DONE and DONE! The F18 is complete! Thanks for watching the build!

@wearemany73

2 жыл бұрын

Ohhh yes, take it out for a little wiz around the neighbourhood! (I won't tell the owner 🤫) 😃 Not really..Looks super good. I had this model as a large airfix kit and it was a beauty 😍 Are you wearing noise canceling ear protection in the clip? 🎧 Great Video as always 👌 😁❤👍😎

@sawituptx

11 ай бұрын

Screw loose at 22:40

My NERVES couldn't handle flying a first flight with that plane!!!!!!😳 TALK ABOUT A STICK SHAKER!!!!!

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

HAHA. Can't fly the money. Have to just fly the plane!

Bet that makes the neighbors happy!

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

HAHA. Now that we are in the country it's perfect!!!!

Holy Toledo… that’s just mind-boggling. Splendid build! I’d love to see it in the air.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gryf!😊

Absolutely awesome what a build. Bit of a bummer ya have to do what Skymaster should have done but there ya go.Highlights were Painting names and tail hook. Well done that man.

@thelightersideofrc

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Nick!

Such a beautiful plane! But I'm not sure I'd ever be able to relax and have "fun" flying that much $$$. Ugh! My $8k prop plane is enough. BTW, I'm sure the cat annoys you sometimes, thinking it messed up the video. I love it, makes me laugh! I just lost my cat of 17 years, she always had to be in my business too. 😁 Cheers.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jeremy! That’s the one big struggle many have is they fly the money, not the plane. Lol. Yea sometimes Nez drives me nuts but she is growing on me. Much more upbeat and fun than our other two.

John is a total stud. He makes it look so easy, but we know it isn't. Well done John!!!!!!

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

HAHA. Thanks! 😊

Cat with tape on her fluffy tail was the best part. Inez Is a cute cat. oh yea. I mean awesome plane dude. Really though, Its a beauty.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

HAHA. Well Said. She has quite the personality!

Your cat is like ''screw that nose cone, you better give me attention when i need it'' hahahaha :P

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

HAHA. No kidding

Glad to see her wrapped up and on its way! Finishing details always seem to take more time than we think they should. Im sure the owner will be excited to get it home!

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Yea he is very excited! I think it’s scheduled to arrive today!

Why are bigger tanks not installed? With the new engines they have being so powerful it seems as though they could handle the extra weight. Beautiful work. A true engineering marvel

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gary. This fuel load will provide about an 8min flight. The fuel is heavy to you have to be careful not to add too much. The aircraft can handle it but finding room in something like the 18 is a challenge. Especially over the C of G.

Another brilliant build, do like that moulding tool, handy idea. I hope John invites you to the maiden. Great job 👍🏻

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! and thank you for watching!

It turned out absolutely stunning Great job👍

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Shaun!😊

@cosmiccharlie8294

2 жыл бұрын

I have a buddy who builds for people. He even built an ultralight and sold it.

Awesome as usual, so one thing you can try for lube on the slats is graphite powder. When I built the BVM F100s I found it worked well. If you don't have any in your shop you can use a #2 pencil which are normal graphite not lead. Sand with like 400 grit and the result will be Graphite power

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kelly! Great suggestion! I have some spray graphite lube which should work great!

they look for some one in the JPL !! you got a chance!! great job!!

@thelightersideofrc

Жыл бұрын

😎

Perfect!! Great job Jonathan. Best of luck to the owner! I the nerves will be high on the maiden day.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve!

When I was on the USS Independence VF-32 Swordsman were onboard with the F-14 at the time. 1982-85. Nice work on the 18.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Tim. Very cool! Thanks for watching!

I’m always amazed at the amount of thought and detail you put into your builds They are all very well planned out and meticulously done Great job again Looking forward to seeing the Tomcat finished 👍

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jim! I appreciate the kind words!

I’m not a rc guy but I like cool stuff, this was some really cool stuff!

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for checking it out Daryl!

