F86 Sabre Pilots Association

THE BEST PILOTS WHO EVER STEPPED INTO A COCKPIT
BELONG TO THE F-86 SABRE PILOTS ASSOCIATION

One of the most successful jet fighters of all time was the North American F-86 Sabre, the scourge of MiG pilots in the Korean War and the first swept wing fighter to fly for America. The day fighter and all weather versions of the aircraft were used in almost all Western countries, remaining in front line service for almost 20 years. Under license, it was built in Canada, Australia, Japan and Italy. The first prototype flew on Oct. 1, 1947 but it had been under development since 1944. The Sabre was an immediate success and went into service in February, 1949. When the Sabres arrived in Korea to meet the MiG threat, the bandits never knew what hit them

. Sabre drivers were proud of their steed and in 1981 formed a "Fighter Jocks" organization called, not surprisingly, the "F-86 Sabre Pilots Association." Membership is limited to those jocks who have flown the F-86 aircraft. All F-86 Wings of the Koran war are heavily represented as are units in CONUS, Europe, Far East, ANG and Reserves.

The current membership exceeds 1800. The association's roster includes 1 US Senator, 1 US Congressman, 3 astronauts, over 95 general officers including 4 four star generals, most of the North American Company test pilots and 16 of the 19 living Korean war aces. Several of our members currently own and/or fly the Sabre. Our membership includes the best damn pilots that ever stepped into a cockpit

We are an international association with members representing 7 countries. Three of our members became Chief of Staff of the Air Force for their respected countries.

It is a 'Jock's Club' so we make no effort to cater to the elite among us. We acknowledge and congratulate them on their achievements but retain the camaraderie shared by airmen. Without a doubt, it is the premier retired fighter pilots organization existing today.

The stated goals of the association are to perpetuate the history of the F-86 Sabre, the units to which she belonged and the pilots who flew her. A second goal is to link old Sabre jocks with their buddies. The third goal is to perpetuate an accurate, patriotic portrayal of our national history and heritage. Numerous projects are conducted to achieve these goals.

Three issues of our magazine, "Sabre Jet Classics" is published each year. We do accept subscriptions from non-members for this magazine, ($15/year).

We have a reunion in Las Vegas approximately every 2 years. About 1,000 people participated in the 1997 reunion. We still know how to throw a party.