6 December 1963: Air Force test pilot Major Robert W. Smith takes the Lockheed NF-104A Aerospace Trainer, 56-0756, out for a little spin. . . Starting at 0.85 Mach and 35,000 feet (10,668 meters) over the Pacific Ocean west of Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, Bob Smith turned toward Edwards Air Force Base and accelerated
“Flew 235 missions in the Hun in SEA with the 309th @ TuyHoa and the 615th @ Phan Rang. Separated from the USAF in mid 73 and returned to operate the family ranch in Montana.
Bought a Super Cub in 73 and it’s still here on the ranch starting on its third engine.
Retired from the ranching operation in 2000 and went to work for Big Sky Airlines flying the old Metroliner. Got forced out in the age 60 deal in 2005 but stayed on in the training department until they shut the doors in 2007.
Got involved with some Bozeman guys who just happened to own four F-100F’s, an F-86, and a T-bird. They’re all Flight Systems aircraft. Got typed in the T-bird and am thinking seriously of flying the F-86 this summer. It will be ready to fly late April. If we can rob a bank or two we’ll fly the Huns but 1000gal/ hr is a little tough on the pocketbook!”