@PeterKKraus

2 жыл бұрын

Ditto. Ever see the old bearded guy in the jet go kart? 😆

Such a craftsman no short cuts awesome job 👏 I'd be grateful if i was the pilot. Definitely need the maiden posted. I've gotta say if i ever build one I'm coming to you ...after all I'm in Michigan 🤣🤣

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! I appreciate it!😊

As NAVY AMH of the F/A 18 C Mechanic working these aircraft was thrill to me and nightmare with Demands to get it fixed now. for demand use for operational Needs. I began my career in Top Notch Squadron At sea ended the Same Way. best time of 20-year path to success. Not FAN of the Super Hornet, Like the F14 better, but innovation has to happen to make things cost efficient and the aging Airframe. It was costly to keep up on. Love the r/c that thing sounds sweet. nothing compares to that sound. can't wait to see it fly...

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Scrapy! Yours is the untold and non glamorous side of Aviation. Thanks for sharing and watching!

Man, that F18 is amazing.. Totally bada$$..

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! She is outstanding!

Following for total cost. Beautiful build and great job! Thanks for the video!

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Robert!

Absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing such a fascinating hobby.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you and thanks for watching!

The RC Squadron. 😜

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

😊

Awesome, great job, enjoyed watching it from the unboxing to finish, looking forward to see the F-14 completion as well.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you and thanks for watching!

Very cool.. and very impressive too! Nice job!

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much!😊

YES!!! We are closer to the Boomerang Ranger PRO-ject!!

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Haha. Yea exactly 🤣

Awesome build! You do a awesome job with your videos. Wish we could see it fly.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Andy!

Man! Love your videos! As a lover of RC planes and having not even seen a real one. You are my hero :D

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

HAHA. Thanks a bunch!

Amazing job

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

Great job on the build John. Very neat layout with the equipment installation. I really enjoy your build videos and I am looking forward to the next one!

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

If you took that to a MD Engineer, would they give you a certificate of successful certification of your model on a plaque or something? If the manufacturer signs of on your build, that would be something.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

good question. I'm not sure. I suppose it would be based on what their requirements were.

Excellent job!!! I really enjoy watching your build videos. Beautiful plane.....Pretty Kitty too

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks James. 😊. Nez is growing on me. She much more fun than our other two cats. And she listens.

beautifull plane and...beautifull cat ! as usual, amazing work. congratulations. I hope we can see the maiden flight.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Philippe!

Wow, amazing looking jet🔥🔥🔥

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

For anyone who is curious, the aircraft showcased in the video is the F/A-18F Super Hornet which is the two seater variant. The second version is F/A-18E which is the single seater out of the two variants.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

😎🙌

@steveturner3999

2 жыл бұрын

With a Navy / Marine crew? I noticed the back seater is a Major.

@Kidmoelester

2 жыл бұрын

@@steveturner3999 I would say definitely a Navy crew but I'll have to go check if the marines use them. I've checked the Marines do use Super Hornets. However please note that I'm no expert as I'm an English high school student.

@steveturner3999

2 жыл бұрын

@@Kidmoelester Marines do have them but this Hornet is in Navy livery and there isn’t a rank of Major in the Navy. The pilot is listed as Lieutenant Commander.

@Kidmoelester

2 жыл бұрын

@@steveturner3999 Ok thanks as I had no clue that Major wasn't a rank in the Navy

Just hope it survives the maiden flight!

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

They fly like a pussy cat when set up properly!

Great job and very interesting build.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks 😊

Another awsome project done. Great job!

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks RJ!

Hinreissend toller Flieger!!

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! The owner should be very happy!

Beautiful job. Congratulations.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Vincent!

Hi Jonathan. That a Lot of Hours to build F18. I love the outside startup. Look like a very high cost Leaf Blower. lol. Jonathan you should Take photos or have owners send Photos to hang in Shop. Could you ever Go Full Time Building Jet? What Jet will be Next? Take Care.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Greg! That’s a great idea on the photo! Love it! If I got a steady influx of builds yes it’s realistic. If I was doing it full time I would be done this F18 in 2-3 weeks. Text is the f14 to finish and the boomerang ranger.

