Take off

An F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off from Hill Air Force Base Dec. 15 2010. Hill Air Force performs multiple launches a day to insure each jet is fully functional and mission ready.(U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Devin Doskey)

On the runway

Two F-16 Fight Falcons taxi down the runway prior to take off on Hill Air Force Base Dec. 16 2010. Hill Air Force performs multiple launches a day to insure each jet is fully functional and mission ready.(U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Devin Doskey)

F-16 Takes Flight

An F-16 Fighter Falcon takes off from Hill Air Force Base, Utah on Dec. 15, 2010 during a routine test flight. Hill AFB performs multiple launches a day to ensure each F-16 is fully functional and mission ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Allen Stokes)

F-16

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christian Robert, a pilot with the 388th Fighter Wing, climbs into the cockpit of an F-16 Fighter Falcon prior to takeoff Dec. 15, 2010 on Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Hill AFB performs multiple launches a day to ensure each jet is fully functional and mission ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Allen Stokes)

Maintenance

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jarrod Rogers, with the 419th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, loads ordnance onto an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft Dec. 17, 2010, during the load crew of the year competition at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Three competing maintenance squadrons were judged for accuracy and speed. (DoD photo by Airman Allen Stokes, U.S. Air Force/Released)

Preparing for Flight

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christian Robert, a pilot with the 388th Fighter Wing, climbs into the cockpit of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Dec. 15, 2010. The base conducts multiple launches a day to ensure each jet is fully functional and mission-ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Allen Stokes/Released)