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My son did his Carrier Quals in the T-45 a few years ago. He said it was the best ride he'd ever been on! He did his advanced flight training in Kingsville, TX, and got his wings in June 2019. Thanks to all who serve and their families! Stay Safe.
Funny he uses the term Hot Mic'd which we all know that is what government scum do to turn your cell phone microphone on to spy on citizens without a warrant. All these government scum need to be jailed. It's a mental disorder. To oppress and tax citizens in order to create wars for israel and jwish bankers. Deep state scum.
My buddy in VT-19 was on the cat in front of me on the Lex on our first cat shot in '89. I could see his wing tips and tail in front of the JBD. He launched and when he squeezed the PLCs and the cat bar he accidentally squeezed the mic button at the same time. He broadcasted, "Holy F*ing Sh*t!" There was a moment of radio silence at which Paddles replied, "(976 ... you owe me a case of tequila.) No, I will never forget my first time. Thanks for posting.
I was wondering if there was going to be a scream of joy and a sigh of relief when you stayed an aviator rather than becoming a sudden submariner. It was gratifying to hear both.
Amazing. My dad was in the Navy and helped work (alongside McDonnell Douglas) in transitioning this jet from the Hawk into the Goshawk. Even after it was live, he remained working on it while stationed at Training Air Wing 2 (VT-21/22) in Texas. In fact, when he left the Navy, he was offered a job by Boeing (but he turned it down). It's an amazing jet! Prior to working on the Goshawk, he served aboard the Ike (USS Eisenhower CVN-69). Each time I see a Goshawk in photo or video, I feel a sense of pride for my dad.
Built in Long Beach CA. Was was one of the Flight Dispatchers during flight test. First flight was to Yuma Test Facility, then to Paxtent River. Production was turned over to St. Louis.
His heavy breathing must've been 'cause he was scared. Afraid that something could go wrong with his launch and he'd go swimming in thar cold dark deep ocean water. I wonder if his flightsuit had a pee tube?
I love the increased breathing around 2:49 and then the exclamation at 2:57! And just think…he got paid to do this! Many years ago, as a Navy flight instructor I would brief student naval aviators for their first flight out to the carrier. To a much greater extent than briefs for any other flights, I always had their full, undivided attention! Once we manned up, “lead safes” would lead a flight of two or three SNAs out to the boat, into the “break”, setting up the proper abeam distance in the pattern, and getting one touch and go for ourselves. We would then orbit overhead as the students conducted their quals. If we were lucky, the Air Boss might call us down for a trap to refuel, and that was just fun - steady deck, good weather, daytime ops - not a big challenge for an experienced tailhooker. Once airborne again, we would resume loitering overhead until directed to catch a couple of students who had finished, then lead them back to “homeplate”. Interestingly, many students’ landings back at the field after qualifying were nothing to brag about. They were just too excited or too spent to get it all together for that “easy” landing. After I completed my initial quals, I know many of my peers celebrated that evening at the O’Club. Not me. I was done for the day. I called my dad (a former NA) and went to bed. Maverick would have been so ashamed.
I recognize that breathing pattern. From my first working fire as a firefighter. I can only imagine a cat shot is a thousand times more adrenaline filled? Amazing video.
Your breathing wasn't adreneline, it was your lungs working hard coz your were working. Different thing. I know, just retired after 25+ years as a firefighter.
@@jkaposi I was thinking more of my breathing in my first working fire. Lol Lots of adrenaline. Plus, I was a big fella. Lots of hard breathing. I could suck a bottle empty pretty fast if I was working hard. But now I am just old and fat. Congrats on retirement!
@@andrewlast1535 I was always sucking a BA dry faster than the young punks, and that was when i was trying to take it easy. Thanks for the Congrats brother.
I was a Tractor Driver for V-1 Division on the USS Midway 1981 to '84 so I knew all the things that were going on AROUND the jet and approximately how long it takes for him to take off. I also know that the Oxygen mask makes it slightly more difficult for the pilot to breath than without a mask, so there's that. Nice to relive that scenario again.
I was in VMFP-3, caught a ride on the Magical Midway several times 79-83. Was there for the Cactus incident. Was actually on the hanger deck and watched it unfold until GQ sounded. I’ll never forget that sight and rumble.
Man I love the engineering that goes into this, look how the hud is perfectly lined up with the airframe, and how the hud and airframe match and line up with launchline, that's soo cool
I'm a student gyrocopter pilot, and a couple of weeks ago, I did my first take-off, it all happened so fast, I couldn't really process it, but the feeling of relief at being airborne is something I will always remember, I guess it must be the same for every pilot.
You got me - After I uploaded and watched the first one, I wasn't happy with how much "follow my social accounts here" was going on throughout the video. So I pulled it, put the sad, but necessary "please subscribe ask" at the end of the video and added some details from the flight in the beginning - hoping it's now a better video for you all. Glad you enjoyed it both times though!
Naval Aviators are the best pilots of any branch of service. Launching might look easy enough but there's still plenty that can go wrong in a hurry. Landing is a whole new ballgame. This is especially true in bad weather and at night. I've watched countless recoveries and the night traps never cease to amaze me.
@@DrewciferTek Recovery is the same as landing which is also called trapping. Planes are launched , When they return they are recovered. I guess someone or something lost at sea can also be recovered as well. It's a matter of context.
