderbird team! God Bless America!

Superb video, Steveo! Once saw the Thunderbirds on one of their rare visits to the UK and they were fabulous. Could not believe how tight their formation flying was. Thanks for putting this video out.

Fantastic video! Incredible watching the power and maneuverability of the F-16 Falcon go through its capability!!! We have one of the most incredible military men and women in the world! Thanks for sharing!

A Great Treat for A Great Pilot. Thank you Steve for taking us along. Thank ALL those who serve in our Armed Forces 🇺🇸

Awesome Steve, perfect amount of preflight content and flight content. I’m definitely envious, that is a dream flight for sure.

Fantastic !! Congratulations ! Thank you Steve for an amazing ride ! What an incredible experience. Watched it multiply times and it felt more thrilling every time.

Awesome to watch this! I grew up about 3 miles from the airport in Lakeland and watched the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels fly their practices and shows for many years. Before Sun N Fun, The Blues came to Lakeland for several years in the late '60s and early '70s and I would ride my bike out to the airport to see them practice. Unlike today, where hundreds of people are constantly around the planes, then the old F11 Tigers the Blues flew were sitting all by themselves after their practice flights, not a soul in sight. The Thunderbirds seemed to come over our house more often than the Blues during the shows. The turn on final at the end of this flight goes over Merchants Walk shopping center where many people watch the demonstrations. Thanks for the bird's eye view. I often wondered what the pilots saw as they flew the Lakeland shows.

Absolutely STUNNING! I'm a Cessna Cardinal RG pilot and recently got to fly a Cessna CJ 3 from St Louis to St. Simons Island and this was a colossal thrill for me but no possible comparison to your flight with the Thunderbird's. Absolutely stunning to be there in the video. Dang man.....

Hi Stevo, I am very happy for you that you have been able to do this flight and sharing it with us in a great presentation. I also have to compliment you to Master the G's like you never did anything else. You are a good example for a new generation of to be pilots. Keep on going and sharing .... what's next .... space 😉

Steve, you absolutely crushed that out of the park. By far the best jet demo team ride along video I’ve ever seen! Major respect!

So cool. When he pulled up into the slot, it was so smooth it almost seemed like you both were stopped in midair not moving. I love the F16, and I used to watch them all the time at Luke AFB in Litchfield AZ.❤❤❤❤❤

Could watch this video over and over again. I highly appreciate all the hard work that goes into making these videos. Really awesome! 😊👍

Great video and commentary. As an USAF F-4. pilot (retired), I still never tire of vids like this!!! It's nice to see fun flights (as compared to technical flights). I envy this mission.

Absolutely the best fly along with the Thunderbirds that I’ve ever seen. Thanks to you all.

Unbelievable experience! You're incredibly lucky to have an amazing flight. To fly it, priceless.

With all of the ride alongs I've seen before, the suiting up and understanding the where and why of getting ready was awesome to see. Usually it's always watching the nonpilot g-loc and or throw up.

Steve, what an incredible experience and I’m so happy for you as it’s truly deserved!

Steveo you should be very proud of your accomplishments. From a small UKposts channel to almost 500k subscribers and now the opportunity to fly with the Thunderbirds. Congratulations on your success! Cheers

Unbelievable man, what an awesome experience. I have been obsessed with the Thunderbirds since I was a little boy and my dad took me to my first airshow. What a dream you were able to live out. Thanks for sharing it with us. I enjoyed the ride along.

Just amazing overall. The aircraft was launched in 1978 - 44 years ago. Still in service in many countries around the world today.

Wow incredible experience! At first I thought you were narrating as you were pulling all these G’s, I thought how is he holding his breath and talking? Then I realized you did this post flight. Good job, thanks for taking us along.

Awesome video Steve, what an incredible experience and thank you for taking us all along for such an amazing ride!

Amazing stuff!! Thank you for such an in depth view of your experience!!

I know this video is over one year old but it is still near the top of the list of "Best" videos that you have published! Congrats on a great job!!

Simply spectacular Steveo, congratulations on experiencing the ultimate in aviation. Thanks for sharing!

Steveo, you are an AWESOME ambassador to Aviation and certainly VERY deserving of that experience. thank you for sharing that with us!!!!

Great video, well done. Great impression of the fastastic view out of the bubble canopy! Very cool, thank you!

Much respect Steven to you and Primo. You guys were great. What a machine.

I love seeing you happy and know how much this means after seeing you fly so much in previous videos. 💗👏✈⚡🦅 You didn't pass out at 9G!!! 500 knots at 100 ft woohoo!!!!

Steveo I'm so glad you were able to experience this epic once in lifetime bucket list item. I second Sky King below, that this is the best and most exciting aviation video that I have seen here on UKposts. Everything in the video from beginning to end was well done. Your narration was superb, giving us the play by play was awesome. You got to live a dream that most dream of doing. Thanks for sharing!!!

Thank you No. 8, I have seen many flights like this before. It is hard to describe just how great this video really was, made me feel like I was right there with you. Thank you, for a great ride.

How good was that! I loved seeing all the pre flight instruction too. 10/10 video.