Highlights: a/c systems class, 1st flight (FCF), finish 2 more phases of CBT till 9pm

More systems class with SSgt Ruiz.
My classmates here are Lieutenants fresh out of flight school in Pensacola, Florida. They’re learning about this aircraft for the first time. For me it’s refresher training, to re-learn all the details I’ve forgotten in the last 3 years. It’s nice re-learning things that all look familiar. It’s also a good time to give the new guys some tips on what to expect when they get to their first fleet squadrons.

This is where we learn the basics about flying the CH-46E helicopter. Everything builds from this, so we have to learn it well.

Later in the afternoon, after class, one of the functional check pilots (FCP) needed a co-pilot to go test an aircraft on a Functional Check Flight (FCF). His regular co-pilot for the day had gone to run an errand and wasn’t due back for an hour.

Testing only happens during daylight hours, so time was somewhat critical. They needed a co-pilot! I was only too happy to oblige (=

I ran downstairs, checked-out a vest, grabbed my helmet & kneeboard and met the FCP down on the flightline. We did a quick flight brief, so we both knew what the mission was & what to expect. (where we were going, for how long, what we’d do in the air, who to talk to, pilot/co-pilot duties, emergency procedures, etc…)

Then we jumped on aircraft 12 and ran her through a series of tests to make sure both engines were working properly. Anytime the maintenance department does work on major systems like the engines, transmission, hydraulics, flight controls, etc… a qualified test pilot (FCP) has to fly it first to make sure all the vibrations, engine pressures, temperatures, torques, etc… are all within operating limits. If something’s not right,, we bring it back, and maintenance makes more adjustments… the process continues until the aircraft is flying right.

40 minutes of flying over the coast, and our aircraft was passing all the tests. We’re good!

For a little fun, Maj Yonas turned off the AFCS (automatic flight control stabilization system), and let me fly back to the airfield. A lot of metal is moving very fast in several directions at once in a helicopter that weights 20,000 lbs. To compensate for all that, we have a stabilization system that makes automatic control inputs, so the aircraft flies smoothly… you don’t need it for flight, just like you don’t need power steering in your car… but life is better with it.

Turning off AFCS is like turning off the power steering in your car. We have to be prepared for any of our equipment to fail in flight, so it’s good practice. To fly smoothly without help from the stabilization system requires some touch.
This being my first flight back in the aircraft in 3 years,,, I wasn’t expecting my “touch” to be velvety smooth or anything… but I surprised myself & Maj Yonas (= getting back in the aircraft really is like getting on a bike again. The flying part came right back. Piece of cake. Ha ha! Ok, I’ll cut myself off there, before I’m accused of getting cocky after 1 flight.

It was great to sit in the front seat again & take off. I’ve missed flying. It’s a fantastic job to have. So, this was officially my first unofficial flight in the CH-46 “phrog” again (=

After helping out, I went back to the CBT building and worked in the computer lab until 9pm. Uuuuuggh. I just want to get these things over with!