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Thank you for sharing this video. I've always wondered what it's like to be in a cockpit in that position. Thanks for your service, learning to fly, and taking us along!
I was in a college class taught by a naval pilot. I was in the Air Force at the time. In the course of the class someone asked what's it like to be launched from a carrier. The teacher just could not get the idea across in simple terms. I raised my hand and said I could help. I began by saying you are a small rock. Your in a slingshot. You pull back as far as you can. Then you LET GO. That's it. The Naval pilot said that was the best description of a cat launch he heard.
Nice view of a launch - can't say I've seen many but I know they look easier to do than they really are. I salute pilots for their skill and performance.
I worked onboard the JFK on waist cats and have always wondered what it would be like to take your first cat shot. This provided me a decent depiction. Thanks for another great video. So much excitement and you still need to keep the adrenaline level because the next thing is landing. Good Lord!!!!
Love these videos as a civilian being recruited by the Navy back in 1985 out of college for OCS we werr fortunate to be taken on the USS Ronald Reagan in VA dry docked . We had a tour of the entire ship it was incredible . Flight deck with a walked through everything from calling the ball in the tower to walking the deck . Much respect for our officers who were pilots and escorted us everywhere for that week at the Naval base and Officers club . Great experience for a then 22 yr old .
I’ve said it before, but Thank You for your service. I know that you’re getting paid to do some fun stuff, but it’s not all fun. Fair winds , calm seas, and landings that you can walk away from. Salute and much love.
Being a airframer @ 40 (det 5) in the early to mid 2000's I had a few dozen cats and traps back in the back of a C-2. Not a whole lot to see back there, although once I sat next to the window during a catapult and watched the deck (and people) go by. That one sticks out in my memory the most.
My first cat shot was in a TS-2A (VT-31) aboard the Lady Lex in 1967. I thought that shot was something, but the TS-2A was a fairly light bird. My first cat shot aboard the USS Randolph (I was in the right seat) in an S-2E somewhere in the Atlantic heading to the Mediterranean really put me back in the seat. For those not aware, the USS Randolph had hydraulic cats (I thought the Lexington did also) which had a 180 foot stroke. The first 60 feet was the acceleration, the next 60 feet was the coast and the final 60 feet was braking the shuttle to a stop. The fully loaded S-2E, with all the normal gear and 32 sonobuoys weighed in at about 30,000 pounds. The cat would accelerate the bird from 0 to 120 knots (131 mph) in 60 feet. We called it caging the eyeballs. When those cats were designed during WWII, they were never intended to launch aircraft that heavy. My first arrested landing was aboard the Lexington in a T-28C. When we got back to the ready room after our landings, on guy commented "Did you see all those people up on the island?" (There was an observation platform on the after part of the O-7 level (flight deck is O-3). Another guy said "What Island?" We all laughed. We were so in shock after our first arrested landing, most of us did well to follow the director. Of course in a T-28C, we deck launched to leave.
The breathing. The tension. The locked-in 'only way out is through this'. The whoop and the awesome 'that was awful'. It's childbirth for men!!! 🙂Thank you for sharing such a unique experience. Increases my respect even more. God bless you and yours, keep safe.
the ONLY experience I have that I can think would give me just a smidge of the gut wrenching adrenaline that would be felt right before taking off is the countdown while on the block at state for the 400m sprint, I didn't think I could handle that kind of feeling while having to get off that block perfectly and then sprint faster than I had ever sprinted against the best runners in my state, and I can't imagine i could stay conscious when one wrong move could very easily kill you and THEN think having to think about landing, incredible stuff.
This cat shot reminds of the best line I ever saw on tv or during a movie: “you see Gloria! You see what happens when you mess with a warrior!” Still love that scene.
To me, this speaks volumes to the bravery and concentration of pilots such as these - although this man’s breathing quickened slightly before launching his total professionalism took over as the flight began. Cheers
There are certain things you remember for the rest of your life.this is one of them... I remember my first cat shot which was way back in 1980..... you also remember your first trap as well.which is way more important...ha... I really lucked out and caught the 3 wire on my first try. Then I boltered 4 times...LOL... sure miss flying...best time of my life.... but I sure as sh*t dont miss Case III pitching deck recovery ... that will make your sphincter pucker....
I loved the little WHOOP! when you took the cat shot! I only have one cat shot under my belt. No traps. I was on board America in the NAS back in 83 and the only way I was getting off the ship was to ride in an S-3 to Dodge. I had been on board for 90 days and I was ready to swim to DG if I had to! Anyway, stupid me figured that I could lean forward out of my seat and watch us shoot off the deck. WRONG! As soon as we went, I got slammed back into my seat. I did love though that as soon as you were off the deck, no more G forces pushing you back. Cool.
That was so fun! Vicarious but still, what a thrill. Just ran across your channel and have really been enjoying going through them. My parents were both pilots and your breathing reminded me (besides other things) of my mom running out of landing strip when I was six. She said I was laughing the entire time. I thought a corn field was a great place to park.
Reminds me of my days when I was flying those missions over Macho Grande. After I left from service, I joined the Peace Corps. and spent a good deal of time over seas with the Malombo tribe. A very remote bunch of people, but I was able to show them the fundamentals of basketball.
I find it pretty funny that the second you go off the boat you realise that you're flying - something that you've actually done before and it's all fine again.
