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Comment by Helomom on January 25, 2011 at 2:25am

Hi Jane! Nice to see another helo mother here on this board. I can't figure out if we are just quiet or if there aren't many of us. My son picked helicopters too and it has been a great ride for him. He flew the CH-46D until they retired them, then switched to the 60.

Comment by AH on January 24, 2011 at 6:28pm

I wanted to add, that even once they get to the RAG, you are not guaranteed a spot.  When Mike got to the RAG, there was another aviator that came in after him.  After about 4 months, the Navy realized that it just wasn't going to work.  At that point, he was reassigned to a SWO job even after winging.  The Navy take their training very seriously and know that they have to do everything in their power to make sure that they are training the safest aviators that they can.  That is also why their commitment to the Navy is longer than in most of the jobs out there.  Me personally, I don't want to know Mike's schedule.  The first time he soloed in the F18 Super Hornet was just 4 days after he flew in it for the 1st time.  For me... that seems really fast and I was glad it was over before he told us. 

Comment by P3PilotMOM on January 24, 2011 at 3:59pm

Chris.... do the 'near misses' come from your daughter or is that a website?

Comment by AH on January 24, 2011 at 3:54pm

I find that if I don't know what is happening at any one time, that I am better off.   When I knew that there carrier quals going on, I would always be a nervous wreck.  The 1st solo flights, etc.  My aviator had several things happen in Primary with the planes, large rotor wash from helicopters almost flipping him on take off, fires in the cockpit etc.  Nothing really in Advanced except  the air controllers giving the same order number to different planes for landing. The SNAs both caught it.  Nothing that he related in the RAG. I found out about a mid-air collision between 2 planes in his squadron almost a year ago and his refueling incident before deployment.  All of it is inherently dangerous but they are well trained for all of this.  We do a bunch of praying and finger nail biting but these guys and gals are living their dreams, and what more could we want for our children but to do just that and support them in that dream.  I live in awe each and every day that I was blessed with my son and what a fine young gentleman that he is.  I went to an event yesterday where before it started, we were asked to thank our servicemen and women and I could only just sit there and realized that I have a son who is serving his country.  He is flying close air support for our troops on the ground.  He is leading sections into Afghanistan.  He called me on my b-day last week and had just come back from leading a mission.   LEADING a mission!  We are so proud of our kids and we all have the right to be. 

Comment by AH on January 24, 2011 at 1:04pm

flyfboymom,  I really can hardly wait.  1st, I'll get to see Mike sooner. 2nd, We'll get to see the carrier and be on it.  That will be great since the jets are stationed separate of the boat while stateside.  3rd, I finally get to go to Hawaii.  Apparently the dates are set but need to get approved.  Pearl Harbor is a very shallow port and an aircraft carrier is very deep so they have to get rid of fuel (I am assuming jet fuel) before entering the harbor and the Navy has to approve that.  We are hoping to hear this week.  I know approximately when as I made a Dr. appointment and Mike told me to reschedule.  Then I made another for earlier in the month and he told me that I should be ok.  The Capt of the ship did say mid March.

 

Comment by P3PilotMOM on January 24, 2011 at 12:56pm

and there is always the diaper to contend with  :) 

Comment by AH on January 24, 2011 at 12:42pm

My son always wanted to fly alone.  His first choice was a F-18C but he got Super Hornets.  During that training, he really wanted to fly the F18E instead of the F.  He just prefers flying on his own, however, he was the student of choice to fly with when the were doing NFO training in the RAG.  His instructors paired him many times with NFO students who needed extra help.  His final choice however was the E.  No one else in his class selected the single seat.  He loves it.  The boat is a hard life.  You are never off duty, meaning you are on the boat 24/7 and it gets wearing on the psyche.  We are nearing the end of the first deployment and we are looking forward to Tiger Cruise ..... that is if the will ever give us dates!  

 

Comment by P3PilotMOM on January 24, 2011 at 10:56am

My son wanted to be land based. He also wanted the more laid back attitude that he perceived the P-3 pilots to have over the jet jockeys. Another consideration he had was the missions - lower down rather than in the clouds. He wanted to fly with a crew, a galley and with a head in the plane. There is a lot to consider.

Comment by JFKBrooklet on January 24, 2011 at 12:48am

Michelle,

Thanks for the great story about your son and your Dad.  How nice that they are able to share their flying experiences with each other.  Flying with a crew is certainly something to consider as it builds teamwork and people skills.  Thanks again, everyone, for your comments.  They are all interesting and informative.  Go Packers.

Comment by Paymaster on January 23, 2011 at 10:02pm

Guess were rooting for the Packers, since the son is on the Green Bay.

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