Nick's First Helo "Solo"

Today Nick completed his first solo in the helo.  Although, this "solo" varies from his last solo.  If you remember that in Primary training, during Nick's solo, he flew the T-6 without an instructor.  Just his lonesome in the plane.
But in the helo, there must be two people at the controls at all time.  So this "solo" is actually Nick and another student (Dallas, his partner throughout the past few weeks....pretty much his mistress.  The one he spends all day and night with), without an instructor.  Thus the helo solos have been nicknamed brolos....flying with a "brother".  {Such clever aviators, huh???}
Essentially, one student flys from NAS Whiting Field to an outlying field and switch positions (which is more complicated than just switching seats because someone must be at both controls AT ALL TIMES) and then the other student flies back to NAS Whiting Field.

The coolest part of it all was Nick texting me giving me notice that he'd be flying over our house!!!  The main street that they fly along, runs alongside our neighborhood is part of their "course rules", which means this is the route they take back to base when flying VFR (Visual Flight Rules).  So of course I headed outside and waited for them to fly over the edge of the neighborhood.  I always see helos flying over and of course, hearing aircraft overhead is just a typical noise in my life.  But today I was thankful that they're always flying over because I got to see my husband flying over my very own house.  It was pretty awesome!  Sadly, all I had on hand was my crappy iPhone camera (which isn't crappy for normal photos, but for photos that you'd like to zoom, it sucks.)  No judging this photo, it's iPhone 4S quality =/  Maybe one day I'll get better ones of him flying over.

Of course after landing, per my request (and my Grandmother's), I got some photos of the guys and their helo =)

Just another milestone in Nick's career and I couldn't be more proud of him.  I'm so happy I'm able to share in these exciting milestones and I'm even more happy that my husband has a career that he absolutely loves...and might even be safe to say he's obsessed with.  Not many people can say that!!!

Now that he's soloed, I get asked quite frequently, "so does this mean he's almost done?"  No, it doesn't.  In the grand scheme of things, he doesn't have that much more to go (compared to how long Primary took) but, as of now, his winging date is August 23rd.  By the time he wings, we will have orders to our new duty station and be moving shortly after.  This is just a tentative date seeing as it's all subject to change due to weather and other factors.  But that's the date we have now so that's the end goal!!! Of course, I'll try to update on Nick's training more often than I did in Primary....try being that key word.  Sometimes, it's just pointless because my update is "Nick flew today.  He still loves it.  He's on track to wing in August."  Not too exciting lol

If you liked to check out a few more photos from his solo, click HERE.


EDIT:  I received this in the mail.  I'm such a proud wife and happy they think about us for these milestones.

Update: Nick's Helo Training

I figured I should give family an update since he's started, but realistically, there isn't too much to update you all on.

Nick is currently in his third of week of Advanced (helo training).  He hasn't really had too much going on thus far.  Well, he's had a lot going on and has been really busy, but nothing major has occurred.
For the most part, he's just been sitting in class all day.  He's also had duty quite a few times (my beloved took one for the team and signed up for duty from 6pm-6am the night of the Dining Out so we didn't have to go.  It would have cost us $100+, we didn't know a soul since he had JUST started, and we're not a fan of the silly rules, especially the no getting up to use the restroom unless you want to be "punished" and embarrassed in front of everyone.  This doesn't sit well with me because I inevitably would have had to get up at least once, probably more like three times, during dinner to dislodge my food.  As if I'm not already embarrassed enough about that happening, to have someone call me/Nick out and do whatever they wanted him/us to do (drinking from the grog?) would only make me want to cry and hide under the table....more so than I normally do at those type of events because of my situation.)

Today was Nick's first sim.  We were up until 1am last night going through his millions of checklists in preparation for it {Wife of the Week Award}.  I play the role of the instructor and say their part while Nick (pretend) does all the necessary things (ie. pushing buttons, giving hand signals, turning switches, moving things up and down, etc as if he were really in the cockpit of a helicopter) and then he responds with his necessary response.  When he got home this morning after his sim, I asked how it went.  In normal Nick fashion, his response was "Alright."  If you know Nick, then you know know that that's really the only response you'll receive.  He's too modest to ever tell you if he did well.  Ever.  (However, he will tell you if he does poorly (and then will probably be a crabby pants all night) but that's a rare case.)

Hmmmm what else???

Nick is a part of the HT-18 Vigilant Eagles squadron.  We've been asked if we like it.  I'd say thus far, we do.  Nick hasn't really been too involved in things since it's only his third week, but he hasn't complained about anything or any instructors so I'd say that's a point for the "I like it" side. His only complaint is that he didn't know anyone.  He's since made two good friends in his class (who have been over to study at the house) and one of them is going to be his (for lack of better words) flying partner.  (Unlike Primary, they're allowed to pick their partners here in Advanced.)