Dad was a rear gunner in a Swordfish, 1943,44,45 and was catapulted off of HMS Vindex many times, to think they did that to an old Bi-Plane and survive beggars belief.
Rob, THAT was the most intense video I've ever watched. It drew me right in. I felt like I was your back-seater ... it totally drew me right into the experience. I'm like ... OMG, our plane is getting hooked up to the catapult ... followed by I N T E N S E buildup ... buildup .... to that second when we're hurtling down the deck .... aaahhhh .... I must have aged a couple years, that heavy breathing reminded me of the buildup in Jaws ... or maybe that special brownie I ate an hour ago is kicking in, I dunno .... but two thumbs up, man
Been there, done that, as many, many others. Mine was in 1967 in a T-2B on the Lex. Then plowback, then A-7E's, then VN on the Big E. What an incredible ride! Fly Navy!!
First time was in a T2A (the single engine model). The date of the first carrier qual set your date of rank, (if you earn your wings months later) and earned your second gold bar on your NAVCAD insignia. In the good old days,1965.
A couple years from now, my first will be 40 years hence…. In a T-2 off the Lex. Remember it well… but not nearly as vividly as that first trap a few hours before.
i was just as nervous walking into my first OR..or responding to my first Code Blue and i was the guy who had to have the answers..gut check time..and fall back on training..you earned a sub mr Roy...
On the left side of the HUD, the little box with '50' in it, looks like the airspeed indicator. As he goes off, it increases. Right side sits at 40 for awhile, as he accelerates down the cat (probably altitude). So with the speed of the ship and wind, he's getting 50 knots over the deck. Pretty good.
That is because the pitot tube calculates the speed using two sensors, one for dynamic pressure (air flowing into the tube as the aircraft moves) and static pressure, just the regular air pressure around the tube. Even though there's no dynamic pressure as the aircraft is stationary, there's still static pressure, so, depending on the altitude and air temperature, dead needle usually varies between 40 and 50 knots. Now, if you get you pitot clogged (usually with ice), your speed indicator becomes an altimeter (not a good one as for that matter)
Thanks for posting this! That's quality original content- giving us all at least a superficial idea of an experience that only relatively few people ever get. Audio was a bit NSFW though...
It's funny. When I watched Top Gun I thought the pilots were cool but I wanted to know what in the actual those crazy people were doing out there on the deck. In 1992, just 2 years after graduating high school, I found out. God, I miss it. Thanks for the job security, sir! And the cool video
At this point most students have just had their first (terrifying) trap, taxied over to the side (where they experience some more terror as it appears they will taxi into the ocean as the flight deck director taxies them VERY close to the edge), then a get a few minutes to calm down (and hopefully stop their legs from shaking uncontrollably) as they get topped off with fuel. A truly welcome temporary break to put themselves back together again and deal with the monumental experience they just survived - A mixture of triumph (most have worked really hard for a really long time to reach that moment) and PTSD (that can only come from accomplishing something that is really, really hard and absolutely nerve-racking at first). No matter what happens next, for the rest of their life they can say they have landed a jet on an aircraft carrier. It's truly life changing. Then it's taxi time again over to the catapult for the first shot (where this video begins). Thankfully, this is something where the fun factor to terror ratio is firmly in favor of the pilot. An amazing ride that - unlike the arrested landing - doesn't depend on flying your eyeballs through a 1.5 foot vertical window to see a centered ball at 150 mph while trying to suck your seat cushion into your cornhole - for the cat shot the pilot is mostly along for the ride, monitoring for failures but not controlling the aircraft until they leave the deck. So, for those couple of seconds of acceleration, they only have to monitor a couple of things and just be present for the ride of a lifetime. A great deal and well-earned bonus after what just happened 10 minutes before. But as a student undergoing their first CQ, it will be back to the grind shortly after takeoff, as they have to start preparing for their next exquisitely graded landing as they level off and start their crosswind turn, already striving to hit every parameter exactly well before they can even see the ball again. Time to get that game face back on . . . FLY NAVY!
I can only imagine what that is like. I’m sure it’s something you never get used to. I have the utmost respect for you and all naval aviators. What position is your throttles at when launching?
More than likely full mil power, not sure if the T45 is afterburner equipped, but if so probably full afterburner. The only jet I am aware of that does not launch at full afterburner was the F14 as the engines were so powerful they would damage the heat shields.
The heavy breathing reminded me of a movie about a peeping tom, watching the cute cheerleader about to take a shower. Whereas the waiting, reminded me of watching paint dry?
I remember mine, from Lexington, circa 1981, in a T-2 Buckeye. Like it was yesterday. Like being held in the palm of a giant's hand, and then he hurls you. I don't remember going Ric Flair, though. (WOOOOO!) I was desperately trying to remember not to climb above pattern altitude.
your rapid breathing sound just before the launch represents that your were nervous. because it was first experience. nice job! thank you for your service.
Ok, this is nowhere near the same level, but maybe worth a read - I am a remote control airplane instructor. A good student worked his way up from a basic high wing trainer to training with me on W.W. 2 warbirds. He is athletic and in good shape. He wears a training watch that shows his pulse. I did the takeoff with a P-51 Mustang - more expensive and more difficult to fly than the previous planes he trained with. I switched controls over to his radio and he flew the P-51 for the first time. He did well and then I took control back when it was time to land. He showed me his shaking hands and looked at his watch and said his pulse was at 120 (60 would be normal for him) ! I could only imagine what a student goes thru on their first catapult take off !