@gregoryh4601

2 жыл бұрын

@@thelightersideofrc Jonathan how Do you like the Jeti? Jonathan if you ever Change Transmitter you Still can use JR Receivers. I love my FrSky it is all Program and now Waiting on Warm Weather and we been having a Lot of High Windy Weather . Can Wait to see the F14 start the Engines. Hehehe. Oh by the Way I have a Patent on My Words I say to You. lol. Take Care. Greg

Amazing job. Where are you Located and approximately how many stacks of cash was that build lol.I build hobby rockets but not for sale. I also make my own solid fuel engines.I’m really impressed with the detail and care taken on that unit. Well done. Your skill is priceless bud.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mel! I'm located South Of Calgary, AB Canada. Depends on how fat the stacks are!

@melplishka5978

2 жыл бұрын

@@thelightersideofrc nice not too far away. Im in Selkirk mb lol.

@melplishka5978

2 жыл бұрын

@@thelightersideofrc actually I’m just getin into RC building. I’m one of those crazy people that likes to build from scratch almost. I’m just learning how too properly match the gear too size and power one wants use but just regular sized units nothing like yours lol. Actual turbines are a little too expensive for me right now lol.

You need to do a collaboration with Danny Huynh Creations What an insane build! #SofaKingDope! Congrats on all the hard work coming together.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Oh Yea! I have seen a bit of his stuff! Very cool! That would be tons of fun!

The plane is beautiful, but the cat. Stole the show for me! 😀

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

HAHA. Nez The shop cat!

Truly incredible work!

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

LOVE this build. First time seeing your channel. What an awesome machine. I've been working on F/A-18's for over 30 years, and I love jets. Cool thing is, that the pilot on the front cockpit used to be a Naval Test Pilot that I worked with before he went to VFA-32. Going to subscribe and can't wait to watch more.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Oh wow Rich! Super cool! Thanks for checking things out and watching 😎😊

Beautiful work.

@thelightersideofrc

Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

One of my favorite flying models was a Sterling Sopwith Camel freeflight powered by a cox 0.20cc engine. Think i was about 13 when i built it and it flew great. So sad both the engine and kit are gone forever.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

The Dying side of the hobby.

@dustin2264

2 жыл бұрын

You can still get the camel at HOBBY LOBBY

Well done and much respect

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@37:00 couldn’t you run an extension up into the cockpit so you can fill the piston with air whenever? Just a thought maybe it could help with other builds?? Great video love the aircraft’s and builds.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

That's a cool idea! I think having the onboard compressor and trying to minimize use may be best. Want it to last a long time but if they prove to be long lasting items than that's a great idea!

The pitot tube needs to be in undisturbed air, preferably out of the leading edge of the wing or in the nose. I recently installed one in my Avanti, in the nose, and it's very accurate. The static ports should be at least 13mm out and the tip even further.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed. The leading edge is out due to lack of access and Slats. This spot works well for others.

@rcnfo1197

2 жыл бұрын

@@thelightersideofrc Engineering is all about compromises, so you have to do what you can. If the supports mimicked full scale design, the airflow would be less disturbed where you have it. Either way the owner should calibrate it with a series of stall tests. Then he'll know what speeds he can safely fly in the landing pattern. The rest of the build looks stellar!

Sandor Kruise from DigiTech makes that block for molding MPX connectors.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thanks

AWSOME JOB SIR

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Hi Jonathan, Superb build series. Enjoyed watching all the videos. Will there be a maiden video coming? You and the family stay safe.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Don! I hope the owner will get some video and send it through! 😊

The airspeed sensor isn't going to measure the right air speed. Because it wasn't mounted in free stream air and the sensor will be close to the surface, the boundary layer will throw off the speed, as well as different flight conditions such as angle of attack, slip, etc And those are some GIANT pilots haha

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Spencer. I know of others that have had great success mounting the sensor like this on the same aircraft. So i'm hoping it works well. Pilots are the same scale as the aircraft based on a 6' tall person. Although they are the wrong scale now that they are missing some legs!

beautiful plane wish i could fly them

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks ivan!

Salute from Brazil !

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jean!

Hey Sir. So how many days did it take to build this aircraft? Also, in American dollars how much would this thing cost? Just asking. Great video. I really enjoyed this build. Take care buddy

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Hello James. Started it in January I believe. Hours are spread over quite some time. Typically to build something like this your probably in about the 25k range. Thanks for watching!

