Tulsa Mayor Takes Incentive Flight On F-16 Fighter Jet

Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett visited the Tulsa Air National Guard Dec. 21 for an incentive flight to gain an understanding of the mission, purpose and capabilities of the 138th Fighter Wing.

Bartlett experienced how different a fighter jet is compared to other aircraft in speed, power and maneuverability by running through a variety of different scenarios during his flight.

Bartlett went along with Maj. Nathan Garrett on the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

“It offers a fantastic view. It’s a heck of a way to see the world," Garrett said.

Bartlett is Tulsa’s 39th mayor and assumed office Dec. 7, 2009.

"It’s impressive the number of people it takes to support that aircraft and yourself. That’s what’s really amazing to me,” Bartlett said. “Everybody has their job down, you ask a question and things are done. You can tell everybody is really proficient at what they do.”

Bartlett said it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“Well, first thing is wow. I mean, it really was," Bartlett said. It makes me very proud to have such a facility in Tulsa and it’s a real appreciation for what you all do out here. The experience of feeling that aircraft, it’s amazing, a 25-year-old aircraft and doing what it does. First of all, it shows maintenance out here is amazing, everything worked well. The power of that machine is unimaginable. I never ever would have had, I’ll probably never have an experience like that before or again."