My Aviation Story
General Aviation
General aviation (GA) includes a wide range of activities such as private flying, flight training, agricultural aviation, and light aircraft manufacturing. GA also refers to all civil aviation operations other than scheduled air services and non-scheduled air transport operations for hire. Thus, GA is a vital part of the aviation industry, it provides many essential services and contributes to the economy.
I started out making paper airplanes and model airplanes as a your boy. Naturally, I was very excited when I started flight training in high school. Pilot training is an exciting and challenging journey. However, the training prepares students to become licensed pilots.
Although I did not get my civilian pilot's license - I did learn a lot in 'Ground School' which provided a base for my military training. Ground School is where the student pilot learn the theoretical aspects of flying. This includes aerodynamics, navigation, weather, and aviation regulations (The Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) are rules prescribed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governing all aviation activities in the United).
Flight Training allows the student to spend time in the cockpit with a certified flight instructor (CFI) in order to learn how to operate an aircraft. This training includes takeoffs and landings, other maneuvers such as bank and turns, straight and level flight, climbs and decents and emergency procedures.
Cross-Country Flight training teach the student how to plan and execute longer flights to different airports, which helps build their navigation skills as well as their flight planning skills.
The big day is when the student take their first solo flight. A Solo Flight is a flight where the pilot is the only person in the aircraft. For student pilots, a solo flight is when they fly without an instructor. It is a major milestone for student pilots. The solo flight includes takeoffs and landings which helps the student pilot to gain confidence and independence.
The student pilot must pass the Written Exam - they will need to pass a written exam that tests their knowledge of aviation theory. And go for their Checkride ... this is the final test, where an examiner assesses your flying skills and knowledge. Their instructor must certify that they are competent to fly solo.
From Civil Air Patrol (CAP) to USA Army flight Training Program
My flying started in high school with the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). We learned to fly in a Cessna 150 trainer. After graduating high school, I joined the Army and the Warrant Officer aviation program. Upon completion of the program, I was sent to Vietnam. After returning to the States, I joined the Army Reserves.
Flight School
In honor to my high school flight instructor, Julius Alexander, who was also my English teacher and Civil Air Patrol leader, as well as photography instructor: I like to direct your attention to his continued work in teaching students to fly (pilot aircraft). Aviation Career Enrichment (ACE)
Founder’s Welcome:"Since 1980, Aviation Career Enrichment, Inc., and the Atlanta ACE Academy have worked to address the shortfall of minorities working in aviation and aerospace professions by introducing disadvantaged, at-risk and minority youth to aviation opportunities. While African-Americans comprise the majority of our participants, the doors of ACE are open to young men and women of any background."
High School: Large View↑
Vietnam: Large View↓
USA Army flight Training Program
My aviation career started in the USA Army flight Training Program, and on to Vietnam then 2 years U.S. Army Reserve duty! Check out the Army Training at: Fort Rucker - U.S. Army
Vietnam: Huey pilot Helicopter Pilot - Regular Army - My Story
Sherwood LummusHelicopter Pilot Training | US Army Training Film: Chopper Pilot | 1967
I served with the 2/17th Cav (101st Airborne 2/17th Cavalry) in Vietnam from Feb 1971 to Jan 1972.
MOS - 100B / 100E Huey pilot.
Stationed - camp eagle
Area of opperation - A Shau Valley and Bai Long valley (Hue PhuBai)
Any other Screaming Eagles out there?
"The A Shau Valley was one of the strategic focal points of the war in Vietnam."
101st Airborne Division (Airmobile)
HHT 2/17th Cav Headquarters & Headquarters Troop
2nd Squadron / 17th Cavalry 101st Airborne Division
Callsign - (Headhunters)My Army (MOS): Military Occupation Specialties
100B Utility/Observation Helicopter Pilot
100E Attack Helicopter Pilot
100G "Pilot, OH-58"Army (MOS): Military Occupation Specialties
Updated MOS: ROTARY WING AVIATOR (AIRCRAFT NONSPECIFIC)Warrant Officer Prerequisites and Duty Description
(MOS): 153A - Rotary Wing AviatorDuties: "Accession MOS used to feed into an armed reconnaissance, attack, utility, or cargo helicopter MOS. Operates and commands aircraft under tactical and non-tactical conditions. Operates aircraft during all types of meteorological conditions during the day, night, and under night vision systems. Performs all military aircraft operations (e.g., reconnaissance, security, gunnery, rescue, air assault, mine/flare delivery, internal/external load, and paradrop/rappelling operations). Performs aerial route, zone, and/or area reconnaissance in support of combat maneuver operations. Routinely participates in real time and training operations that include combat, combat support, or combat service support operations. Additionally, performs administrative or liaison missions to transport passengers, mail or cargo for military purposes. Maintains aviator flight requirements in accordance with appropriate aircraft Aircrew Training Manual." Warrant Officer, Army
This Helps me to Respect and to Remember all soldiers of all countries!
Vietnam Veterans of America VVA’s goals are to promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans, to create a new identity for this generation of veterans, and to change public perception of Vietnam veterans.
U.S. Army Warrant Officer MOS Army Warrant Officer Job Overview
2nd Squadron / 17th Cavalry, VietNam Hueys, Becoming an Army Helicopter Pilot
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