Bringing the Brrrrt to Alaska: The A-10 Arrives at Eilson

Subscribe to 10 Percent True for ad-free, early access to new episodes: https://www.10percenttrue.com/pricing-plansFred Knowles EP76 P2In Part 2 of our conversation with retired USAF pilot Fred Knowles, we dive into his 15 years flying the A-10 Thunderbolt II in Alaska and a tour in South Korea. Fred explains the Hog’s unique firepower, tactics, and survivability, shares vivid stories about Arctic survival training, flying in brutal -60°F conditions, night missions with flares and NVGs, and preparing to face Soviet armor or a North Korean invasion. With 3,300 hours in the cockpit, Fred gives an insider’s perspective on what it was like to fly and fight in one of the Air Force’s most iconic close air support aircraft.0:00 intro teaser 2:00 welcome back Fred3:50 AMA question 1 - mission sets in Alaska - supporting troops or interdiction?6:30 personal survival gear?10:15 striking an equipment balance & SERE refresher?14:30 human comfort as you step to the jet?16:50 how much thought given to a bailout scenario?19:20 AMA 2 - 106 to Hog, any stigma?22:34 transitioning from high altitude to low - a major adjustment?28:23 setting the scene for the transition and the maturity of the A-10 platform36:36 gau-8 dispersion 39:30 put the thing on the thing?40:30 targets - study, identifying and killing them45:55 considering the human aspect again, how personal?47:55 Korea51:58 attrition expectations and survivability 55:08 ECM pod, chaff, flares and RWR57:10 low level59:45 handling characteristics and performance 1:02:15 jinking/evading 1:04:00 handling on the edge of stall?1:05:40 air to air, helicopters?1:08:10 back to Alaska and darkness!1:11:00 employing at night 1:13:00 transitioning to NVG flying and how it would pan out if balloon went up1:16:38 MANPADs1:18:17 Fulda Gap1:19:40 semi-prepared strips?1:22:09 changes or milestones during the 15 years in Alaska?1:28:05 FAC & OA-101:30:45 targeting pods and new weapons arriving?1:33:23 A-10 - thoughts on its evolution/lifespan/survival/career?1:35:49 standout/scary moments?1:40:14 hours?1:40:35 Hosting Russians at Eielson 1:43:40 other memorable events, incl Gunsmoke ‘83 & ’851:45:45 fini flight 1:46:45 muscle memory and complacency?1:49:50 leaving Eielson1:50:22 in review