During the static exhibition, the US Air Force exposed 2 type A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft. Other 2 had to evolve, but did not do so due to adverse weather conditions. In one of the aircraft in the static exhibit, I found Captain Dan Huber:
Taxi and parking A-10 Thunderbolt #USAF @ Aeroportul Baneasa - Aurel Vlaicu / BBU # BIAS2015Bucharest International Air Show Bucharest Airports
Posted by Airlines Travel on Thursday, June 18, 2015
TIG: Tell us a little about these planes.
DH: The planes are A-10 C, an upgrade from A-10 A. We have had them in operation since 2005. The biggest difference is that we now have 2 multifunctional displays: it displays everything from information about maps, navigation, weapons, ammunition . This plane is very easy to fly. Because it was created for CAS (Close Air Support), the maximum speed it reaches is around 400 knots (about 740 km / h), but we usually fly with 200 knots (about 370 km / h). We also need to fly fairly low. Another type of mission that this aircraft performs are those of "???? combat search and rescue". We really like this type of mission: it is our job to find a possible downed pilot and make sure he is safely retrieved by a helicopter.
TIG: How are you preparing to board these planes? We know that there is no longer dual-order A-10.
DH: After completing training on other types of dual-order aircraft, we pass directly on the A-10 C. You are alone on the plane for the first time when you fly it. It's a little scary, but also fun.
TIG: Is this the first fighter plane you piloted?
DH: Yes, in the US Air Force we usually fly on one type of aircraft throughout our entire career. Very rarely do we do what is called "a ???? cross training", when we learn to fly on another type of plane. I have about 550 flight hours at Thunderbolt's round.
TIG: The plane you were in ???? been used in any fight so far?
DH: Each aircraft of this type has already been used in different fights. It was built in 1982; USAF used A-10 in Iraq, Afghanistan.
TIG: Have you ever participated in a fight?
DH: No, I don't, but my squadron does. And to be always prepared for such a situation, we train constantly. We have just returned from some exercises in Europe with other NATO members. We have been stationed in Romania for a while at Câmpia Turzii, where we train with Mig-21 LanceR.
Thanks a lot!
DH: Thank you too!