As for myself, the OSC (Officer Spouse Club) is really involved and truly makes an effort to include the student spouses.  In Nick's previous squadron, it appeared that the OSC was more just the IP (Instructor Pilot) wives.  The HT-18 OSC has a social every month (this month is happy hour at a local resturant/bar).  They also have Winey Wednesdays, play groups for those with kids every Tuesday, and doggie play dates once a week.  There's always random things going on as well in addition to those regularly scheduled events.

The day after Nick checked into HT-18, about a month ago, we attended a FAM-0 for the students and their spouses.  It was an event to get to know the squadron, their CO (the head guy of the squadron), the OSC, and get a tour.  They provided dinner (stupid Chick-fil-A which I don't support or like, but did eat since I didn't buy it) and the instructors' spouses each made a dessert.  After some introducing of the CO, some talk about who and what the OSC is and does, and then some brief information about what to expect from our spouses during Advanced, the various types of helos they could fly afterwards in the fleet and where they'd take us, how long we should expect to be here, etc etc etc we then split into two groups and headed out for a tour with some IP spouses and instructors while our husbands stayed behind.  (Not sure what all they did).
First, we went to the control tower and it was the coolest thing ever!  They took us up in the top (I'd never been in one before) and because it was dark outside, it looked awesome out on the flight line.  They explained the different runways, lights, "the shack" (which we're told our husbands will talk about a lot) and what each person in the tower is responsible for.  We then went down into the radar room which wasn't nearly as cool and pretty claustrophobic if you ask me.
After that, we headed to the hangar and got to peer inside the helos.  The guys will fly two different models, although to someone like myself, they look exactly the same.  They are the TH-57 Charlie model and the Bravo model.  These helos are TINY!!!  I thought they would be bigger but they're not at all.  (And they look...well ARE, super old compared to the fancy glass cockpit T-6s Nick just finished flying in Primary.)
Then we went into the sim building and were each given a turn to fly in the helo simulator (with the hydraulics turned off).  I decided to not partake in this because I already had a migraine and the T-6 sim made me sick so I'd rather not embarrass myself on the first day.)
Afterwards, we got a tour of their entire squadron building so we could see where the Ready Room is, where he'll brief, where he'll flight plan, where he is when he's SDO, etc.  They figured it'd be nice for us to see where he'll be spending his long days and give us a visual for when he talks about his day.
I really enjoyed the FAM-0 and am happy we went.  Sadly, we left with me having WAY more knowledge than Nick since he hadn't even checked into the squadron yet (he would be doing so the following week).
The next day, I got a call from the CO (the head guy) thanking me for coming, again welcoming me to the HT-18 family, and letting me know to contact him if I had any questions or concerns.
Then just a few days later, I received a call from a spouse in the OSC again welcoming me, telling me all about their group, verifying she had my correct email and asking if there's any questions I had.

All in all, I'm happy with HT-18 thus far.  I know we haven't been in it long, but they all seem really welcoming and really focused on family.  Even though Nick just started and they don't know him too well and he's sooooo busy right now (they say Advanced training is very front loaded....meaning he's a lot busier in the beginning than any other part of this training), they allowed him to not be scheduled one day so he could attend a doctor's appointment with me.  No questions asked other than "Is the appointment here in Pensacola?"

I'm looking forward to meeting a few other spouses and I know Nick is looking forward to getting in a helo and actually flying.  I will do my best to keep you all updated on his training as best as I can.  (Sometimes, I don't even understand what Nick is telling me about his days so it's impossible for me to relay them to you all.)  Stay tuned because I'm sure the next update I have for you all will be about his first flight!!!



{Note:  Please do not pass judgment and say "ohhh she's one of those who won't eat at Chick-fil-A because of their views."  I do not care what your views are.  Everyone is free to their own beliefs.  I have two reasons for not eating there:
1.  I simply don't like it.  In college, the main place for food had 4 fast food places (they've since completely redone it...spoiled students lol) Subway, Chick-fil-A, Burger King, & Pizza Hut.  In my five years there, I ate there once a week and got Chick-fil-A MAYBE 5 times in my five years there (2003-2008).  I do NOT like their chicken.  I'd eat McD's or Wendy's over it any day.  And this was WAY before the whole homosexual hater thing came about.
Secondly, I do not eat there because while I don't care what their views are, I refuse to give my money to an organization that gives some of their profit to an anti-gay organization.  I will NOT give my money to support those causes.  Just as I would not eat somewhere that openly gave some of their profit to an anti-military organization or something like the Westboro Baptists.  This choice has nothing to do with their views, but how the chose to spend my money/their profit.  It's simply because I will not allow my money to go towards hate.  And that's how I see that.  I do not judge others who choose to eat there so I don't think anyone should judge me.  I will eat it as long as it was not MY money that paid for the food, such as Nick's squadron providing it.
And that's my explanation.}

Platform Selection

Continuing on with my posts about Nick and flight training, today was platform selection.

Nick was cool, calm, and collected all day.  I, on the other hand, was a nervous wreck and it was hard for me to eat.  Luckily just before we left, I received a surprise package in the mail that put me at ease...at least for the time being.  My nerves did return when selection began.  (I will blog about that tomorrow).

