Lockheed NT-33 Shooting Star

Aircraft Information
> Aircraft Make: Lockheed. Model: NT-33. Nickname: Shooting Star
> Aircraft Mil Civ Description: Tactical Jet
> FAA Category and Class: Airplane SE Land
> Engine Description: single jet

Aircraft Experience
> As of: 10/30/2024
> Number of Hours Flown: 3
> Number of Times Flown: 2
> Other Aircraft Models Associated: NT-33, T-33

First Flown Information
> Sequence First Flown: 26
> Date First Flown: 9/9/1986
> Location First Flown: NAS Patuxent River, MD (KNHK)
> Who and/or What Organization First Flown With: Calspan, Lou Knotts

Recollections: CALSPAN, who you will read about in my descriptions of the VSS Learjet and the F-16 “Vista”, has a long and proud history of operating a number of research and training aircraft.  One of those aircraft is the NT-33. My memory is a bit fuzzy, but I believe the flight(s) I flew in the T-33 were to demonstrate the same kind of inflight variable stability aircraft as I’d seen earlier in the Learjet, except this time it would be to landing touchdown.  I also have an indistinct memory of the airplane having an advanced (for the time) flight display, perhaps a HUD.  USNTPS is such a whirlwind of activity that I wish I’d taken better notes!  (but, I didn’t have time…it was sink or swim).

I do remember flying with Lou Knotts, one of the smartest guys you could meet…which was typical of all the Calspan pilots.  They were REALLY good.