Naval Aviators, a whole new level of respect.

Capt Brandon Charters — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 12:29:03 -0500

I've always had a very high level of respect for Naval Aviators, but this video just piles onto what I already believed to be true: You takeoff and land on ledges shorter than my front porch all while this runway moves in 50knot winds.

Takes a lot of courage and tireless dedication to do what these aviators do. I'd love to hear from anyone in the flying community (any service branch) or aircraft operations world that has a full appreciation for how difficult this job really is. Would be great to also hear some unique challenges that were overcome along the way.
How was this career path? Where did you start? Where did you end up? Was it anything like you expected?

Here’s What It’s Like Flying An F/A-18 Fighter Jet

Shove the throttles forward, salute the catapult officer, and get ready to rock.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Dec 5 at 2014 12:35 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 12:35:43 -0500

"That's right...Ice-Man.... I am dangerous!"

Response by Lt Col Skip Fleshman made Dec 5 at 2014 12:36 PM

Lt Col Skip Fleshman — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 12:36:11 -0500

It's almost as fun as flying an F16!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 5 at 2014 4:05 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 16:05:41 -0500

And I thought 80 knots buzzing the Iraq desert floor was a treat. That was awesome!

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Dec 5 at 2014 4:09 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 16:09:22 -0500

Capt Brandon Charters I have always been amazed with Naval Aviators. Taking off and landing from a runaway that moves up, down, right, left, and in between often at night. That must require incredible skill.

RESPECT, to borrow from SFC Mark Merino

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Dec 5 at 2014 6:05 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 18:05:14 -0500

Ariel Garneau - Thanks for pointing this video out to me!

Response by SGT Kyle Taylor made Dec 5 at 2014 9:09 PM

SGT Kyle Taylor — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 21:09:54 -0500

That was AWESOME!!

Response by MSgt Bj Jones made Dec 5 at 2014 10:14 PM

MSgt Bj Jones — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 22:14:42 -0500

I believe my brother, CDR Paul Triponey, USN (Ret), would appreciate Capt Brandon Charter's comments here. He was a Naval Aviator as well as a Flight Instructor. He currently works for Stat MEDIVAC in PA. One of his moments that caused some anxiety was when he crashed into the Mediterranean when making a landing on a Navy Ship (not sure the name of the vessel). It's incredible that not only do Navy pilots fly on and off ships, but that the Navy has crew chiefs and specialists (Airmen) who Marshall those airplanes in on such a short runway while the ship is afloat. Here, folks thought the runways of Lajes Field and Diego Garcia were small.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 9 at 2014 3:34 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 15:34:57 -0500

I think Van Hagar had the best recruiting tool for the Navy. Great song and a great video FLY NAVY!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsXCs41DkWs

Van Halen - Dreams (Blue Angels)

Dreams by Van Halen (Blue Angels Version) Van Halen is copyright Interscope Records, a record label owned by Universal Music Group. Original video footage is...

Response by CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter made Jun 22 at 2015 1:39 PM

CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 13:39:31 -0400

When Naval Aviators go to sea there balls turn to brass

Response by SPC Mike Davis made Sep 8 at 2018 7:55 AM

SPC Mike Davis — Sat, 08 Sep 2018 07:55:34 -0400

Flew mail in Wyo some years back. Taking off from a runway that suddenly falls away right after rotation and goes completely black . Gives one a very high appreciation for those guys who do it from carriers in a rolling sea. My highest respect to naval aviators....