We arrived on base, and went upstairs to the squadron bar and hung out for a while waiting for selection to start.
When it was time, the six selectees at the bar.  The CO asks them to introduce any special guests they have attending, and then begins talking about how proud they were of them, how the hard work needs to continue on, and how they need to remember to thank those that helped them get where they are, such as significant others and other family members.
Then they went around the bar and asked the selectees to give one thing they liked or appreciated about VT-3, one thing they disliked or thought needed some improvement, and then any sort of safety issues they felt should be addressed.

Then it was time for selection.  The VT-3 Red Knight squadron has a very fun and unique way of doing selection.  Although it just prolongs the anxiety, it's fun and the students much more prefer it this way than over how other squadrons do it (which is just sitting in a room and being told what they got.)

Before starting, the CO makes sure everyone has a designated driver there.  Then the selectees go one at a time while sitting at the bar and the CO places a few paper cups in front of them.  On the bottom of each cup are the different platforms, along with some bullshit cups (such as "repeat TBS" if you're a Marine or "repeat Contacts" which is the first part of Primary training).  The student brings their own alcohol and pours a shot into a shot glass in front of them  (they are also told they do not HAVE to drink, it's just a fun social thing so they can shoot water or soda if they want).
They must toast, with the first shot ALWAYS being to the Red Knights, take the shot, then choose a cup, flip it over, and read the bottom.  The CO then says yes or no.  If it's a yes, they're done and they know their platform.  If it's a no, they pour another shot, toast to anything they want, then flip another cup.  They continue to go down the line until they finally reveal their platform.

Reading a cup to the CO

The CO congratulating him.

Nick looking at me, relieved and happy, after finding out he got his first choice!

Below, you can watch Nick's platform selection.  Click the small box in the bottom right hand corner to enlarge the video to full screen:

HELOS!!!!  I cannot tell you how excited we were!!!!!!  (I just love the way he turns and looks at me and smiles after he finds out.)


Afterwards, the CO gives a little talk, which I recorded:

Afterwards, the bar a is open to everyone (selectees, others in VT-3 who are there to watch, friends and family) to drink and enjoy.  It is customary for the selectees to leave whatever liquor they bring and this is how the bar is always stocked and able for open use to everyone.  They also have a keg with beer and a popcorn machine.  Nick and his friends hung out from about 3pm until about 7pm just drinking, celebrating, and playing darts, foosball, ping pong, and some drinking games.

Nick and his partners during Primary.
Mike (to Nick's right) was his on-wing partner.
Greg (to Nick's left) was his forms partner.

Christina and Nick taking a celebratory shot

Nick's class' ceiling tile.
This is his class patch (you can see it on his right shoulder of his flight suit in these photos).  Each class puts their patch's design on a ceiling tile and has it displayed in the bar room.

Nick's classmates that selected today.

Nick behind the Red Knights bar

Each member is also given a framed picture of the T-6 (the plane they flew in Primary) and their classmates sign the mat.  In addition, Nick bought himself a Red Knight t-shirt, a coin (he has quite a few various military coins and they're something he collects.), and a VT-3 glass.  Our good friends also attended and bought him a Training Wing 5 t-shirt (Training Wing 5 is the entire base) and it has a photo of the T-6 on it so he really loved it!

I cannot express just how proud of Nicholas I am.  I've watched him for over a year thoroughly enjoy what he does every single day.  Even the days he didn't have the most perfect flight, he still loved the fact that he was flying.  Even the days he barely had time for a shower, he still loved his flight training.  The days when we would speak 5 words to each other because he was so busy were all completely worth it to see him accomplishing his dreams.  I feel so honored to be his wife and be by side through all of this.  It's amazing to be able to witness his dreams falling into place.  I feel very blessed.  His hard work, dedication, and pure passion for flying paid off today as he was selected for his first choice.
We are both so excited!  While Nick is incredibly sad to be finished flying the T-6 (he now pouts when he sees a T-6 flying over), he is so excited to learn how to fly helicopters.
We are excited to enter into the helo community and we are beyond excited to start a new adventure!!!



So what's next?

Nick's report date is February 06, 2013.
Luckily, we do not move.  His next phase of training is called "Advanced" and it is actually on NAS Whiting Field, the same base we are currently stationed at.
This phase of training typically takes 6-7 months and he will be training on a small helicopter, the TH-57 B/C (Bravo and Charlie models) "Sea Ranger".

After training, Nick will get his wings and officially be a Naval Aviator!  Then it's off to a squadron in the fleet after he selects the specific type of helicopter he will fly to begin his very first sea tour!  (For those asking, this is the point where Nick becomes deployable.)


