I flew in the F-14D. The engines were amazing as you point out, and only stalled if something went seriously wrong like if you sucked in a bird. Only drawback was that we could never do cat shots in afterburner. The engines were so powerful that the thrust asymmetry was deemed to be too great to control the aircraft…

Ground effect is a wonderful thing.

Quick note: they now allow 125 hits prior to cable replacement.

I flew with this pilot after he transitioned to F-14s. His career wasn’t negatively affected because as F14Scott points out, he did the right thing in ejecting. The Air Boss was yelling for them to eject and the pilot actually got scolded for waiting too long. He’s a Navy Captain now so his career seems to be doing…

When the cable snaps it is under immense tension, causing both end ends to careen across the flight deck at high speed, where dozens of flight deck personnel are working. It’s fortunate no one was killed. And yes, I’m sure that’s why you see the people running aft; to assist the injured and deal with any other…