I was a Range Rat back in the days of general admittance for the public. One day the tower called to the F-4 Phantoms that were using the range and told them that there were a few folks with (then ancient tech!) video cameras. They said if they had enough fuel after their gun/bomb runs they could do a little demo for us. I litterally had the hat sucked of my head and left smelling of JP4 after one incredibly low and fast pass!
Another time a rookie pilot in an A-37 Dragonfly mistakenly hit the switch and released his drop tank right in front of us. We got it all on tape including one concerned visitor's "Oh S__t! I hope that isn't a bomb!!"
Visiting got a bit more restrictive after a helicopter that was given permission to practice stunts for a movie at the range, crashed, killing the pilot right in front of a troop of Boy Scouts that was visiting.
Once 9/11 happened security was increased and visiting on my part, ceased.