I wanted to thank our friends and family.  Thank you for the support and encouragement you've provided Nick through his enlistment, Academy days, and now throughout flight school.  It really helps him knowing he has so many people behind him.  The outpouring of love yesterday through phone calls, text messages, emails, Facebook messages and statuses was amazing!  I am not sure how we got so lucky to have so many amazing people in our life, both family and friends, that love us and support us to the extent that you all do!
To my family, you have no idea how much it warms my heart to see the amazing pride you have for Nick.  To know you love and adore him as much as you do me.   The tears of joy, emails, and Facebook statuses you all dedicated to him meant so much.
To my friends, near and far, thank you!  It makes me smile to know so many people demanded I text them as soon as I knew.  On top of family, I probably had a list of about 20 friends who wanted to know as soon as I was able to text.
You all are seriously the best.  I hope you know we wouldn't be here without you.  You continue to support Nick and that drives him to excel in his career and your love and support keeps me strong in this lifestyle while having to be so far from everyone.
To our Milton/Pensacola family, thank you for the support!  Thanks for making our time here so enjoyable.  You are all a big part of why we are excited to stay living here!!!  TEAM HELO ;)


To check out one or two additional videos in addition to a lot more photos (of them hanging out and celebrating, of the bar room, his gifts, etc) {click HERE} and check them out!

Why Platform Selection is a HUGE Deal

Tomorrow is Platform Selection for Nick.  Because I am asked this a lot, "platform" simply refers to the type of aircraft he will be flying.  The choices are:
Rotary (That is helicopters and Advanced Training is actually here at NAS Whiting Field where we are currently stationed.)
Maritime (That is what they call a P-3 or P-8 or the UAV the Triton and training for that is in Corpus Christi, Texas.)
Tailhook (That is the various jets, C-2, or E-2.  The training for these platforms are either in Meridian, Mississippi or in Kingsville, Texas).

To those in the aviation community, they understand how big of a deal tomorrow is.  To civilians or even military families in other communities, they might not understand.  So I shall attempt to explain.

The type of aircraft you fly completely dictates many things.  For Nick, it determines obviously the type of aircraft he flies as well as the various missions he will complete.  (Each aircraft, even different models of each aircraft, are made to do certain missions such as patrol of submarines, minesweeping, etc.)  There are some platforms that Nick does not want simply because of the type of missions they're made for.  It would be awful to be stuck with a job that you hate what you're doing, right?  (And unlike civilians, Nick couldn't just quit because he's unhappy because has a contract with the Navy.  And "switching jobs", while an option, is not at all easy to do.)

For us as a couple (and eventually a family), platforms dictate a lot about our life, such as our lifestyle in forms of how much Nick is home and communication while he's away, and locations of where we could be stationed.
To explain a little more about lifestyles, various platforms have more challenging lifestyles (for lack of better words) whereas others are a little easier (as easy as a military life can be).  Some platforms endure longer and more frequent deployments than others.
Some platforms, unfortunately because of their mission and locations, greatly restrict communication...limited emails, little to no video chatting or phone calls.  Whereas some platforms have the ability to communicate with their families on almost a daily basis.

Another big factor is duty stations.  Just because we are Navy does not mean we can be stationed at any Navy base.  The base must have squadrons of whatever platform Nick flies.  For instance, if Nick were to fly the MH-53 (a helicopter), they only have two squadrons and both are stationed in Norfolk, Virginia.  Nowhere else.
To some, it might not seem like a huge deal, but to us, that is.  Call us crazy, but we do have preferences for where we'd like to live and where we would not want to live.  (Although, we'd adjust and find the positives anywhere we go.  It's what we did here in the redneck sticks of Milton.  Negativity and pessimism just aren't us, nor is it a way of life we're willing to lead.)

For me, I prefer a lifestyle where Nick will be able to communicate with me.  Not asking for everyday because we're in the military and I'd never be naive enough to think we'd get that (but I'd welcome it if it were possible.)  But enough communication to know he's alive, safe, and doing well on a semi-regular basis.  Enough to give him updates on my (and future children's) lives.
I prefer a platform that will make Nick come home each day with the smile he has now.  Not just from loving the job he's performing and the aircraft he's flying, but also because he loves the people within his squadron.

I don't really know how to convey tomorrow's importance.  As I re-read this, I feel like I'm not conveying just how big of a deal this is.  I feel saying these things doesn't really give you a clear picture of why this is a huge deal.  But I don't really know what else to say.  So I'll just move on.


The two questions I keep getting asked:
What did Nick put as his preferences?
What is my first choice?

