The slowly fading art of flying—and maintaining—Cold War fighter jets

Excellent article and pictures. However if you REALLY want a “Cold War” era warbird, try an F-14 Tomcat. I’m not saying anyone could get one, (Maybe after the Iranians are done with theirs.) But there was a maintenance and logistical nightmare. Even in the best of times. I wrenched on them from 1984 to 1993, 8 hours for two techs to change out a fuel control, yikes!

The article is as intensive as the jets maintenance, great job!!

Love the A-4! One of the most aesthetically pleasing jets. I loved the Blue Angels during the Skyhawk period. Don't get me wrong, I like the Hornets, but the A-4 looked like an aerobatic aircraft.

The art of flying & maintaining them can always be relearned, but maintenance also includes the availability of parts,lube & fuel. Prime (all be it extreme) example the SR71's special fuel is no longer produced. To make a one off batch would be in the 100s of thousands for limited quantity, not to mention acquiring 80,000'+ rated lubricants that won't freeze up.

If I only had a couple tons of hundred dollar bills...

Thanks for a great article. Long ago and far away at Pax River, I worked as on both F4's and A4's. I really enjoyed the A4.