What I Did Today

zachogden

10-Year Member
5-Year Member
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May 20, 2007
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Thanks to a rule that allows people with appointments to the Coast Guard Academy rides in Coast Guard aircraft, today I got a 30 minute flight in an HH-65C helicopter from Air Station Detroit! We took off from Burke-Lakefront Airport in Cleveland, headed west and flew over my house and high school at around 500 feet (very cool) and then headed over Lake Erie so I could fly for a little bit. I must admit that keeping the helicopter flying straight and level at even around 110 knots wasn't as easy as I'd thought it would be.

During the flight the real pilot turned to me and said something I thought was interesting... he said that (and I'm paraphrasing here): "If you're flying helicopters in the Navy, it's because you couldn't fly jets. If you're flying helos in the Air Force, it's because you couldn't fly bombers. The Coast Guard is the only service that specializes in helicopters, and a lot of our missions rely on them daily." So keep that in mind, helo-pilot-wannabes like myself.

Anyway, here are some pictures my mom took... I was going to take the camera up but I forgot. I wouldn't have been able to get any good shots from the front seat anyhow. My dad and I headed over to see the Indians game after, so all in all a great day!

Pictures.
 
Leave it to an airdale to say that the Coast Guard specializes in helos...

I would argue that while Coast Guard AVIATION specializes in helos, the COAST GUARD specializes in cutters and boats.


That's a pretty cool day though; one you may have the chance to repeat your 2/c summer.

:thumb:
 
I need to clarify my last post.

In the Coast Guard there are "communities". There is the Cutter community, the Aviation community, and the Sector community. For officers, your operation track will take you down one of these paths. There is some rivalry between communities and jokes, usually light hearted. An airdale might comment on the speed of a cutter, while a cutterman may refer to the sector as "You have to go out for lunch, but you don't have to come back."

Even within communities there are rivalries, fixed wing v. helos, black hulls vs. white hulls...


So when I say "figures and airdale would say that" please do not assume I have anything against the Aviation community. As a 2/c, I really considered trying for a flight school spot, but in the end, that wore off. Currently I'm on a cutter, but it won't be that way forever, and soon I will be on shore for three years.

The rivalries are for the most part, fun and part of the territory.

I'm glad you enjoyed the helo ride, I completely agree it is quite the thrill. :thumb:
 
I believe what he meant was that Coast Guard aviation specializes in helicopters, while Naval aviation for instances specializes in fighters. I understood what he meant in context but I see how that could be misconstrued. Thanks for the heads up
 
Sounds like you had a great ride!


The Coast Guard is the only service that specializes in helicopters, and a lot of our missions rely on them daily."

I guess he forgot about Army - :wink:
 
What rule is this? Is it hard to get a chance to get a flight if you don't have connections?
 
I don't believe it's a "rule" as much as a favor. If you're not in the Coast Guard, or aren't going to be in the Coast Guard, I wouldn't count on a flight. As far as there being a rule for future cadets can have flights, I haven't seen it. The certainly isn't any rule stating that current Coast Guardsmen can have flights when they want them. I would appreciate a morale flight in an HH-65C, but I haven't been up since my 2/c summer.

While people won't take you "that" seriously as a cadet, they will afford you everyone opportunity to see the various Coast Guard communities. That Coast Guard as a whole is very willing to take a cadet and "show them the ropes". You wouldn't be giving that flexability during your entire career, so eat it up as a cadet. That being said, given the Coast Guard's size, there are few Coasties who will not help a fellow Coastie out.
 
Hey how would you do something like that? did you just ask the coast guard airstation close to you or di you have to set up a special appointment? thanks

-matt
 
It will not likely happen, I am sorry to say. A tour of the air station however is much more likely, as is a tour of a small boat station or cutter. :thumb:
 
My D (presently a SWAB in CGA Class of 2012) toured CG Air Station Elizabeth City in June and went on a training flight in a C130. According to Public Affairs @ Elizabeth City, Air Station tours are open to the public but the flights on C130's or H60J Helicopters are reserved for those with the Appointment but are permitted "operations pending." She and her father really enjoyed it though. (though I think Dad was jealous that he didn't get to go up on the flight :)!

Liz had to fill out a public affairs request and give several dates to work with.

Liz's Mom (under Liz's login)
 
To Future plebe. I think zachogden is from Ohio but is no longer in HS. He's at Coast Guard Academy in SwabSummer as part of class of 2012. When he finishes Swab Summer he may be able to answer your question about what HS he went to. - Liz's mom
 
To Future plebe. I think zachogden is from Ohio but is no longer in HS. He's at Coast Guard Academy in SwabSummer as part of class of 2012. When he finishes Swab Summer he may be able to answer your question about what HS he went to. - Liz's mom


Ok, thanks. I just re-read the opening post and I saw it was dated May 15, so that makes sense. Well, I know you didn't go to my H.S., nobody went to an SA this year. Last year I think we had two, one was going to Navy for football and the other to the AFA.
 
futureplebe, I went to Avon HS. It's near Westlake, Bay Village and Avon Lake if you're familiar with west side cleveland.
 
futureplebe, I went to Avon HS. It's near Westlake, Bay Village and Avon Lake if you're familiar with west side cleveland.

Yep, I know where that is. I live in Westlake, but I go to St. Eds.

Congrats on going to CGA.
 
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