When Nick began his aviation training in September 2011, he was between Helos and Maritime, but leaning towards Helos.  (He had an aviation training his last summer at the Academy with an MH-53 helo squadron and absolutely LOVED it!!!!)  Jets were not even on his radar (he did/does not want the missions nor the lifestyle of jets.)
Then suddenly the last three months, he brought up going jets.  I was taken aback.  He had never talked about jets and now he suddenly couldn't decide if he wanted helos or jets more.  Maritime had suddenly taken the last spot because he learned of the UAV, the Triton, and he does not want the risk of "flying" this at all.  Simply because Nick wants to be in a cockpit and flying.  So as to not risk getting stuck with the Triton, he decided that will be his very last preference.
For the last few months, he has really struggled with what he wanted to put as his number one preference.  The month of December was really, really stressful for him.  As I said, it's a big deal.  How do you decide something so major, without ever actually engaging in it?!  There are obviously a lot of unknowns with each, such as what TYPE of jet or helo would he fly?  Each different model has it's own missions.  So let's say he wanted the MH-53 and chose helos for that reason.  There is a chance (a good chance since that community is so small) he won't get the 53 and he'd get the one of the 60 models of helos.
He continually weighed the pros and cons but each time, he was left more confused and stressed out.
He would also ask me for my opinion.  I was always hesitant to give it to him.  While I know this is my life too, and I had a very strong opinion, I didn't want him to base his decision off of me.  He does know my preference but I made it clear to him that I want him to do what HE wants.  I'm very aware that if he goes to work and doesn't enjoy it, then that unhappiness will spill over into our marriage and home life.  I can and will handle whatever platform we get.  While I hate change, I am able to adapt and find the positives.  I'm a very strong and very independent individual.  And luckily I can be a nurse anywhere we move.  What matters most to me is that Nick chooses what will make him the happiest.

In the end, Nick FINALLY decided on his preferences.  Yesterday after his last flight, he filled out all his paperwork and put his preferences as follows:
1.  Rotary
2.  T1 (Tailhook in Meridian, MS-{that's what the '1' refers to})
3.  T2 (Tailhook in Kingsville, TX)
4.  Maritime.

I can say I am happy with this.  Very happy.  Helos are most definitely my first preference for a lot of reasons {that I will not get into...at least not now}.  I just really, really hope he gets it!!!
I guess the good thing for Nick is if he doesn't get his first choice, while he'll be disappointed, it will only be a little disappointment.  He won't be devastated with jets since up until a week ago, he was thinking that would be his number one.  (I guess that's a positive of being indecisive?  Because he sure is the King of Indecisiveness.)


I'm just a ball of nerves and it's been so hard for me to eat today.  I just need to get to tomorrow at 3pm.  I went to a friend's selection a few months ago (same squadron as Nick) and I was a wreck.  And it wasn't even my husband!!!  I was shaking so badly and my palms were sweating!!!  I do not even want to think about what I'm going to be like when I'm upstairs in the VT-3 bar as Nick is waiting to take his shots and find out what he gets.  (Yes, I said taking shots.  VT-3 has the coolest tradition when it comes to selection!  Don't worry, that blog post will come tomorrow or Friday.)


There's really no other way for me to explain this.  Hopefully I was able to make you see, even if it was just in the slightest way, why tomorrow is so important and huge for us!   In short, it really determines what our life in the Navy is going to look like!!!!  Ahhhhhhh

Nick: Primary Complete

April 23, 2012:  Nick checked into VT-3 Red Knights squadron for Primary Training.

June 01, 2012:  Nick had his very first flight in the T-6B Texan II.

September 14, 2012:  Nick had his very first solo (contacts solo) in the T-6.

January 22, 2012:  Nick had his very last flight in the T-6 and is Primary Complete!!!!

It's been a long process.  The summer brings rain every single day so it took quite a while for Nick to get through the contacts phase but once September hit, and the rain subsided, he flew almost everyday (well, everyday that planes were available and the occasional bad weather days.  And he was med-down (unable to fly for medical reasons) for about 3 weeks).

Today was his last flight, which was his formations solo.  I was lucky enough to be able to sit on base and watch him fly by for the break, and then as he came down to land (I couldn't capture him actually landing because there were trees in the way and I parked where I could get a video of him flying in formation, because I felt that video was cooler than him landing.)
In these vidoes, he's flying at 1300 feet MSL, which is 1100 feet above ground level, at 200 knots.

Nick is the rear plane.

The video below is Nick (rear plane) and his instructor flying (I suggest clicking the bottom right hand corner button on the video to enlarge it so you can see it better since the planes are tiny in this video.)

The video below is Nick and his instructor coming in, separately, for their landing.  Nick's instructor is the first plane coming in and Nick will be second.  You can see them off in the distance by the tower, then they come in, loop around, and come down for the landing.  I do not actually capture him landing on the runway because there are trees and a building in the way.  I positioned myself to get a better video of him flying which I thought was more important for videoing.  If you watch until the end, you'll see him pass in front of the trees after passing that building.  (Again, I'd enlarge the video to see it more clearly.)

After he passed by, I hopped in the car and drove to the line shack to meet him as he walked off the flight line.

There he is!!!  Mr. Primary Complete!

I don't know if you can really see it in this picture, but he is smiling from ear to ear.
That smile is what makes my homesickness, my "I'm a planner" anxiety, missing my significant other, and hatred of change, worth every bit of this military lifestyle.

Proud wife with her dedicated husband!
(It was sooo cold!!  Well, to me.  It was about 50 degrees.)

LOVE seeing him in all his gear.  Good thing I'm a sucker for flight suits ;)  It's definitely my favorite uniform he owns.
If he gets his first choice at Thursday's platform selection, this will be the last time he wears all the mask and G-suit.  (Unless he opts to come back here to be an instructor for his shore tour).