Just listen to that breathing, practically hyper-ventilating. Must be either super excited, scared shitless or both. Can't say I blame him though, must be a huge relief to get airborne.
Holy sh*t! Why is he breathing so hard for just a cat shot? After he launches, he needs to catch the 3 wire coming aboard (or one of the four). I hope that he didn't hyperventilate so much that he boltered a few times... I guess things are a little different now since I earned my wings of gold in 1975 but I salute all naval aviators who brave the weather especially when trapping at night.
Damn, that was intense!! I wish you'd had a GoPro (or similar camera) on your helmet so we landlubbers could see the hand signals given you by the shooter. I've seen them on other videos but never from the pilot's perspective.
I saw the steam curling up from the gap between the "Cats" and I thought, "Wait a minute, which CVN is this ?" then realized that this was still one of the Nimitz class, not the newer Ford class with the EMAL's. It's still an exciting view, all in all.
My neighbor was a few weeks ahead of me in the 60's. He said he was so excited that the last time he scanned the engine performance before launch the only thing he recognized was the 8 day clock. So he reset it.
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My son did his Carrier Quals in the T-45 a few years ago. He said it was the best ride he'd ever been on! He did his advanced flight training in Kingsville, TX, and got his wings in June 2019. Thanks to all who serve and their families! Stay Safe.
Funny you say that I know alot of frontline RAF fast jet pilots who all have a soft spot for the Hawk....
Funny he uses the term Hot Mic'd which we all know that is what government scum do to turn your cell phone microphone on to spy on citizens without a warrant. All these government scum need to be jailed. It's a mental disorder. To oppress and tax citizens in order to create wars for israel and jwish bankers. Deep state scum.
@@tanyano9 Red Arrows dude, nuff said.
My buddy in VT-19 was on the cat in front of me on the Lex on our first cat shot in '89. I could see his wing tips and tail in front of the JBD. He launched and when he squeezed the PLCs and the cat bar he accidentally squeezed the mic button at the same time. He broadcasted, "Holy F*ing Sh*t!" There was a moment of radio silence at which Paddles replied, "(976 ... you owe me a case of tequila.) No, I will never forget my first time. Thanks for posting.
Epic story!! Good times indeed…
He probably paid up proudly, all the while determining that, for his wallet's sake, next time that stays in his subconscious! 😂😂
LOL
that's an under-statement
@@Beezlie727 he didn't pay up at all
I was wondering if there was going to be a scream of joy and a sigh of relief when you stayed an aviator rather than becoming a sudden submariner. It was gratifying to hear both.
'The sudden submariner' is how I will be describing all drowners from now on.
same
Non qualified dinq submariners 😑
@@bbingtube unqualified and involuntary. Just sudden
@@glypnir nah it was a submariner vs. surface joke. We would have told the pilot to give us his qual card and we would grape it off 🤣🍇
I would imagine the next thought is, "Oh crap. Now I have to land this thing." 😁👍👍
Exactly!!
@@steve_wilson About 4 seconds... :)
Especially after a night cat shot. Just about gear up you realize, it will still be night when I return.
@@flyrobroy
When do we get THAT video?!! I'm ready!
That’s a popular thought. It also occurs after your first solo take off. 🤣👍🏼🇺🇸
Amazing. My dad was in the Navy and helped work (alongside McDonnell Douglas) in transitioning this jet from the Hawk into the Goshawk. Even after it was live, he remained working on it while stationed at Training Air Wing 2 (VT-21/22) in Texas. In fact, when he left the Navy, he was offered a job by Boeing (but he turned it down). It's an amazing jet! Prior to working on the Goshawk, he served aboard the Ike (USS Eisenhower CVN-69). Each time I see a Goshawk in photo or video, I feel a sense of pride for my dad.
Built in Long Beach CA. Was was one of the Flight Dispatchers during flight test. First flight was to Yuma Test Facility, then to Paxtent River. Production was turned over to St. Louis.
Amazing. Heavy job in responsability and dedication.
Amazing. Heavy job in responsability and dedication.
The heavy breathing reminded me of a movie I may have seen a time or two. “Open the pod bay doors, HAL.” “I can’t do that, Dave.”
His heavy breathing must've been 'cause he was scared. Afraid that something could go wrong with his launch and he'd go swimming in thar cold dark deep ocean water. I wonder if his flightsuit had a pee tube?
OMG! You are so fucking right
@@glenturney4750 thatd terrify me lol id rather slam facefirst into the ground than crash land and be stranded in the ocean lmao
@@glenturney4750 did he sound scared when he was airborne? He’s breathing into a totally inclosed mask + plus the adrenaline boost .
@@glenturney4750 wouldn't say scared as much as focused
lol, this man was sucking more wind than a 747 turbine!! Congrats on your first CAT, god bless naval aviators!! loved the video!
I love the increased breathing around 2:49 and then the exclamation at 2:57! And just think…he got paid to do this!
Many years ago, as a Navy flight instructor I would brief student naval aviators for their first flight out to the carrier. To a much greater extent than briefs for any other flights, I always had their full, undivided attention! Once we manned up, “lead safes” would lead a flight of two or three SNAs out to the boat, into the “break”, setting up the proper abeam distance in the pattern, and getting one touch and go for ourselves. We would then orbit overhead as the students conducted their quals.
