Vince "Beer Camel" Putze
SimHQ Contributing Editor

I am very honored to participate with the talented staff at SimHQ. I don’t think there is a better-qualified, more diversely experienced group of Sim enthusiasts anywhere!

My love of aviation began early in life. I built my first flying model airplane at age four. By seventeen, I had my private pilot certificate. I immediately joined the local Civil Air Patrol squadron; this great organization gave me a unique opportunity to build flying time and experience. The Squadron I was in had three aircraft, an L-16, a Cessna 172 and a surplus USAF T-34A. I was only interested in flying two of them… the L-16 to build time and the T-34A to play ‘fighter pilot’. Looking back on it, that’s a pretty scary thought…. a seventeen-year-old roaring around solo in a T-34A!!

I always wanted to fly for the military. During the mid 70’s USAF pilot slots were scarce, so I pursued my civilian aviation ratings. I held several flying jobs including banner towing, aircraft ferry, and warbird restoration. I eventually ended up as a Check Captain for a commuter airline. I continued to apply to the US Air Force. In 1980 it paid off.

I went to USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) in April of 1982. I began F-4 RTU in July 1983. I flew the F-4 until January 1989 when FedEx Corporation hired me. I continued to fly the F-4, as a reservist, until the spring of 1991. I then transferred to an F-16 reserve unit, the 465 FS USAFR Tinker AFB OK. I flew the F-16 until 1994 when my reserve unit converted to the KC 135. I ended up with 2200 hours in Fighters. I was fortunate enough to fly as a “Mission Ready” (MR) pilot / Instructor in the F-4D, F-4E, F-16A/B, and the F-16C/D. I am currently an MD-11/MD-10 Check Airman and Captain with FedEx based in Memphis TN. I’ve been lucky enough to have flown every aircraft FedEx has operated except the Falcon and the B-737.

My other interests are: My two Beautiful Daughters, My Understanding Wife, Flight Sims, Shooting, Firearm Collecting, Archery (like Ted Nugent!), and just about anything outdoors. I am also in the LONG process of building an airplane, a replica WW1 fighter, the same aircraft seen in the recent movie "Flyboys".

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