Then he updated his very last Aviation Training Jacket for Primary 

and totaled up his log book for the last time in Primary.  (He gets annoyed with me taking photos but I wanted to document this day because it's a big milestone!)

and that was it!  He is Primary Complete and will be selecting his platform on Thursday!!! (I will blog about what this means and why it's a HUGE deal tomorrow.)
He is really excited to find out what he'll be flying next, but he is really sad about being finished with the T-6.  He thoroughly loved Primary and really loved flying that plane.  As of now, he says he'd love to move back here and be an instructor for the Primary.

I cannot begin to express how incredibly proud of him I am.  It fills my heart to the point I feel like it's going to burst when I see him up there flying or when he's walking off the flight line (and it doesn't hurt that he looks sexy in that flight suit, especially when he has all of his gear on).  I just feel so blessed to be able to watch him as he works towards achieving his dream of becoming a Naval Aviator.   

I also feel so incredibly blessed that I'm able to share in these milestones with him.  I love attending his different traditions such as his first solo, tie cutting, and selection or just simply watching him fly.  I know in other communities, it's not as easy to share in the service member's continued accomplishments and watch them at work.  I could not be happier that we are a part of the aviation community for these reasons (among many others.)  It's been nothing short of fun and exciting and I look forward to all the wonderful memories and milestones I'll continue to be a part of in future trainings and in the fleet.

We've both greatly enjoyed our time in VT-3.  It has a bad rep, but that's only coming from people not in VT-3. {The only (negative) difference is that they have Knight School (this is where it gets the bad rep from.  It's a mandatory 2 hour, Monday through Friday, morning "meeting" with the class and one or two instructors to discuss the contacts phase of flying.}  I cannot say enough wonderful things about this squadron.  They have a lot of fun traditions (such as the way they do tie cutting, the pool dunking after their first solo, and their platform selection), they are very family-oriented and welcome any and all to join their events, and camaraderie amongst the class is awesome to witness.  Nick and his classmates gather together often whether it's bowling, barbecues, or nights out downtown.  They all come to every one's solo pool dunk, tie cuttings, and selection (even though they're in the same class, they all end up in different stages of training because of schedules and hold ups so not everyone does these things at the same time and even within the same month as others.)  We're really going to miss our time here at VT-3 but we're looking forward to the next training squadron we'll become a part of!

in the VT-3 bar

Nick's Class:  Composed of Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Air Force student aviators.

To view ALL of the photos from today, {click HERE}

Flight School Update

So this has been a long time coming and I've completely slacked on this.  I don't know if I've done a flight school update other than when he finally started Primary.

Nick with the T-6B Texan II he's currently flying.

For those that need a refresher, Primary is the last of the three phases of flight school we came down here for.  Nick started back in April and while it should take about 6 months, there are a lot of factors that can slow the guys down.  Weather is a major one.  During the months of June, July, and August, it rained pretty much everyday.  This caused Nick to rarely get to fly.  He would go two weeks without ever getting in the cockpit.  Then after 14 days of not flying, he had to have a mandatory warm up, (meaning it did not count towards his flights for completion.)  It was just a mess.
The other hold up was tires and available planes.  Primary at NAS Whiting Field now flies the T-6B Texan II planes (they just phased the T-34 out).  The tires on these planes are much smaller and therefore they were going through them more quickly than they could replace.  So a lot of times they would be scheduled for flights, but there wouldn't be an operating plane available.

The beginning phase of Primary is called "Contacts" and that's, simply put, where the guys learn the basic of flying.  They are flying visually looking outside of the plane at the world and learning the basics like how to handle emergencies and how to land the plane (and in emergency situations).
Contacts took Nick approximately 15 weeks to get through, which was about 14 flights.  You might remember THIS post about his solo flight.  That was at the end of Contacts.

Following Contacts was "Aerobatics".  That is exactly what it sounds like.  He gets up in a plane and does all kinds of loops and rolls and "fun" aerobatic moves.  (I say "fun" because he liked it but I do not hink  it sounds fun at all.  It sounds downright scary and it's even scarier when it's your husband up there doing them!  I won't begin to tell you how nervous I was when it came time for his aerobatics solo!!!)  This only took about 4 weeks, but he was med-down for 3.5 weeks due to a really bad sinus and head cold (which might not seem like a big deal to most people, but for a pilot this is a huge deal.)

After Aerobatics, Nick started the "Instruments" phase.  This is simply where he learns to fly just by the  flight instruments in the cockpit.  They practice these flights by having him fly at night when it's pitch black outside and he can't really see or by sitting in the backseat of the plane, which provides limited visual.  Nick just completed this phase today.

