Real Frustration and Struggles As Fuel Runs Out

[@hawver]

This commentary is like if Bob Ross flew jets instead of painting, so incredibly soothing despite the stressful situations.

[@festerbestertester1658]

Yeah, I can hear this guy saying there are no mistakes, only happy accidents.

[@brandspro]

😂

[@ClintRogers-jq6te]

Except pail doesn't paint happy clouds ,he blinds the enemy and puts them in a cloud of darkness

[@Defenestrators]

Well, Bob Ross was in the air force as a TI

[@dalepatterson1748]

"We're gonna fly over some happy little clouds, now, while we hook up to the tanker." 🤓

[@gsxrsquid]

"There's a little bit of skill involved here" A master of understatement.

[@NotHalfDepressed]

killed my DCS born ego haha

[@BlueSky_fur]

@@NotHalfDepressedI can’t count how many tankers I fucked up in night ops 🤣

[@Robbie1075]

I had the exact same thought. Like, the movies make aerial refusing look so easy but this was an awesome video to really show what goes into it. Awesome video.

[@James-hb8qu]

"Missile warning. Not a big deal. Just wiggling my fingers and toes. Fire off flares. Not a big deal. Just moving out of the way. Wiggling my fingers and toes..."

[@michaellissow543]

And don't forget to tighten sphincter.

[@mcahill135]

“Wiggle your fingers and toes” (relax). Training in T-38As back in the mid 1980s, we were told this all the time by our instructors. Fingertip formation 3 feet on the wing at 300-400 knots. It worked!

[@fnhatic6694]

@@mcahill135 Is that some irritating Navy nonsense? Why is the Navy so full of cringe nonsense. Cringe ranks, cringe aircraft, cringe cutesy terms for everything, they even still talk about a 'smoking lamp', absolute cringe.

[@skippyskater]

@@fnhatic6694 Its called embracing the culture, these men and women continue a legacy set by many before them, no need to be so disrespectful.

[@paulw7404]

.... signature move, not a big deal....

[@CaptainFantastik1]

As a DCS guy I appreciate talking us through all the technique and mindset.

[@RandallMyers2112]

Couldn't agree more! Great for us DCS flyers to see what its like in the real world.

[@Topper_Harley68]

Most difficult thing to do in dcs, i get hot when trying it. Must be easier irl cause you can feel the movement of the jet. Will get me a motion rig when i can afford one.

[@deekamikaze]

@@Topper_Harley68 I've heard other military pilots say it's harder in DCS because you don't have the actual feel of it and one fighter pilot said that DCS pilots are technically better at tanking because of that reason lol

[@MaxB00M]

@@deekamikaze Meh I don’t know, of course in real life you have more feel for what the jet is doing and spatial vison but on the other hand refueling in dcs is semi scripted so you don’t have to perfectly hit the basket and can engage it with a lot more closing velocity than in real life, it also stands perfectly still and doesn’t wiggle around like seen in the video. I feel like refueling in dcs is relatively easy and I doubt it’s not harder in RL

[@davido1953]

@@MaxB00M I hope to do one refuel before I die of old age.

[@stephengreeley-gt7nc]

The voiceover makes all the difference. Keep up the good work.

[@jyu6813]

YES! Its awesome PAIL!

[@donkeyballs3081]

I concur

[@ChazToz]

CONCUR

[@AlbaAdventures]

100%

[@blakechinn5792]

Yes

[@paulk8121]

Proud Canadian here! Nice to see everyone playing nice together. Listening to the late great Brian Shul aka "Sleddriver", talk about refuelling the SR-71 "at night, in a turn, in turbulence, with lightening in your face - they don't pay you enough! I never concentrated so hard in my life." Hats off to you flyboys - respect.

[@ShootyMcrifleface]

The Canadian Air Force is quite pathetic. America does 99% of the work for you.

[@dortc2309]

Yeah, went to school with Navy , marines and Canadians at RIT

[@uhhhhh..i-like-guns]

sounds canadian to me

[@warren3967]

@@ShootyMcrifleface Unlike your Russian Airforce which is completely smoked.

