How does a Downed Pilot Feel? Story from Israeli Air Force
Ejecting from your aircraft in enemy territory is probably the most frightening scenario a pilot can experience. How does a pilot feel after ejecting in enemy territory? How do aircrews prepare for such a scenario and should they flee from their captors or wait for their rescuers? On October 16, 1986, during an aerial attack on targets in Lebanon, an F-4 "Phantom" was damaged as a result of a technical malfunction when one of its bombs exploded under its wing. Both aircrew members ejected: Maj. (Res.) Yihsay Aviram and WSO Lt. Col. Ron Arad , who was taken captive. Following his ejection, Maj. (Res') Yishay Aviram wrote in his book "Pressure Suit" : "And then the explosion happened. It was like something from the books. I was sure I was dead. I heard a great ‘boom' and didn't see anything. Not my hands, not the instruments, not the jet. Just fire, flaming. I felt like I exploded and evaporated. I lay on my back, spun upwards and was c