If we were lucky, the Air Boss might call us down for a trap to refuel, and that was just fun - steady deck, good weather, daytime ops - not a big challenge for an experienced tailhooker. Once airborne again, we would resume loitering overhead until directed to catch a couple of students who had finished, then lead them back to “homeplate”.
Interestingly, many students’ landings back at the field after qualifying were nothing to brag about. They were just too excited or too spent to get it all together for that “easy” landing.
After I completed my initial quals, I know many of my peers celebrated that evening at the O’Club. Not me. I was done for the day. I called my dad (a former NA) and went to bed. Maverick would have been so ashamed.
🤣🤣
Just good sense, good habits; not a thing wrong with that.
I bet your old man 'got it' though. 😉👍
In other places, getting sling shot at 150 knots is considered a work hazard
The heavy breathing is fear. No question about it.
I recognize that breathing pattern. From my first working fire as a firefighter. I can only imagine a cat shot is a thousand times more adrenaline filled? Amazing video.
Your breathing wasn't adreneline, it was your lungs working hard coz your were working. Different thing. I know, just retired after 25+ years as a firefighter.
@@jkaposi I was thinking more of my breathing in my first working fire. Lol Lots of adrenaline. Plus, I was a big fella. Lots of hard breathing. I could suck a bottle empty pretty fast if I was working hard. But now I am just old and fat. Congrats on retirement!
@@andrewlast1535 I was always sucking a BA dry faster than the young punks, and that was when i was trying to take it easy. Thanks for the Congrats brother.
I'm sure the adrenaline rush was very similar
You heard breathing? I would swear I heard someone saying "Why the H did I agree to do this again..." 😆
I was a Tractor Driver for V-1 Division on the USS Midway 1981 to '84 so I knew all the things that were going on AROUND the jet and approximately how long it takes for him to take off. I also know that the Oxygen mask makes it slightly more difficult for the pilot to breath than without a mask, so there's that. Nice to relive that scenario again.
I was in VMFP-3, caught a ride on the Magical Midway several times 79-83. Was there for the Cactus incident. Was actually on the hanger deck and watched it unfold until GQ sounded. I’ll never forget that sight and rumble.
Man I love the engineering that goes into this, look how the hud is perfectly lined up with the airframe, and how the hud and airframe match and line up with launchline, that's soo cool
I'm a student gyrocopter pilot, and a couple of weeks ago, I did my first take-off, it all happened so fast, I couldn't really process it, but the feeling of relief at being airborne is something I will always remember, I guess it must be the same for every pilot.
I’ve seen this one before, well, pretty sure I have, but it’s just as thrilling the second time as it was the first.
You got me - After I uploaded and watched the first one, I wasn't happy with how much "follow my social accounts here" was going on throughout the video.
So I pulled it, put the sad, but necessary "please subscribe ask" at the end of the video and added some details from the flight in the beginning - hoping it's now a better video for you all.
Glad you enjoyed it both times though!
Naval Aviators are the best pilots of any branch of service. Launching might look easy enough but there's still plenty that can go wrong in a hurry. Landing is a whole new ballgame. This is especially true in bad weather and at night. I've watched countless recoveries and the night traps never cease to amaze me.
recovery = the plane is lost, right? Well, for the moment, maybe recovered depending on depth of sea or... rarely actually? Or always?
@@DrewciferTek
Recovery is the same as landing which is also called trapping.
Planes are launched , When they return they are recovered.
I guess someone or something lost at sea can also be recovered as well. It's a matter of context.
But the Navy doesn't have F22, F16 and SR71. It's not the pilot, it's the plane.
@@defiverr4697 Ah yes, the carrier-based SR71 🤣
@@juanquireyes6703 one word, SR freeken 71, M3.5+
2:52 of anticipation, 4 seconds of excitement, a life time of fond, terrifying memories.
You can talk about it all day but you just can’t describe the ride, you never forget your first shot, mine over forty years ago
Same
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Thank you for sharing this video. I've always wondered what it's like to be in a cockpit in that position. Thanks for your service, learning to fly, and taking us along!
Thank you!
I was in a college class taught by a naval pilot. I was in the Air Force at the time. In the course of the class someone asked what's it like to be launched from a carrier. The teacher just could not get the idea across in simple terms. I raised my hand and said I could help. I began by saying you are a small rock. Your in a slingshot. You pull back as far as you can. Then you LET GO. That's it. The Naval pilot said that was the best description of a cat launch he heard.
Nice view of a launch - can't say I've seen many but I know they look easier to do than they really are. I salute pilots for their skill and performance.
I worked onboard the JFK on waist cats and have always wondered what it would be like to take your first cat shot. This provided me a decent depiction. Thanks for another great video. So much excitement and you still need to keep the adrenaline level because the next thing is landing. Good Lord!!!!
Love these videos as a civilian being recruited by the Navy back in 1985 out of college for OCS we werr fortunate to be taken on the USS Ronald Reagan in VA dry docked . We had a tour of the entire ship it was incredible . Flight deck with a walked through everything from calling the ball in the tower to walking the deck . Much respect for our officers who were pilots and escorted us everywhere for that week at the Naval base and Officers club . Great experience for a then 22 yr old .