[@skinnflint]

You are a pathetic waste of skin

[@Paul-td8qs]

I had to smother a chuckle when I heard - When the tankers goes in a turn there's a little bit of skill involved here - There's an astonishing amount of skill involved in everything you and the tanker crew are doing.

[@danuusahani4029]

Why would tanker go in a turn while filling other aircraft tank?

[@mezlay2]

@@danuusahani4029 Because they have a flightplan they need to follow. They can't keep going straight forever. They might end up in enemy airspace if they do.

[@BlyGuy]

I read your comment, the only comment I've read for this video, almost exactly as Pail spoke the words. This happens to me a lot. Strange.

[@ero1456]

The voiceovers bring these videos to next level.

[@theramblingsoflarry9290]

I like the narration

[@Jeggo85]

It looks so smooth and simple, but I know this is probably the most difficult thing these guys do. Big respect

[@timhohmann7545]

Well, other than night traps on the carrier.

[@Jeggo85]

@timhohmann7545 yeah, I guess night time would add many more layers of danger and complexity. The margins must be tiny.

[@OldGlaseye-gf7si]

Not that hard, particularly with the probe in front like that. With the Phantom and Turkey, probe about next to shoulder..much harder but really not hard. -Phormer Phantom and Turkey Phyler

[@PsRohrbaugh]

My grandfather was in 101s and f4s on the USAF side. I'll have to ask him how refueling was on the f4 - I assume they used the boom system typical to the air force.

[@evrydayamerican]

The voice over is awesome. Just wiggling my toes relaxing lol. While flying a 70 million dollar plane connected to another 100 million Dollar plane going 500 miles an hour while connected. Sounds real relaxing. Thank you to all our Great Service members.

[@teeh917]

Lol exactly!

[@waynegriswold8953]

they are only going 275-320 knots

[@ehess8845]

@@waynegriswold8953 Oh, well then, that changes everything...just a Sunday drive! ;)

[@F80MGod]

@@waynegriswold8953 at ground level they’re doing over 500 mph

[@BlueZirnitra]

It's all relative, we and the earth are moving very fast together but not at all relative to each other.

[@Mel-95]

Wiggling my fingers and toes right now. Thanks for taking us along.

[@GrowlerJams]

Don’t do it too much. People look at you funny.

[@JFirn86Q]

I liked that you showed a troublesome case, rather than just a polished perfect refueling. Your narration of your thoughts and actions is great! Thanks for sharing.

[@alandaters8547]

This is the best video on the "nuts and bolts" of aerial refueling I've ever seen. Instead of rushing air and mike breaks over a radio, he gives a detailed description of what is happening. I was hanging onto every word as proiblems cropped up. Thank you to all the service members (including our Canadian friends) who work hard and take risks for our freedom!

[@ryangr100]

Glad our boys are involved. God bless all who serve.

[@Half_A_Wise_Guy]

It's no wonder you're an instructor... you sound like a very patient person

[@highlanderc]

This is because he is relaxed while narrating in his home..

[@CogentConsult]

Since I was a young child I wanted to be a fighter pilot. Teenager, tried to sign up for Air Force; wouldn’t take me due to medical. So I flew computer simulators and fighter pilot planes digitally. Then my wife bought me 1 hour in the front seat of a Texas T-6 Trainer. I knew all the controls and flight instruments, so 2 seconds after I lifted the landing gear, I controlled that plane for the next hour. The pilot behind me landed the plane, though. That was the best 1 hour of flying of my entire life! I got a tiny taste of what it was like to fly WWII era planes. Thank you for your service, sir!

[@richardvanneil2570]

Dude again you rock. Play by play voice over is the best. Totally shows how intelligent one must be. Calmness rules.

[@davemoore6690]

I always imagined airborne refueling was intricate and challenging, but I actually had no idea. What an incredible bit of flying you have to do every time! I'm immensely impressed and very proud of you and all our warriors. Thanks for your obvious professional commitment.

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@davidjoseph8865]

My father was an F4 Phantom pilot in Veitnam. He almost never talks about it. But when he does open up it's so cool to hear how intense it was to take off and land on carriers. Your channel allows us to see that. Thanks!