This past weekend he did his cross country flights.  Technically, the guys don't really go across the country.  Common places they to fly are Chicago, Nashville, Savannah, Key West, etc.  These trips are usually 5 or 6 flights (roundtrip).  Originally Nick and his on-wing (his instructor all throughout Contacts who wanted to fly Nick's cross country with him) had discussed flying to St. Louis since it's Nick's hometown.  But they weren't able to because of cold weather.  The T-6B isn't properly equipped with anti-ice "things" and with it being pretty cold in St. Louis, it wasn't a good idea.  Not to mention they don't have much room in the plane for belongings, and therefore it'd be hard to pack coats and warmer/bulkier clothes.  So it was off to the Keys!  Nick and his on-wing partner, and a quite a few other guys and their IPs (Instructor Pilots) headed to the Keys!  They stopped twice on the way there, totaling two flights there (and three flights back, knocking out five flights).  They all went out Friday night, drinking and having a good time.  Saturday Nick was hung out (kid never drinks and then decides he can down some shots and 6+ drinks lol) and they spent most of their night flight planning for the next day.

Now, Nick only has the "Formation" phase..  That is where he will fly with another plane in formation flying.  Just as you see jets, such as The Blue Angels, flying in formations.  Formation flight is typically something only military aviators do and is one of the things that sets them apart from their civilian counterparts.  It seems really bad ass but also so scary to know they are flying so incredibly close to one another.  Forms should really only take about a week but it's likely he won't start until after the new year.  (The reason is the guys are only flying Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, next week and it's unlikely he'd fly three double days.  It's much easier to make him wait because as I mentioned before, after 14 days of no flights, they have to fly a mandatory warm-up flight.  But if those 14 days are in between phases, such as Instruments and Formations, they won't need to give him the warm-up.)

This means Nick could be selecting his platform in the second or third week in January!  EEK!

He's still enjoying flying but he's really stressed out.  Every day he has two events, which means lots and lots of prep.  He spends hours doing jet logs.  I have no idea what they are but I know they take a long time, and even longer when you have two flights to prepare for in one day.
He is just so busy.  His flights are usually in the afternoon into evening.  He wakes up early, prepares for his flights (doing whatever he has to do), then goes into work, flies (which causes him to come home so completely exhausted), showers, then goes straight to the office to start preparing for the next day's flights.  Some days he completely skips dinner to keep working.  Then he goes to bed around 1am to get up and do it all over again.  I feel so badly for him.  He has such LONG days and he's so stressed out.
I look forward to when these days are done.  It will be nice to have my husband home when he's home.  If that makes sense.  Even though he's home a good portion of the day, he's not home.  I can't talk to him or enjoy time with him.  And if you know me, it's INCREDIBLY hard to have someone in my house (someone whom is my best friend and I love very much) and have me not be able to talk to him!!!!!  I'm thankful I'm able to sleep next to him each night, but it's a HUGE tease having a husband home, that's not REALLY home.  But we don't have too much longer of it! Thank goodness!!!  (Not to mention it will be nice when he's finished and my office can be organized and stay clean and I don't need to pop Xanax anymore!)

So next is Forms, then SELECTION!!!

Platform selection is where Nick will choose the type of aircraft he will be flying.  This will also dictate if we stay here or if we move.  The choices are Rotary (helicopters), Maritime (P-3/8), or Jets.   All throughout Nick's time in Primary, he's pretty much been between Helos and P-3s.  Until two weeks ago when he attended a brief about P-3s.  He found out the Maritime community also now has a Triton, which is a UAV.  This plane is operated by a pilot from the ground.  The lifestyle is awesome in that he NEVER deploys and it's pretty much a Monday through Friday job.  It's almost like a normal non-military job!!!  But Nick doesn't want that.  He wants to be IN a cockpit and flying.  Because of this, he does not even want to put Maritime as a option for fear of being forced to go the Triton route.
So helos then, right?  Wrong!  In the last two weeks, Nick has also seriously been considering jets.  It's out of nowhere.  Yes, he loves jets.  Yes, he thinks it'd be bad ass to fly them.  But it's always been his last choice for a few reasons.  The main two being he does not want the lifestyle of jets nor does he want to complete the main missions of the jets.  Which are two huge reasons.
So now he's really confused and stressed out.  It's a HUGE decision.  This decision will dictate what Nick will be doing for the rest of his career.  It also really decides what our life as a family will look like and where we will and could be stationed.  It's just a lot to think about it.  I will 100% support whatever decision he makes.  I just want him to choose whatever platform will make him happiest.  If he's not happy at work, he won't be happy at home.

I'm just ready for this time to be here so we can start planning and have a more clear vision of our future.  So I know when I'll finally be able to go to nursing school.  So I'll know if we'll be moving in January or not!!!!

Nick's Tie Cutting Ceremony

Today was Nick's Tie Cutting Ceremony.  I'm sure most people have no idea what this was because just a few months ago, I know I sure didn't!!!!

Within each community in the military, they have their traditions.
Within Primary (the training Nick is in right now), each squadron has their own traditions for events.  The biggest for most squadrons is their solo flight.
When the student aviators begin training, an instructor pilot (IP), also called their on-wing, flies with them, sitting in the back seat of the T-6.  After 13 flights, the last being a check-ride flight, the student is able to fly the plane solo.  (To check out my blog post on Nick's solo flight, click HERE.)