When you look back, how hard was it to land a T-45 on the carrier vs other jets?
Sounded like Jello yelling "bolter" in the background. Love the increase in sucking breaths waiting for launch, it's gotta be a blast every time...
I’ve said it before, but Thank You for your service. I know that you’re getting paid to do some fun stuff, but it’s not all fun. Fair winds , calm seas, and landings that you can walk away from. Salute and much love.
Being a airframer @ 40 (det 5) in the early to mid 2000's I had a few dozen cats and traps back in the back of a C-2. Not a whole lot to see back there, although once I sat next to the window during a catapult and watched the deck (and people) go by. That one sticks out in my memory the most.
Is it as fun as it seems?
@@imsorryyoutube6774 Yes, the sensations of the cat and trap are so hard to explain but unforgettable.
I trapped aboard CVN71 on a C-2 COD in the Adriatic in 1993. My ass still hasn't unclenched... And I'm 50 yrs old now.
My first cat shot was in a TS-2A (VT-31) aboard the Lady Lex in 1967. I thought that shot was something, but the TS-2A was a fairly light bird. My first cat shot aboard the USS Randolph (I was in the right seat) in an S-2E somewhere in the Atlantic heading to the Mediterranean really put me back in the seat. For those not aware, the USS Randolph had hydraulic cats (I thought the Lexington did also) which had a 180 foot stroke. The first 60 feet was the acceleration, the next 60 feet was the coast and the final 60 feet was braking the shuttle to a stop. The fully loaded S-2E, with all the normal gear and 32 sonobuoys weighed in at about 30,000 pounds. The cat would accelerate the bird from 0 to 120 knots (131 mph) in 60 feet. We called it caging the eyeballs. When those cats were designed during WWII, they were never intended to launch aircraft that heavy.
My first arrested landing was aboard the Lexington in a T-28C. When we got back to the ready room after our landings, on guy commented "Did you see all those people up on the island?" (There was an observation platform on the after part of the O-7 level (flight deck is O-3). Another guy said "What Island?" We all laughed. We were so in shock after our first arrested landing, most of us did well to follow the director. Of course in a T-28C, we deck launched to leave.
For me it was 26 April, 1978, Lexington. Total flight time when I took off to get my first landing (in the T-2C), a grand total of 100.8 hours!
'81 for me off the Lex as well in the T-2C out of Beeville, TX
Oh I remember the Buckeye...
@Not Convinced only PC man...DCS...
The breathing. The tension. The locked-in 'only way out is through this'. The whoop and the awesome 'that was awful'. It's childbirth for men!!! 🙂Thank you for sharing such a unique experience. Increases my respect even more. God bless you and yours, keep safe.
The deck crew always gives me baseball umpire vibes 😂 just loving every second of your job!
the ONLY experience I have that I can think would give me just a smidge of the gut wrenching adrenaline that would be felt right before taking off is the countdown while on the block at state for the 400m sprint, I didn't think I could handle that kind of feeling while having to get off that block perfectly and then sprint faster than I had ever sprinted against the best runners in my state, and I can't imagine i could stay conscious when one wrong move could very easily kill you and THEN think having to think about landing, incredible stuff.
You can sense his smile right after take-off. Really good stuff.
This cat shot reminds of the best line I ever saw on tv or during a movie: “you see Gloria! You see what happens when you mess with a warrior!” Still love that scene.
haha. This one? th-cam.com/video/SVYPyCW7OtM/w-d-xo.html
My first cat shot was in a T2J-1 in 1961. Hydraulic cat -- a definite "E ticket" ride!!
This sounds like the breathing I did just before paddling my first class V+, big-water rapid. Congrats to you!
To me, this speaks volumes to the bravery and concentration of pilots such as these - although this man’s breathing quickened slightly before launching his total professionalism took over as the flight began. Cheers
i like the aircraft director. that's how i use to do it too. straddle the cat and use a head shake for small corrections ... "reminds me of .... me"
Yeah. You sounded perfectly in control. Well done.
NAVAL AVIATORS ROCK! THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SERVICE! From a retired VA doc!
I watched the whole thing!! Wow!! I could feel your breathing was making me at the edge of my seat!! What a great rush!!
I was seventeen, an OS and reported to duty out in the ocean on USS Lexington. I'll never forget that feeling.
There are certain things you remember for the rest of your life.this is one of them... I remember my first cat shot which was way back in 1980..... you also remember your first trap as well.which is way more important...ha... I really lucked out and caught the 3 wire on my first try. Then I boltered 4 times...LOL... sure miss flying...best time of my life.... but I sure as sh*t dont miss Case III pitching deck recovery ... that will make your sphincter pucker....
I'm a medical guy. He was breathing heavy because of adrenaline release. its known a a fight or flight responce. this time he actually was flying.
Thanks for sharing. I would love ride in a plane getting shot off of a carrier deck.
Who else thought he was being flipped off in the thimbnail😂
Not quite there yet… but on my way! Just thinking of getting my first salute on the catapult makes me giddy. Love the videos! Subscribed!
It's a pretty sweet feeling... keep studying those EPs! And congrats on getting your wings someday soon.
I loved the little WHOOP! when you took the cat shot!