[@scottfrancis3497]

Did this in a Tomcat in the Med. The difference is it was off an A-6, at night, in a thunderstorm filled sky. We saw a fuel level of 200lbs before we made a successful plug and transfer. No lie! My pilot was a nugget. The voice over is great idea. Well done.

[@andrewjhollins]

[

[@stijnvandamme76]

@@andrewjhollins yes

[@dextermorgan1]

​@@stijnvandamme76agreed

[@joshf-o6696]

At least over the Med you're surrounded by allies for the most part. Not the case over Iraq unfortunately.

[@everettbruckerhoff6029]

jesus knowing how much fuel a tomcat can hold... 200lbs is the fumes of fumes.

[@Psych3Zenobia]

This brought me straight back to ISAF. I had almost forgotten how frustrating it can be. 😂 Buddy of mine took forever once, and the A-10 guy waiting was like: “Are you guys on an ACTUAL mission?” Too good… Thanks for the vid, Pail. Made my day.

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@nameismetatoo4591]

This definitely seems like one of those tasks that never gets easy no matter how many times you've done it. All you can do is be patient.

[@blakewilloughby9391]

Finally!!! A pilot with voice over explaining exactly what's going on!!!! Damn cool!!

[@slickfast]

Your voice overs are just incredible. As an aeronautical engineer who peered unsuccessfully down the naval aviator road and had to let that pass me by, you're telling the story that really lets people like me live the life you really lived... the one I could have lived. So. Freakin. Cool. Thank you, and thank you for your service!

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@tannguyen95]

That's one beautiful picture of two jets getting fuel from a flying gas station. Thank your service.

[@Rob0319]

As many of the comments say, the voice over takes your videos to the next level, Thanks for putting in the time to do this! I am the son of a deceased Naval aviator and these videos bring back memories of his flying stories. Much appreciated.

[@GrowlerJams]

Thank you for your sacrifice. God bless.

[@airspeed_alive]

As a DCS player, my palms sweat and my stress levels rise! Incredible how you guys do this day to day!

[@Hottiger1818]

Absolutely amazing,..movies always makes that look simple...but the turbulence, movement of tanker, speeds, pilot skills is incredible.... Fantastic job.

[@squigmcguigan8965]

I was sat on the edge of my chair just willing it to connect. It always amazes me, the amount of precise control you have at that speed & hight.

[@55Reever]

It's amazing how precise the throttle response is on the EA-18. Great video. The narration is fantastic.

[@GrowlerJams]

Thanks!

[@stevedrane2364]

Wow . . That was brilliant. . And so clam after 4 hours flying. . Thank you. 👍

[@dannylaw7367]

What a intelligent, calm and brave pilot, doing what only a handful of people in the world can do. Thank goodness for people like you trying to keep us all safe. Much respect from an Army vet myself.

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@JonDunnmusician]

A unique opportunity to observe such a professional doing what he does best Thank you

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@reallifeengineer7214]

“I’m hungry. I’m tired. I’m tactically dehydrated. And I am suppose to get gas and fly two more hours…” 🤔🤔🤔

[@gazzpazzer]

I'm just a lowly private pilot, but this is fascinating. Mad respect for the precision and professionalism. And also, dude, you could be a meditation coach. I can imagine you're one hell of a good instructor.

[@MTB_FANATIC99]

With technology going the way it is cessna's be refueling in air soon 😂😂😂😂😂😂be safe flying ❤

[@markbonney2511]

Digging the narration, Pail! It was actually pretty suspenseful to watch. I also like how you didn't shorten the actual tanking portion. It gives a feel for how long you have to hold in formation and keep the drogue in the right place. Especially being tired and hungry.....and you still have to trap when it's all done! Much respect!

[@GrowlerJams]

Thanks, Mark.

[@tracytrawick322]

It all amazed me, Pail, aka artist formerly known as Monet, paints us a masterpiece of a probe connection troubleshooting process. Calm & collected well trained USN pilots. No paint required. Monet would be jealous. Great video, so immersive and entertaining. Thanks for doing your job, doing it really well, and sharing with us!

[@helensmith7357]

Thanks so much for all your clear comments on your technique and why you do things a specific way. Of course, having you up there keeps our country safer and we are grateful. Thank you for all you do.