All the squadrons have a Tie Cutting Ceremony after they solo.  And it's exactly what it sounds like....they cut a tie.

red tie in honor of the Red Knights

So why do they cut a tie?  They don't even wear ties!  Don't worry, I thought the same thing.  Apparently, as the tradition was explained today by the Skipper, way back in the day, they wore ties with their uniforms.  When the instructor needed to correct the student aviator or get his attention, he would pull on his tie.  The cutting of the tie signifies cutting them off from their instructor and signifying they are on their own and can now pilot a plane by themselves.

I am not too sure how all the other squadrons do this ceremony, but Nick is a part of the VT-3 Red Knights squadron and like with most things, they make their ceremonies fun.
They have a mock T-6 set up and the students must enter correctly (not walking in from the front or the back, but stepping over and into the cockpit) and their instructor sits behind them.  (If they fail to enter correctly, they have to pay money.)  In some cases, as with Nick's on-wing, they have two students.  If this is the case, BOTH students must get in the cockpit, sitting on each other's lap.  The student on bottom must act as the harness....as you can see in these photos, Mike's arms are Nick's harness shoulder straps.

getting in the "cockpit"

Captain Buckley saying "I've got the controls!  Nobody reach for the stick!"

Nick and Mike throwing their hands up after Captain Buckley said something about "hands up" when not reaching for the stick.

Once "inside" the T-6, the student then tells a funny story about their on-wing.  (If they don't have a funny story, they're booed by everyone in the room (easily 50-60 people in there today) and they just talk about how great their on-wing was.)  Nick told his story about his on-wing (you can see his story in the video below)  and then Mike took his turn (all while keeping his "harness straps" on Nick to prevent having to pay more money.)
Then their on-wing takes a turn telling a funny story about them, both stories were about Nick and Mike almost killing him lol.

Then they exit the "plane" and their instructor cuts their tie with a giant knife.  (It's said that if it's cut at the very top, you did poorly on your solo and if it's cut towards the bottom, you did really well.  But it appeared that all instructors just grabbed the tie and cut, not paying attention to where it was being cut.)

After the tie is cut, both Nick and his instructor sign it, and then it's hung in the Instructor Pilot Lounge/Squadron Bar room.

Nick signing it

Nick and his on-wing partner, Mike

Here is a video of the entire thing (well, just their portion.  There were about 10 others who did this with their instructors as well):

(If you click the bottom righthand image on the video
(next to the YouTube image, it looks like a little corners
to form a box, it will enlarge the video)

It is also customary to present your on-wing with a bottle of liquor.  Nick and Mike were Captain Buckley's (call sign 'Bucknastee' lol) first ever on-wing students so they framed a picture of them standing outside the plane after their solos as well as giving him a bottle of Jack.

He truly appreciated it and talked to them about how much he really enjoyed flying with them and then told them he wanted to do their cross country flight with them.  (Most students get to do one cross country flight over a weekend.  I think it says a lot about Nick and Mike that Captain Buckley would like to do their cross country with them.  He also said he'd leave it up to them where they want to go, such as to their hometowns, so Nick is hoping they can fly into St. Louis.  Captain Buckley said he thinks that's totally possible.  I hope that happens because I know Nick's family and mine would LOVE the opportunity to not only see Nick but go to the airport and take some pictures with him and the plane when he lands, as well as meeting his instructor.)

Nick has truly enjoyed his training thus far in Primary.  He really likes Captain Buckley and was happy to have him as his instructor.  Nick is always talking about how great he is...always cracking jokes and how he's really knowledgeable and really respects him.  Captain Buckley has invited us, along with Nick's on-wing partner, Mike, over to his house on Saturday evening for wings, beer, and football along with him and his wife.  I'm really looking forward to it!  (and luckily today we got the awkwardness of the car photo out of the way....thank goodness lol).
(see the previous blog post from Saturday October 13, 2012 about the Navy Ball and Captain Buckley's car)

I'm also very thankful Nick is a part of the the Red Knights.  I've heard from others that the other squadrons do things more privately or don't include the families (not that they exclude them, but that not many, if any significant others or children go, and sometimes the guys are mocked if they go...this information simply coming from other wives).  Definitely not the case with anything in VT-3.  Today, there were easily 6 other significant others of students there as well as about 4 instructor pilots' wives and about 40-50 students there (who are not forced to go, but just like to attend these events.)  It's great to feel welcomed and acknowledged.  I know I don't do anything other than support Nick as much as I can, but it's nice for their CO to acknowledge this of the families and thank us.  I really truly love Nick's squadron and I know he does too.  (I also appreciated the free pizza!)

The only picture we took today.  I should have checked it because it's pretty blurry but oh well!  So proud of my husband!

************************

This really doesn't have anything to do with the tie cutting ceremony but I thought it was cool.
Recently, VT-3 had two NASA astronauts in Primary as students (not the full Primary) for a while.  They then returned to NASA and sent the Red Knights patch into space!!!!  The had this picture taken, then framed it, each signed the matte, and mailed it to the Red Knights CO.  The photo was taken out of the port facing window of the International Space Station in July 2012.  Very cool!!!!