I only have one cat shot under my belt. No traps. I was on board America in the NAS back in 83 and the only way I was getting off the ship was to ride in an S-3 to Dodge. I had been on board for 90 days and I was ready to swim to DG if I had to! Anyway, stupid me figured that I could lean forward out of my seat and watch us shoot off the deck. WRONG! As soon as we went, I got slammed back into my seat. I did love though that as soon as you were off the deck, no more G forces pushing you back. Cool.
That was so fun! Vicarious but still, what a thrill. Just ran across your channel and have really been enjoying going through them. My parents were both pilots and your breathing reminded me (besides other things) of my mom running out of landing strip when I was six. She said I was laughing the entire time. I thought a corn field was a great place to park.
That’s hilarious, ha!
Thanks for sharing and for subscribing 🤙🏼
Reminds me of my days when I was flying those missions over Macho Grande. After I left from service, I joined the Peace Corps. and spent a good deal of time over seas with the Malombo tribe. A very remote bunch of people, but I was able to show them the fundamentals of basketball.
Stryker, damn near killed her!!
I find it pretty funny that the second you go off the boat you realise that you're flying - something that you've actually done before and it's all fine again.
To be honest, carrier ground crew is the coolest. I like to watch their hand signal. Its cool
They really are - it’s a sight to see, for sure!
A man after my own heart.
Even I was hyperventilating during that long wait! What a rush!
Dad was a rear gunner in a Swordfish, 1943,44,45 and was catapulted off of HMS Vindex many times, to think they did that to an old Bi-Plane and survive beggars belief.
Rob, THAT was the most intense video I've ever watched. It drew me right in. I felt like I was your back-seater ... it totally drew me right into the experience.
I'm like ... OMG, our plane is getting hooked up to the catapult ... followed by I N T E N S E buildup ... buildup .... to that second when we're hurtling down the deck .... aaahhhh ....
I must have aged a couple years, that heavy breathing reminded me of the buildup in Jaws ... or maybe that special brownie I ate an hour ago is kicking in, I dunno ....
but two thumbs up, man
Thanks DUDE!! Appreciate the awesome comment!
🤙🏼
@@flyrobroy which CV was this launch from?
As a newbie I flew on to my first carrier. I ended up with two Landings and two launches on carriers. Glad I served the Navy
i did my first flight only 4 weeks ago in the T-45. best time ever!!!
Been there, done that, as many, many others. Mine was in 1967 in a T-2B on the Lex. Then plowback, then A-7E's, then VN on the Big E. What an incredible ride! Fly Navy!!
First time was in a T2A (the single engine model).
The date of the first carrier qual set your date of rank, (if you earn your wings months later) and earned your second gold bar on your NAVCAD insignia. In the good old days,1965.
The good ol' days for sure... Thank you for your service Sir!
The mustache caught on hot mic, speaks for itself.
A couple years from now, my first will be 40 years hence…. In a T-2 off the Lex. Remember it well… but not nearly as vividly as that first trap a few hours before.
The Lex - I'm sure there are some stories there... Thanks for your service!
i was just as nervous walking into my first OR..or responding to my first Code Blue and i was the guy who had to have the answers..gut check time..and fall back on training..you earned a sub mr Roy...
Thank you Sir!
Kinda like your first solo. It's all on you to control it and bring it around for a landing.
Exactly.
Proud to have served CRASH And Rescue ,Sherman Field 1978-2005...NASFDP.
How to go from crapping yourself to THIS IS GREAT! in 2 seconds.
This could be the new title of this video…
One pilot once told me that the CAT was the easy part, first landing on a moving postage stamp was the bitch.
As for me, I'll stick to land based ops.
On the left side of the HUD, the little box with '50' in it, looks like the airspeed indicator. As he goes off, it increases. Right side sits at 40 for awhile, as he accelerates down the cat (probably altitude). So with the speed of the ship and wind, he's getting 50 knots over the deck. Pretty good.
Nah the pitot tube can't get a reading until the aircraft is over 50 knots.
That is because the pitot tube calculates the speed using two sensors, one for dynamic pressure (air flowing into the tube as the aircraft moves) and static pressure, just the regular air pressure around the tube. Even though there's no dynamic pressure as the aircraft is stationary, there's still static pressure, so, depending on the altitude and air temperature, dead needle usually varies between 40 and 50 knots. Now, if you get you pitot clogged (usually with ice), your speed indicator becomes an altimeter (not a good one as for that matter)
The sound of relief once airborne!👍
Thanks for posting this! That's quality original content- giving us all at least a superficial idea of an experience that only relatively few people ever get. Audio was a bit NSFW though...
Less than a second after the cat, you can hear every gram of fear leave him. Amazing.
💯!!
"Woo...tha was awesome"
I bet dude! Stoked to have found this channel!
Hell yea - thanks Paul!
It's funny. When I watched Top Gun I thought the pilots were cool but I wanted to know what in the actual those crazy people were doing out there on the deck. In 1992, just 2 years after graduating high school, I found out. God, I miss it. Thanks for the job security, sir! And the cool video
Thank you so very much for your service !!!!
Thanks Steven!
At this point most students have just had their first (terrifying) trap, taxied over to the side (where they experience some more terror as it appears they will taxi into the ocean as the flight deck director taxies them VERY close to the edge), then a get a few minutes to calm down (and hopefully stop their legs from shaking uncontrollably) as they get topped off with fuel.