My ears are blown away

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

🤣😊

Top, Greetings from André

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Andre!

awesome

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ricardo!😊

Boy, I would be scared to death to ship that thing. I know guys do it all the time, but heck, I even worry when I ship a single balsa kit or ARF.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

HAHA. I get it. It's very well protected in the crate so not worried.

Thanks!

@thelightersideofrc

Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Steve! I appreciate it!😊

I'm sort of disappointed this doesn't have a model AN/APG-65 radar. :o

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

😂🙌😙

Is the owner going to use that airspeed data for stall warning? Ive always heard to keep the pitot tube in clean air (not near side of fuselage) if you want accurate data, especially during high AOA. I have not done any testing with pitot tubes though.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

That's possibly the plan. This setup works quite well (from experience from myself and others). Bit of a challenge on something like this with Slats installed on the leading edge.

Can't imagine if that thing goes down after all that time, money and effort. I'd have to immediately sit on an island beach by myself drunk for a week to calm down lol.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Can't worry about the money. They all have an expiration date. Some are much longer than others.

36:05 sneeky fart 😆

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

HAHA. That was Nez the shop cat😂

@wearemany73

2 жыл бұрын

@@thelightersideofrc HAHA! Silly Sausage 🤣 lol

me not knowing anything about rc things also me: yeah that’s a good setup with the motors and wings and stuff

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

HAHA. Thanks for watching!

Really nice, loved watching it. Question, roughly how much an RC like that costs? RTF.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! A large twin like this typically runs in about 25k USD

@RatherFlyRC

2 жыл бұрын

@@thelightersideofrc I could sell my car and wife’s and be pretty close lol. Great job man, very clean builds

I'd love to see the maiden flight video. Was it recorded? If so, could you post the link? With all of the time I've invested in watching the build I feel a bit connected to this aircraft haha.

@thelightersideofrc

7 ай бұрын

As the aircraft was shipped to the owner I didn’t record any flights. He has posted snippets of various flights and it is still flying well today!

@welllthatisthat

7 ай бұрын

@thelightersideofrc That's great to hear after all of that hard work! Amazing job, and keep up the stellar work!

@thelightersideofrc

7 ай бұрын

@welllthatisthat thanks!

Thats a very well built jet. What is the total cost out the door?

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Most big twins like this will run about 25K USD.

try magnesium or aluminium wire-sheet spool metal-air fuel cell, efficiency 90%, energy density 6.3kwh/kg or 8.4kwh/kg, its a salt water or baking soda water with carbon electrode battery cell, just add more metal, better than li-ion, by more than 20x, and double to gasoline engines, electric jet

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

😎🙌

*Let the Sunshine In*

@thelightersideofrc

Жыл бұрын

😎

Hello , would love to see the maiden flights on these aircraft you build do you think you will be able to post them when you get them? Also are you a known builder in the rc jet world or are you a builder who is making a name for himself now? Thanks for sharing ❤️It.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Hello David. If you sort through some of my playlists and videos you will find the maiden flights when possible. I don’t always get the opportunity to do the maiden or film the maiden as typically the aircraft are going to another country or continent. I suppose it’s a bit of both. Many don’t know who I am and many do.

The F/A-18F (two seater) doesn't have flight controls in the rear....additionally, you have a Navy pilot and a Marine Major as the NFO (2nd Seat) this wouldn't happen.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Eric. The names on the aircraft are the owners friends who are pilots. one is an F18 pilot and the other is a military pilot. So the names are not scale but they are a tribute to his friends.

i used to race RC cars and Deans connectors are the way to go Tamyia plugs are crap they will melt and hardwireing is a pain in the ass.Deans says they're plugs have less restiance than the same length of 10 ga. copper wire

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Deans are good. I am also liking the XT60 connector now.

I worked next to F/A-18s for years. A/B models C/D models and E/F and super Hornets. Sounded a lot like yours!!! China Lake Just one question. What mode does the radar operate in mostly?

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jim! I'm sure that was very cool to be around in person! The smell, sound etc is what attracted me to these things many years ago. So dang cool! Sorry I don't understand your question?

@jimsteinway695

2 жыл бұрын

@@thelightersideofrc it’s was a bad attempt at humor. The phased array radar in the nose cone.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🙌

That battery wire is way overkill. You can lighten all that up. Those turbines dont draw very much. Thats a lot of unnecessary weight

@thelightersideofrc

3 ай бұрын

👍

What kind of jet engines are those? Sounds great!

