Fighter13 Posted August 20, 2009 Posted August 20, 2009 Our flight board asks the question "If we wanted you to fly 64's instead of 47's, would you still want to fly?" The obvious answer is yes, that I would definitely still fly...but is there a way I could emphasize my preference for 47's without showing lack of dedication? My packet is complete and I've been accepted into the 47 company but I've heard we're really short on 64 pilots. My goal is to fly, so I wouldn't mind going apache...just wanted to know if anyone who's been through it would have any insight. Quote
dolphindriver Posted August 20, 2009 Posted August 20, 2009 Yes. The proper response to emphasize that you want to fly 47's would be "Since I do not believe I could handle the awesomeness of being an Apache pilot trained to rain down death from above, I would prefer to fly Chinooks if at all possible." Quote
1badz32 Posted August 20, 2009 Posted August 20, 2009 (edited) opp's my bad. Edited August 20, 2009 by 1badz32 Quote
PhotoFlyer Posted August 20, 2009 Posted August 20, 2009 If they ask the question just say exactly what you've said here. "Absolutely I would still want to fly. Given the choice I would choose a 47 over a 64, but as long as I'm flying that is enough for me." Quote
Mymm Posted August 20, 2009 Posted August 20, 2009 Why on earth would you want to fly a 47 over a 64?! Everyone knows 64's are the best! Why just be a flying bus man!? Dolphin, I'm assuming you know how it feels to be a totally awesome 64 guy too? We are pretty awesome. Haha! In all seriousness I love the 47 too, it's an amazing machine. For that board question I would state something along the lines of I'll fly whatever the Army needs me to fly the absolute best I possibly can, however, I would find the mission of the 47 more personally satisfying. I'm assuming your going for a Guard unit that has both? As strange as it may sound, the pilots for each airframe generally exhibit the same personality traits. The attack guys are a bit more fired up and agressive (Me?! Never!) while 47's seem to be the most relaxed, I guess it's the gentle rocking, I dunno. Keep us posted on your progress and good luck! Quote
ErOk_OnE Posted August 21, 2009 Posted August 21, 2009 Yes. The proper response to emphasize that you want to fly 47's would be "Since I do not believe I could handle the awesomeness of being an Apache pilot trained to rain down death from above, I would prefer to fly Chinooks if at all possible." lol..thats awesome..lol Quote
dolphindriver Posted August 21, 2009 Posted August 21, 2009 Mymm, I learned the awesomeness of being an Apache pilot in 1991 right after completing flight school and flew them until 1997 when I left the Army. Now all I get to do is watch my gunner shoot. Watching someone else shoot from your helicopter is like watching someone else make out with a beautiful woman. It's fun for a bit but not nearly as fun as doing it yourself. Quote
BillyBob Posted August 21, 2009 Posted August 21, 2009 Maybe this answer would help you get your 'boeing bus' driver job: "Sir, I don't feel my testicular fortitude is strong enough for performing a diving rocket shot on a manned Dshk with an IHADSS 30 shot on the break." All kidding aside, be honest and let them know what you'd like while making sure they know you're interested in helping out with what the 'team' needs. The reality of aircraft assignment is that you'll almost certainly grow to love whatever you fly. Each one has pros and cons. Also, in the guard you have a better chance of moving from one airframe to another. Congrats on getting an interview. Quote
Mymm Posted August 21, 2009 Posted August 21, 2009 Mymm, I learned the awesomeness of being an Apache pilot in 1991 right after completing flight school and flew them until 1997 when I left the Army. Now all I get to do is watch my gunner shoot. Watching someone else shoot from your helicopter is like watching someone else make out with a beautiful woman. It's fun for a bit but not nearly as fun as doing it yourself. HAHA! I'm still learning to handle all the awesomeness, bout to head to my first check ride in 20 min, woo! Gunnery is still a few months out, I can't wait. Quote
Fighter13 Posted August 21, 2009 Author Posted August 21, 2009 yeah...i have no doubt 64's are good airframe to fly but i had enough 'awesomness' as a crew serve ground troop during my first 3 tours - definitely like the 47 mission a lot more.... Quote
FLHooker Posted August 22, 2009 Posted August 22, 2009 I would have answered... Why would I want to fly a slow slingload? Quote
wopilot Posted August 22, 2009 Posted August 22, 2009 64's There shouldn't be anymore discussion after this. ... getting shot at isn't so bad when you know you can shoot back. 3 words the rest of the fleet hate "Gun Service Terminated" Then they shut up Quote
Darkhorse Posted August 23, 2009 Posted August 23, 2009 I'll take an MH-47E/G any day of the week and 4 times on Sunday. Speed, guns, power..and their just flat out sexy what more can u ask for? Besides, all the women are sitting in the 47's at air shows, not Black Hawks or Apaches. Quote
dolphindriver Posted August 23, 2009 Posted August 23, 2009 I've seen the women who sit in 47s at air shows. The reason they sit in those aircraft is because it is the only helicopter they will fit in. The good looking women go to the CG helicopter. Quote
Pogue Posted August 23, 2009 Posted August 23, 2009 Actually the good looking women are hanging out with the crew chiefs while the pilots are preening... Quote
Linc Posted August 23, 2009 Posted August 23, 2009 I would feel less than a pilot to fly anything other than what I do now, because I love my helicopter and community. However, the correct response to the board is that you would be happy flying, whatever the airframe. You just want a chance to serve your country and be the best helicopter pilot you can be. Cheesy and cliche, I know, but it is the correct response because it demonstrates that you are willing to do what the unit needs to meet the mission. So, if you want to stress your preference, simply state it, "I prefer the CH-47, but I am ready to fly anything I'm given the chance to and complete the mission." Quote
glennahall Posted August 23, 2009 Posted August 23, 2009 Of course the response would change with great drama if they were to even hint that you may be given the sacred opportunity to don a stetson and spurs. Quote
Gomer Pylot Posted August 24, 2009 Posted August 24, 2009 The testosterone level is getting well above boot-top height in this thread. Or maybe it's just the male bovine fecal matter level, but in any case, it's too late for the boots, time to start trying to save your watches. Quote
Linc Posted August 25, 2009 Posted August 25, 2009 Of course the response would change with great drama if they were to even hint that you may be given the sacred opportunity to don a stetson and spurs. Hell, I have CH-47, UH-60, and AH-64 pilots buying and breaking in Stetsons, and chomping at the bit for a chance to earn spurs. Nothing unifies like belonging to the Cav. Quote
Justin DBC Posted August 27, 2009 Posted August 27, 2009 Hell, I have CH-47, UH-60, and AH-64 pilots buying and breaking in Stetsons, and chomping at the bit for a chance to earn spurs. Nothing unifies like belonging to the Cav. Uh oh.... Not this again.... Hahaha! J- Quote
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