What You Can Actually Touch on a Thunderbird F-16 Cockpit Tour

The crew chief gestures you forward. You’re about to step into the cockpit of an F-16 that was pulling 9Gs an hour ago. What can you actually touch, and what’s the experience really like?

How Cockpit Tours Happen

Military demonstration teams conduct cockpit tours through several channels:

VIP packages: Many airshows sell premium experiences ($300-1,000) that include supervised cockpit access. You’ll typically get 5-15 minutes in the seat with a crew chief explaining systems.

Make-A-Wish and similar programs: Young people with medical situations often receive extensive cockpit access through official programs.

Sponsor events: Corporate sponsors sometimes receive cockpit tour allocations as part of their packages.

Random selection: Some teams conduct “key” drops or random drawings among crowd attendees. The odds are long, but people do win.

What You’re Actually Allowed to Touch

Crew chiefs supervise all cockpit interactions carefully. Generally permitted:

HOTAS controls: The stick and throttle (Hands On Throttle And Stick – where HOTAS comes from) are typically okay to handle. You’ll feel how the stick moves in its gimbal, though the forces are lighter than you’d expect – there’s no direct mechanical connection to flight surfaces.

Seat adjustment: You’ll likely be raised or lowered to proper position using the seat controls.

Rudder pedals: Feel free to press them and feel the mechanical linkage.

Canopy rail: You can grip where pilots naturally rest their arms.

What You Absolutely Cannot Touch

Master arm/weapons panels: Even on static jets, the weapons systems areas are off-limits. Some switches are covered or safed for display.

Communication equipment: Radio and IFF systems remain protected.

Engine controls: Beyond basic throttle movement, engine management systems aren’t for visitor interaction.

Ejection seat handles: For obvious reasons, anything related to the Martin-Baker ejection system is strictly hands-off. The yellow and black striped handles are there to remind you.

The Sensory Experience

What strikes most visitors first is how small the cockpit feels. Fighter cockpits are designed around human reach envelopes, not comfort. Every switch is positioned within arm’s movement range of a strapped-in pilot.

The second revelation is visibility. Once seated properly, you understand why pilots describe the F-16’s bubble canopy as “sitting on a chair in the sky.” The view is almost 360 degrees, with only the ejection seat headrest behind you.

The seat itself is reclined 30 degrees – unusual until you realize this position allows pilots to sustain higher G-forces by keeping blood from pooling in their legs.

Questions Crew Chiefs Actually Answer

Crew chiefs on cockpit tour duty are often remarkably candid about unclassified aspects of the aircraft:

• Daily maintenance requirements and turnaround procedures
• General performance capabilities (within published specifications)
• Their personal career paths and experiences
• Stories about specific aircraft (many jets have histories and nicknames)

They won’t discuss classified systems, specific combat operations, or anything that could compromise operational security.

Photography During Cockpit Tours

Policies vary. Most teams allow personal photos but prohibit certain angles (often looking down into certain instrument panels). Some require all phones/cameras to be held by ground crew during your time in the seat. Ask before assuming, and respect the answer.

Making It Happen

If cockpit access is your goal, research premium packages before the show. Many sell out weeks in advance. Arriving at a show hoping to luck into cockpit time is possible but unlikely. Budget for the VIP experience if this matters to you – it’s often the single best aviation-dollar you’ll ever spend.