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Anthony! Twin Swiwin 170's! Available at www.thelightersideofrc.com/shop

Would it be better for single wire hot and ground front to back with power block

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

with these setups basically all the items have their own dedicated wire feed. It is possible with some BUS setups to do something like that. So one cable feeds to a block at the aft of the plane and all the rear servos plug into that block.

@ericmccleskey7494

2 жыл бұрын

@@thelightersideofrc totally get that , looks like fun projects I’ve been welding for 30 years now and would love to work on those for a living.

Hey how much does something like that f 18 cost for the whole set up control with that vr head set? I'd very much like to purchase something like that

@thelightersideofrc

Жыл бұрын

Hello Rob. Obviously there are many variables but a large twin like this will run about 25K USD

Missed opportunity to mount the pitot tube like the gun on an F18

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

🤔😎

Where is the video on the CT-114 (Snowbird) you have in the opening sequence?

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

IF you search through the video's there are many with the Tutor.

Screw loose at 22:40

@thelightersideofrc

11 ай бұрын

Nope. its what the nose cone key holes onto the keep it on.

@sawituptx

11 ай бұрын

@@thelightersideofrc ahh!

See You at 10 Clara

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

You didn't show up!

Why is the weapon systems officers rank Major? This is a US Navy bird from VFA-32 Swordsman.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Not sure. That question needs to go to Skymaster as then installed that.

👏👏👏...👍

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

😎

what happens to the CG measurement when the gear is UP ??

@shelbyseelbach9568

2 жыл бұрын

It stays the same. The CG may change, but the desired measurement doesn't change.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

The C of G location will change with full tanks and gear up but the most important is the Landing condition. Always C of G the plane in Landing condition.

with everything done and included what is about the final cost just curious

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Generally a large twin like this comes in at about 20-25 K USD. Many things are owner purchased/supplied so not sure of the final tally.

Hi what gauge wire do you use for the long battery runs?

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Generally 14G-16G works well.

@sheldoncampbell538

2 жыл бұрын

@@thelightersideofrc Thanks !!

Where did you get that apron?

@thelightersideofrc

Жыл бұрын

Made by MB leatherworks

Why is "Maj Jack Ruddy" emblazoned on the side of a Naval aircraft?

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Because the owner of the aircraft has 2 very close friends who are pilots (one is an F18 Pilot) and he wanted their names on the aircraft.

@randallsimmons391

2 жыл бұрын

@@thelightersideofrc Thanks for the info. Great build and I am certain the owner will be well pleased with it.

Do you build these aircraft for customers?

@thelightersideofrc

Жыл бұрын

Yes. Most are for customers. Some are mine.

@SEDARTA_RECORDS

Жыл бұрын

@@thelightersideofrc And what would a single jet turbine jet go for $

What is the expected top speed of this thing when it's completed?

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Maybe 199.9 MPH

@pattothewhite2764

2 жыл бұрын

@@thelightersideofrc haha maybe exactly this fast. Impressive 👍

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣😊

How much would you charge to build a G91 sir

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Please send me an email with some more details and we can discuss. Thanks.

Did anyone notice, that they wrote "aricraft" on the warning sign on the right hand side of the plane?

@thelightersideofrc

Жыл бұрын

🤔

If you don't mind me asking did a rc accident mess up your hand ???

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Jeff. No. No exciting stories like that. Just born that way.

@jeffgoswick7660

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the answer .I been watching you a while and was just curious ..you do some awesome builds

The back seater is a "Major" is that a Marine because if it was Navy the rank should be Lieutenant Commander or commander

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

That question is above my pay grade! if I had the answer I would give it but the rear name and rank was installed by the manufacture.

@zmb412

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, a Marine O-4 is a Major, and their O-4 equivalent in the Navy is a LT Commander.

@thelightersideofrc

2 жыл бұрын

Just a heads up on the names. These are names of the owners friends. Yes he was a Marine pilot and that rank is a marine rank. He didn’t fly F18’s, he flew C5’s and c130 and was put on the plane as a tribute to him. Front seat guy was an navy F18 pilot