[@seventhsealhere]

These are the kind of videos that make your channel unique! Fantastic commentary and it makes all the difference to hear what you are thinking. Proud subscriber. Thank you for your service! 🇺🇲

[@catherine59226]

The voiceover makes the experience very enjoyable. Thank you for all you do for us.

[@twihardsuperfan321]

Spent 4 years as a boom on KC135's in the 70's. Always fun to watch the professionalism our Airmen display. Thanks for the video!

[@TheStowAway594]

A2A refueling is just crazy. It's so hard to not tense up, or start oscillating, and I have to keep reminding myself to breathe, and that's just in a sim. Incredible airmanship and patience. Also it seems like tankers always pick the absolute hardest way to tank, in a turn, in clouds, in turbulence, facing the sun etc, it's like their trying to give pilots an aneurysm lol. Anyway amazing video thank you for sharing!

[@bobr8766]

You have done something with your vids that have all of us so engrossed listening to every word of your voiceovers…so detailed with the visuals, you do an amazing job…thanks!😊

[@DragonFireEngneering]

I help design, build, install and test wing aerial refueling pods. I have been on many flight tests for both boom and hose and drogue systems. I am constantly amazed at the skill of the receiver pilots. Thank you for all that you do.

[@daffidavit]

My blood pressure went up about 20 points feeling your frustration.

[@warwickkinscher5986]

One of the most suspenseful videos I have watched in quite a while; I’m that guy sitting on your shoulder holding my breath for you! Fabulous! Your voiceovers are absolutely terrific - slow and measured, yet with all the suspense the situation called for, and fully informative at the same time! I salute you, sir, - and thanks once again. Keep them coming.

[@TeddyLindsell]

As a civilian observer with zero aviation knowledge, I found this fascinating, and the tech and skills needed to do this are something else..I salute you guys

[@teeh917]

There have been several videos that I've caught myself holding my breath or fidgeting because I'm nervous for you, but so far, and mainly because of the VO, this video had me really holding my breath and rooting for you out loud. 😆 Mad respect, Pail, at 10 minutes, I would of been looking for a parking lot. Fly Navy 💫

[@pollylewis9611]

Thank you Pail for taking the time and all of your hard work making these videos and now the voice overs they are very educational and awesome!

[@fsj197811]

Cool video. I'm a little surprised you have such fine throttle control considering how fast those aircraft go. Thanks for sharing.

[@StratoArt]

Excellent vocal walkthrough on this refueling procedure, that felt frustrating and tense at first, though I'm sure I have no idea what that's like. As a former USAF flying KC-135 crew chief who's watched countless of refuelings from the Stratotanker boom pod, I definitely salute you pilots for such hard work!

[@13ECHO20]

One thing I noticed is the patience one must have. Thank you for sharing your life in the cockpit with us.

[@GrowlerJams]

Thanks for watching!

[@JackRuff]

Thanks for the share. I’m a snake-eater, but my brother is an F-16 guy (0-6 Col). My plan was to get my commission & done the same, but I was hit with two IEDs & shot twice directly under your aircraft in this video. (Years before). Love to learn! Hope Media Relations doesn’t haze you for this.

[@juditrotter5176]

Wow. What is a snake eater? My husband was a Green shirt at Yankee on the USN Ranger ‘67/68 but he didn’t know this either.

[@PfizerRN_NavyReserveCaptain]

Keep going with the voiceovers on all your videos. They make it easy for people who ARE NOT F/A-18 drivers, but aviation buffs, to understand what’s going on. Fly safe, Navy

[@StephenRada-q6g]

It's amazing to listen & watch you fly effortlessly... Thank you for your service 💯💪🇺🇲

[@southjerseymountain]

Pail, Again, I am in the rear and holding my breath, leaning left, then right with ever little correction you make. Thank you for the videos and your years of service for our Country. Fly NAVY!

[@GrowlerJams]

Fly Navy

[@alanbare8319]

Great narration of the aerial ballet that is air-to-air re-fueling--Navy style! Thank you for providing insight to this evolution.

[@skipstraut9719]

I love the way you precisely explain everything. Thank you for protecting us!

