"Awesome! "

Yeah, after I realized it wasn't the world coming to an end. Second thought was an aircraft was crashing on the house. The sound hit so sudden it was bewildering, I have to admit. Louder and more violent than hurricane Fran ( winds of 110mph +), and it was instant on. A stun grenade wouldn't have disoriented me more for a second or so. When I realized what it was then I couldn't get enough.

I see Beagles, and the marines routinely bring F18's through here too. One crashed at the airport about 4 miles from me a few years back ( Raleigh/durham aka "RDU" airport in case you want to look up the accident report)

I saw what had to be a raptor cruise by going north leaving contrails a few weeks back. It was cruising much faster than the eagles do, and was high enough to be completely silent. The F18's always seem to be about 1500 to 2000 ft, and they are still pretty loud. Very distinctive.

AH64 Apache's are daily seen here too.

The only other time I've been as surprised by an aircraft was during a "REFORGER" in Germany back during the cold war when a F111 appeared out of nowhere and left as quickly. It made unearthly shreiking noises in comparison to the roaring, shaking deep throated eagles. A10's can appear out of nowhere but they are really quiet in comparison IME, untill they are very, very close.

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"A Mastiff is to a dog what a Lion is to a housecat. He stands alone and all others sink before him. His courage does not exceed temper and generosity, and in attachment he equals the kindest of his race" Cynographia Britannic 1800"

oderint dum metuant