A truly welcome temporary break to put themselves back together again and deal with the monumental experience they just survived - A mixture of triumph (most have worked really hard for a really long time to reach that moment) and PTSD (that can only come from accomplishing something that is really, really hard and absolutely nerve-racking at first). No matter what happens next, for the rest of their life they can say they have landed a jet on an aircraft carrier. It's truly life changing.
Then it's taxi time again over to the catapult for the first shot (where this video begins). Thankfully, this is something where the fun factor to terror ratio is firmly in favor of the pilot. An amazing ride that - unlike the arrested landing - doesn't depend on flying your eyeballs through a 1.5 foot vertical window to see a centered ball at 150 mph while trying to suck your seat cushion into your cornhole - for the cat shot the pilot is mostly along for the ride, monitoring for failures but not controlling the aircraft until they leave the deck. So, for those couple of seconds of acceleration, they only have to monitor a couple of things and just be present for the ride of a lifetime. A great deal and well-earned bonus after what just happened 10 minutes before.
But as a student undergoing their first CQ, it will be back to the grind shortly after takeoff, as they have to start preparing for their next exquisitely graded landing as they level off and start their crosswind turn, already striving to hit every parameter exactly well before they can even see the ball again.
Time to get that game face back on . . .
FLY NAVY!
He will give Darth Vader a run for his money …. Impressive breathing!
There's always that one lad on the radio with the really deep voice that just sounds so cool
So very true…
I can only imagine what that is like. I’m sure it’s something you never get used to. I have the utmost respect for you and all naval aviators. What position is your throttles at when launching?
More than likely full mil power, not sure if the T45 is afterburner equipped, but if so probably full afterburner. The only jet I am aware of that does not launch at full afterburner was the F14 as the engines were so powerful they would damage the heat shields.
@@qthemerrybandofanons4481 I was on the USS Saratoga from 85-90 and I saw plenty of F14’s launching with afterburners.
The heavy breathing reminded me of a movie about a peeping tom, watching the cute cheerleader about to take a shower. Whereas the waiting, reminded me of watching paint dry?
Superb, thanks so much for posting ...
I remember mine, from Lexington, circa 1981, in a T-2 Buckeye. Like it was yesterday. Like being held in the palm of a giant's hand, and then he hurls you. I don't remember going Ric Flair, though. (WOOOOO!)
I was desperately trying to remember not to climb above pattern altitude.
That’s awesome Jim! Good times indeed.
And thank you for your service!
Good looks man, good looks
The breathing and the guy doing his ritual dance at 0:40. Such a scene.
01:51 Bill Clinton?
your rapid breathing sound just before the launch represents that your were nervous. because it was first experience. nice job! thank you for your service.
The “Mustache” has left the chat….
Ok, this is nowhere near the same level, but maybe worth a read -
I am a remote control airplane instructor. A good student worked his way up from a basic high wing trainer to training with me on W.W. 2 warbirds. He is athletic and in good shape. He wears a training watch that shows his pulse. I did the takeoff with a P-51 Mustang - more expensive and more difficult to fly than the previous planes he trained with. I switched controls over to his radio and he flew the P-51 for the first time. He did well and then I took control back when it was time to land. He showed me his shaking hands and looked at his watch and said his pulse was at 120 (60 would be normal for him) !
I could only imagine what a student goes thru on their first catapult take off !
Is that darth vader on the cockpit?
I'm trying to find a way to work that into the title... Any ideas?!?
@@flyrobroy 😍😍😍i got a reply from a real pilot😍😍😍
Just listen to that breathing, practically hyper-ventilating. Must be either super excited, scared shitless or both. Can't say I blame him though, must be a huge relief to get airborne.
I found myself checking my breathing!
Me too!
It takes a BUNCH OF people to get a Naval av8r into the: A I R ! 🇺🇸
Holy sh*t! Why is he breathing so hard for just a cat shot? After he launches, he needs to catch the 3 wire coming aboard (or one of the four). I hope that he didn't hyperventilate so much that he boltered a few times...
I guess things are a little different now since I earned my wings of gold in 1975 but I salute all naval aviators who brave the weather especially when trapping at night.
Because it is not "just a cat shot," but his _very first_ cat shot?
His first trap was right before this.. but of course he was breathing heavy. Nervous as shit.. as anyone would be on that first shot off the boat.
What a great view, congratulations, and thank you for your service!🇺🇸
How was that landing like 😁??
Damn, that was intense!!
I wish you'd had a GoPro (or similar camera) on your helmet so we landlubbers could see the hand signals given you by the shooter. I've seen them on other videos but never from the pilot's perspective.
Still exciting too this day sir !
Thankyou for your service .
And your great videos !
God bless
Well done, brother! Many thanks for your service and sharing the memory!
Perfectly calm. Must be quite something in rough seas with heavy rain and wind gusts.
I saw the steam curling up from the gap between the "Cats" and I thought, "Wait a minute, which CVN is this ?" then realized that this was still one of the Nimitz class, not the newer Ford class with the EMAL's.
It's still an exciting view, all in all.
Great! I remember my first solo (to compare) - I felt well trained and in control.
My neighbor was a few weeks ahead of me in the 60's. He said he was so excited that the last time he scanned the engine performance before launch the only thing he recognized was the 8 day clock. So he reset it.
I can relate. Pretty intense at the time. Amazing how different it was after my first cruise. Year group 1981