TodayQuote:
Also, do you think the Blue Angel pilots really have a noticeable degree of higher stick and rudder skill than your 'typical' hornet pilot, or would most experienced hornet pilots be capable of that degree of airmanship? Perhaps so, but maybe not all pilots possess the personality qualities they look for?
Nah...it was anti-climatic. It was still great fun. My best friend in my current squadron rode with one of the solos in San Fran two weeks ago during Fleet Week. Any time flying (or flying in) the Hornet is a great time. Better to be at the controls of course Originally Posted by AZFlyer
Did already being a hornet pilot cause that ride to be a bit anti-climactic? I mean, part of the excitement of riding with them is already lost for you since you essentially do all the same things and have the same skill set as they have.Also, do you think the Blue Angel pilots really have a noticeable degree of higher stick and rudder skill than your 'typical' hornet pilot, or would most experienced hornet pilots be capable of that degree of airmanship? Perhaps so, but maybe not all pilots possess the personality qualities they look for?
It isn't the flying necessarily - it is the precision of the flying, the timing of the timing, and the crispness of the flying. Yes - most Hornet pilots have the stick and rudder skills to do what they do. In the last 20 years - I've had past instructors in the Blues, classmates in the Blues (Keith Hoskins and Hunter Hobson to name a few) and even students of mine in the Blues. It is very rewarding to see a guy who you first taught to fly, bomb or fight now representing the USN/USMC ini such a manner.
I said in an earlier post that I could handle 6 months. First off - as said earlier - I don't like being in the limelight like they are. Second - I don't like flying formation THAT much
And finally - I joined the Marines to fly GREY JETS and do what GREY JETS do (or instruct it seems) - not Blue jets; but I respect the heck out of those guys and what they do!USMCFLYR
