Conversion
Undoubtedly, the F-4 is a generation behind
the F-16 and Mirage 2000, the HAF’s other two
frontline fighters. New Phantom pilots come
exclusively from flight training at Kalamata
air base. “I have been flying Phantoms since
1997 and have not flown any other fighter
aircraft,” observed Lt Col Alexandros. “In
all those years, I have not seen any fourth-
generation pilot convert to the Phantom. On
the other hand, Phantom pilots do go to the
Mirage or F-16, usually at their own request.
It just depends what the General Staff think
is needed. If flight training cannot provide
enough pilots, or when experienced pilots
are needed on a different type and we have
enough, then pilots will be transferred.”
New fighter pilots make the step from
the T-2 Buckeye to one of the three fighter
types. Before they reach 338 Mira, they
learn to fly the Phantom with the F-4 training
squadron at Andravida. This squadron has
no numerical designation and none of its own
jets. However, it does have a simulator and
borrows Phantoms from 338 when required.
Although it was more than 20 years ago,
Lt Col Alexandros still remembers his first
Phantom take-off. “As a young pilot fresh from
flight training in Kalamata, I thought that the
T-2 was a powerful aircraft. Well, I can assure
you that it is not. If you light the afterburners
of the Phantom’s two J79 engines you will
really be pushed into your seat!” Since then,
he has logged 2,000 hours in the F-4.
Co-pilots
Lt Pappas ‘Priest’ Apostolos arrived at
Andravida fresh from flight training. The type’s
legendary status led him to request a career on
the F-4. However, his first impression on arrival
at Andravida was one of disappointment:
“In the T-2, I flew from the front cockpit with
a fantastic forward view. In the F-4, on the
other hand, every new pilot starts in the back
seat where the forward visibility is minimal.”
In contrast to USAF F-4 weapon systems
officers (WSOs), the HAF back-seaters
are trained as pilots. Lt Col Alexandros
clarified the logic behind the pilot/co-pilot
philosophy: “A young pilot must learn
to understand the tactical environment
which he is in. He learns that from the
experienced pilot in the front cockpit.
“The co-pilot is responsible for
communication with air traffic control and other
parties such as forward air controllers and he
uses the weapon systems such as the radar
and targeting pod. The pilot flies the plane.”
Lt Apostolos added with a smile that
the co-pilot is also there to ensure the
pilot doesn’t make any mistakes.
Another advantage is that the front-
seater knows exactly what the co-pilot is
doing, since they will have had a couple
of years’ experience in the same position.
Flying the Phantom in tactical situations
requires plenty of teamwork and the HAF’s
pilot/co-pilot system enhances the overall
effectiveness of the weapon platform.
Lt Apostolos’ initial disappointment soon
faded: “As a young pilot you have a lot to learnand, soon after my first flight, I recognised
the value of being the back-seater.
“I wouldn’t want to fly anything but this plane- even if it were the Phantom before the AUP
modifications. What I find really attractive
about the F-4 are its large dimensions and
how it flies. It is a pretty reliable aircraft, but
one with a high workload. A good example is
the centre of gravity that continuously changes
during the flight, which has an impact on its
flight characteristics. You have to see it as
flying three different types during one flight!”
Phantom crews fly between 100 and 120
hours per year. Promotion to the front seat
takes between two and five years, according
to Lt Col Alexandros: “It depends on the influx
and efflux of pilots. On average, it takes four
years.” The co-pilots maintain their skills by
flying the aircraft during non-tactical portions of
the flight. ‘Priest’ has already logged 350 hours
and will soon advance to the front cockpit.
Conclusion
Lt Col Apostolos is proud to be the commander
of Greece’s last F-4 squadron. He said: “We
are admired everywhere and that makes me
very happy. We add an excellent capacity
to the overall strength of the Hellenic Air
Force. Of course, we will never be as agile
as the F-16 and Mirage and will lose [aerial
combat] in that arena. However, in modern
air warfare you do not come close, you shoot
[your missiles from] beyond visual range.
“Our Phantoms are well-suited to
modern warfare and I hope they will be
in service for many years to come.”According to sources at Andravida, 32 of
the 36 aircraft that underwent the AUP are
still operational. The squadron’s objective
is to have at least 20 on the flight line.
Maintenance
Maintenance requirements steadily increase as
aircraft get older and the F-4 is no exception.
The youngest airframe was completed in
Fiscal Year 1978. Lt Col Alexandros admitted:
“Maintenance does take more time, but we
have an experienced and knowledgeable
maintenance force that has been involved
with this aircraft for many years. They
know it through-and-through.” The same
goes for many of the pilots. Usually, Greek
fighter aircrew remain with the same type
throughout their operational career.
The Phantom has been out of production
since 1981 and is only in limited use with a
handful of air forces. As a result, acquisition
of spare parts is becoming more and more
difficult. Lt Col Alexandros didn’t reveal details
of how the HAF procures spare parts, but
one source is the line of 12 retired F-4s on
the eastern side of the airfield. Some of these
are only hulls, while others still retain useful
parts. Included in the line-up are some of the
RF-4Es that found their way to Andravida
after retirement. One example, engineless but
otherwise complete, was parked alongside
an F-4E AUP in one of 339’s maintenance
hangars. Lt Col Alexandros admitted that RF-4E
parts and even engines were being used in
the operational F-4 fleet. Consequently, some
F-4Es are now flying with ‘smoker’ engines.
F-4E AUP serial 01510 wears a special scheme to commemorate the 60th anniversary of 338 Mira, marked in 2012. The jet was captured during a low-level
sortie near Andravida.
A Phantom deploys its brake chute
as it returns to Andravida.
AFMhttp://www.airforcesmonthly.com #369 DECEMBER 2018 // 97