For the first time in more than six decades Clyde Bridger sat in the cockpit of a T-33 Fighter Jet, the same fighter jet he flew during the Vietnam War.
Bridger, 90, flew the fighter jet to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Oconto J. Douglas Bake Airport in Oconto County, Wisconsin.
“I feel like a teenager all over again,” he told WBAY.
While it had been 65 years since Bridger flew a T-33, he has kept his civilian license current and continued to fly since his combat days during the Vietnam War.
But just in case, he had backup with him.
“It’s like a bicycle, you never forget how so I’m anticipating that I won’t have a problem. That’s why I got a safety pilot in the back,” he said.
The plane’s owner, Steve Jones, was also on board during the special flight which included a 360 overhead approach and a touch and go landing.
Other historic military planes and aircraft participated in the event.
So when will Bridger fly the T-33 again? Hopefully soon.
“It was fantastic, just like old times.”
Please share this story on Facebook.
