And let's get one thing straight. There's a big difference between a pilot and an aviator. One is a technician; the other is an artist in love with flight. — E. B. Jeppesen
JeffSFO/forum/images/avatars/gallery/ultimate/default.pngoffline(Photo Quality Screener & Founding Member) 29 Nov 10, 13:07
Very entertaining and inspiring film. Thanks for posting the link.
tailhooker/forum/images/avatars/gallery/first/default.pngoffline(Founding Member) 30 Nov 10, 03:05
Unfortunately it was way too mushy. The RAG course contains a lot of other flying which should have been covered rather than the continual family hugs and tears. The interesting part was her near “ramp strike” at 59 min into the movie. Watching it several times, she had a huge come down and simply “froze.” She must have had a “red” ball which is like you best be putting a lot of power on right now without any calls from the LSO and seriously consider a wave off if you’re in close. Conclusion, if it wasn’t for the LSO she would have hit the ramp and killed herself. It looks like she was in full burner for a taxi one wire. When you include a horrendous line up…not good. At that low level of experience around the boat…something not going well, best to get out and try again.
I don’t know what action occurred, but back then, the skipper would have pulled you off the flight schedule, put you on permanent SDO until you got your act together. I don’t know what the back seater (RIO) can see, but I understand they usually can see the ball. I’m surprised he didn’t make several frantic power calls & yell wave off. Perhaps the come down was so extreme and close in he couldn’t react. Bet he had his hand on the alternate handle.
Very strange documentary especially with so few female pilots in the Navy fighter community to be shown in such a poor light. She did not do well in ACM and almost killed herself on her first squadron night pass along with being bottom in the air wing. I got the feeling she is what we referred to as a “plumber.” I also don’t remember all the hugs and hi 5’s and shit like that. Very girlie like.