[@jonr6680]

Voiceover dude exudes the pilot mindset, thinking, planning, deciding, patience and focus. All the while flying the aircraft... Knowing the risks and staying cool regardless. On top of the years of practical training and learning deep technical knowledge... For flightsim pilots with pause mode, snacks and restroom within reach it's impressive. For all other regular folks, it's superhuman.

[@Trucktiger2468]

As a former Navy rotor head (SH-2F, ‘87-91), I never had to worry about mid-flight refueling. You make the evolution interesting and exciting. Pleasant voice. As I read of another viewer: you are the Bob Ross of EA-18G community.

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers.

[@wayward57]

Hey, what you pilots do is freaking AMAZING! I was good enough to be a crew chief, but to be a pilot is just mindblowing. Not to mention what happens during battle! Thanks for ALL you've done.

[@robertnixon3816]

The voice overs make an already interesting video over the top good! Just listening to you tells me that you're a very good instructor! Thank you for what you do.

[@karinnovak5145]

Thanks Pail for letting us fly with you again👏.What a super interesting insight into your daily work! The voiceovers are a great opportunity for us to learn more technical details and so to really unterstand what's going on😉 . So we can gain some insight into what is required to make all these difficult manouvers work. And I can imagine that -although appearing calm on the outside-you surely must have uttered quite a few curses back then😁. Looking forward to your next voiceovers👍!

[@calwolfe3094]

What talent and courage. We are so lucky to have guys/girls like this.

[@tacoenvy]

These have been some of the best voice over aircraft commentary videos I've watched on youtube. Thank you again Pail for making these, they are fantastic!

[@wolfe1970]

I honestly didn't realize how long you have to stay connected, that was intense just watching you

[@simonclarke2276]

Understated, professional, cool under pressure. Clearly explained with such a calm voice. Fascinating video. Thank you for your service sir, both for keeping us safe and for educating us!

[@prof3273]

Extraordinary to be able to watch this, 99.99% of folks would never be able to watch a vid like this if it weren't for guy's like you! I commend you on the excellent commentary!! Many thanks!!

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@nokoman85]

Pail, you hit a home run on this video. I've never had an opportunity for such a detailed explanation on airborne tanking. Lol, great place to put the AOA vane. Your jet holds more fuel than the regional jet I maintain. Twenty thousand pounds must be a lot of play time. Thanks again, keep them coming, Fly Navy!

[@mcspikes1]

Thank you for the behind the scenes look at the operation of refueling - something that none of us will ever get the chance to experience.

[@shellysmith1037]

In the Med, my Branch officer, a B/N in an A-6 heard a loud thud and the starboard flap(s) and spoiler exited the AC. On backup hydraulics and sent to the tanker because they are now last in line to land. And yep, the same turbulence. Pilot was our exec and he was concentrating on the basket hard....looked over and the B/N had eveything stowed away and his seat all the way down and aft..... they made the refuel, made the landing and made Naval Aviation news, Grampaw Pettibone ? iirc He said ' the way that basket was moving I thought I we were going for a swim '

[@charlesd6459]

Excellent job! It’s incredible the amount of technical skill involved along with a high level of mental acuity. You know your stuff technically and you’re able to control your mindset and emotions. Well done, very impressive.

[@danskehans]

Thank you for refraining from using stupid background music. It makes your videos really a joy to watch.

[@alasdairmunro1953]

It looks difficult, though it must be really difficult in the dark. Thanks for sharing the video with us. The voiceover sure makes a difference!👍🏼

[@altobe]

These VoiceOver vids are the best ever! Please please do more of them. So awesome to hear explanations of naval aviation things as we watch them. Thank you for what you've done/do.

[@peepers46]

As a ground pounder, seeing how these air ops work is more than amazing. I love watching the carrier operations too. Thanks Growler!

[@MakeWhatever]

Love love love the voiceovers. So interesting to have the commentary. Thanks for taking the time to do these!

[@R1door]

Awesome stuff dude... You're now the Bob Ross of the naval aviation community!

[@mdu2112]

Just missing the 🐿️ on his shoulder.

[@alanhirayama4592]

Incredible airmanship! Thank you for sharing!

[@AdrienGirod]

Those voice-over videos are truly great, thanks for the time you spend on them.

