[olddog]

Major Groth,

I, and I think most of the people on this site, have the utmost respect for the servicemen and women of this country. I think that is the reason no one has said anything negative. I know that the US Government trusts you with a multi million dollar aircraft, and you have it all. Good skills, reaction time, a quick mind, and good decision making abilities to mention a few, however the government has put a lot of time and money into training you. I would be negligent if I didn't give you a few warnings and tips on a Cobra. Not to be mean or negative or rain on your parade, but to keep everyone safe. It may sound condescending, but it is not. I am not superior or any better than the next guy.

A Cobra has more power to weight ratio than likely any car you have ever driven and a shorter wheel base to boot (90"). They have more power than you can hook to the road. With a short wheel base, if you let the rear end slide very far sideways, it will come back too fast for you to catch it. It will do a 360 so fast you will not believe it happened, assuming you are still alive at this point. I know most all of the skills it takes to handle this car, yours are superior to mine, but I do not attempt to push this car, as I have no ego problems. I outgrew that decades ago. So be warned these cars are very dangerous and do not assume you can handle it without a fair amount of practice and experience. The roads are no place to learn what these cars can do. You didn't learn to fly in one day, don't think you can master a Cobra in one day either. Respect the car for what it is, raw rugged unrefined power. Do not make your bride a widow on her wedding day, and do not kill her trying to impress her. That would be a tragedy that know one wants.

These cars are hard to get into and out of. The side pipes are very hot. Unless the side pipes are cold, if she has on a wedding dress, you are going to need several people to keep the dress from the pipes. When she gets out, and the pipe will be hot, again several people to keep the dress from the pipes. Side pipes will burn skin in an instant. Many experienced owners have been burned. You cannot take the pipes too seriously.

Best wishes on the wedding and the rest of your life. I hope your wish to own one of these cars comes true some day. Thank you for your service and may God keep you safe.