I'm one of those FReepers. I "cut my teeth" so to speak, as a jet engine mechanic on TF-39's. I worked on C-5 A/B's at Dover AFB, DE. for 4 1/2 years and yeah, it was always busy, but I learned how to be a true mechanic.
Those years created some great friendships and fond memories of performing post-ISO engine checkouts (4 engines at max. power at 2a.m.), sliding off spots in the winter because the spot wasn't deiced and many other acts of great buffoonery. ;-)
I, for one, will miss the distinctive sound, but will be happy for all the jet mech's who will get to slow down and work at a reasonable pace for a while.
Cheers,
SZ
Ahh...a jet engine mechanic on targets. :)
And yes - I say that smugly. I was a jet engine mechanic on the F-15 and F-16 at Nellis. And you're not kidding - it was an awesome job. We had an open test cell for the J-79 (yes, we had some antiques at Nellis) and we used to throw 12x12 inch ziplocs full of JP-4 into the exhaust path. Made a great fireball.
People who have never been a foot away from an engine at full power (whether it was your TF-39 or my F100-100/200/220/229) have no idea of power. Even the pilots don't get that close to the motors.
I tell people that it was the best job I ever had - and I say that with no embellishment. The people I worked with, the equipment I worked with, the job satisfaction - none of it can be beaten.
They'll be more like Maytag repairmen. The new engines are guranteed to stay on the wing at least 10,000 hours between overhauls. The will be derated to about 53,000 pounds, but were designed to go all the way up to 63,000 pounds on a 747-400. By derating them, the Air Force should be able to extend their lives and reduce required maintenance. The most popular 757 engine is the RB211-535E4B which is a derated engine based on the Rolls Royce engines used in 747's and L1011's. Supposedly there are some of those engines that have gone over 15,000 hours on a wing without an overhaul.
Ah the memories...how about sticking a wild raccoon in Weird Wayne's lunch bucket (it was an igloo cooler) while down at A area (swamp country). Those were the days. Never seen a 300lb man scramble backwards as fast as when it was lunchtime :)