[@jockeyjack3367]

I love the voiceovers I hope to see more of them in the future ❤️🇺🇸💙

[@memmu2901]

I fall asleep so easily with your jam. Just close my eyes and listen to your narrating. I sleep in tight and peacefully. Thank you. 🤍🤍🤍 🍻

[@ikempson]

That was utterly gripping! Concise commentary which really helped give a clear picture of the need to stay calm, avoid frustration, don't be impulsive, des[ite flying for 4 hours, being hungry, and tactically dehydrated. I take my hat off to you sir, for your skill, dedication, focus, and sharing it with the general public.

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@Slingshotgixxer]

I found myself tensing up and physically leaning left and right while you were trying to contact the drogue , the whole while thinking about you running out of time , absolutley fascinating!

[@gtlizzard]

Fantastic bit of flying and narration is first rate. Thanks for the fascinating content on the channel and for serving our country. Fly Navy!

[@jg-kd5hy]

fellow earth worm! Electronic warfare doesn't get the parades as a hard weapon. The work of trons against trons needs to have some recognition. Hard to do that without giving up secrets. Fist pump to you sir! J

[@user-wc7em8kf9d]

Amazing channel! Thanks for sharing.

[@JDZiemba1773]

Great video.....and of course...thank you for your service ❤️🇺🇲

[@davidwheatcroft2797]

Nice flying! Wish I could fly with you guys. Flew formation, aerobatics etc with the RAFVR at University. Fun times. CAVU skies to all aviators!

[@EvoraGT430]

Not convinced by his technique, honestly. Using rudder is seriously inviting damaging the drogue (spokes).

[@kenclark9888]

As a former 135 boom operator always liked A/R with the 18s. Thanks for a great explanation always wanted to know what you guys had to do

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@jcheck6]

Hey Ken what about us USAF F-4 & A-37 drivers? Done both receptical (F-4) and probe & drogue (A-37) off of KC-97, -135, -10's. Seems the drogue is smoother with a boom vs what is shown in this vid.

[@macatac8935]

Cool video as always. Thanks for taking the time to put these videos together and on KZbin. MSgt. Ret. USAF!

[@edfederoff2679]

Thanks for the time aboard, Pail - honor and privilege!

[@memmu2901]

I love your calm voice!! 💕 I fell asleep under a minute to "take a short nap" and slept over four hours. 😅 I guess I needed that. Thank you! 💜 It's been a hard week. One of the hardest in my life.Thank you for making my days. Or I rather say Thank you for making my week. 💜💜💜 Been a great help, I really appreciate you. 💜

[@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241]

God bless you and the men and women of the military. I had the honor to serve in the United States Army.

[@stevequan1135]

Thank you for your service. 🤙

[@n176ldesperanza7]

Such a great channel. I can't believe the stamina, both physical and mental, needed to operate that machine in that environment for six plus hours without a break and then land on a carrier. Hell, most can't even drive a car safely for that long without a break. As a private pilot flying single engine IFR regularly, I am in awe. Three hours and I need out of that thing for a physical and mental health break. Thank you for your service, and may God bless you and keep you safe.

[@Francesc2000]

It's quite incredible that you guys can do this, at all, much less while the tanker is turning...

[@telecomex]

Anyone else besides me shout "Got It" at 8:46? Geeeez. I'm sweating bullets! And I thought I had it tough trying to leave the Safeway parking lot. Thanks again Mr. Growler. Always a pleasure flying with you. ss Vancouver

[@waynesworld7804]

What a ride, thanks for taking us along. Kudos to you.

[@James-b3f9t]

This was unbelievable. I’m a little nervous about flying, but you made it feel that I was in capable hands. I thank you so much. Hats off to you my friend.

[@njjeff201]

I’m a First Responder but what you do is more dangerous Sir. Keep up the good work & be safe! Love my Vets 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@trevorduncan9580]

This stuff is SO COOL. I recently started a new job supporting our military men and women. Won't go into detail but what I will say is I really appreciate these video's allowing me to learn more about those my team and I will serve. I can also tell you the team LOVES getting to watch these and learning about all the cool stuff ya'll do. Thank you so much for your service and for sharing these incredible video's with us!