Interview with a Navy Fighter Pilot - How Gonky Became a Naval Aviator (Part One)

[@marktierney2986]

Great to see and here from two guys who have flown the F/A18. In Australia currently fly the F/A18

[@valenrn8657]

Aussies has F/A-18A with upgrades , F/A-18F Block 2 and F-35A Block 3F.

[@themichaelpieri]

Hi Mark, are you saying you are currently flying the F/A 18 or just speaking for Australia in general? I am from Australia and about to apply to the Air Force to become a Fighter Pilot, it would be amazing to chat with someone who is living it.

[@valenrn8657]

@@themichaelpieri Head to F-16.net's forum for active USAF/USN pilots.

[@themichaelpieri]

@@valenrn8657 Awsome thanks mate!

[@themichaelpieri]

@@valenrn8657 No Aussies there though?

[@TheStowAway594]

Thank you for doing this and showing kids they have a chance. It's so easy to get discouraged and move on, and I think it really helps when they realize everyone has problems i.e. medical/grades or whatever. Make them tell you no, and keep making them, sooner or later they'll say yes.

[@yokaiplayer2735]

can you have someone from UMSC talk about how thy became a fighter pilot

[@CWLemoine]

I know a few former Marines. I'll see what I can do!

[@yokaiplayer2735]

Thank you I have been wanting to fly scene I was 5 years old and now i'm in 10th grade and trying to get a head start in deciding what I want to do.

[@pre8ch]

Yokai Player it’s USMC

[@pre8ch]

Yokai Player You can do Civil Air Patrol and ROTC in college and a high school

[@elitewarrior0076]

Basically you'll have to go through Marine Corps OCS in Quantico, and then you'll go to the Basic School also in Quantico after you commission as a 2LT and then you'll attend Naval Flight School in Pensacola. You'll get the same gold Aviator wings as a regular Navy pilot, except you'll obviously be a Marine Corps Officer and you'll fly what aircraft the Marine Corps has (F-18s, MV-22s, Cobras, etc).

[@terrencejohnson85]

While I was in Air Force pilot training, two instructor pilots decided to TP a local chicken ranch. Unbeknown to them, a state senator was visiting, and when they landed, it was their last flight in the Air Force.

[@Jdogflan35]

@@12345fowlertoilet paper you uncultured swine

[@lancet.346]

It was cool to see Gonky in a Folds of Honor shirt. Great organization.

[@CWLemoine]

I agree! I am hoping to get "Major Dan" Rooney on the channel soon.

[@CWLemoine]

@@pegg696 That is awesome!

[@daves7277]

Great video and info...... My son is a Marine Corp LT currently in Kingsville, Texas in advanced jet training. He is approximately half-way thru the program there flying the T45. As a non-military (or pilot) background dad......I really enjoy hearing and learning about some of the things my son is going thru from other points of view and experience.

[@CWLemoine]

Best of luck to your son. I hope he's enjoying training.

[@daves7277]

He does love it! How proud can a dad get to say his boy is a fighter pilot? Does it get any better? Not sure it does.....Thanks to all who serve and protect us common folk.

[@daves7277]

My son is in VT22, so they may know each other, but being in different squads and also Navy vs Marines, I bet not. Anyway, best wishes to him, and my thanks for all he does.

[@michaelfarey9536]

I had the wonderful honor of serving enlisted at Lemoore (back then VA-97). You always had beautiful Hanford when you could see through the fog

[@Doug_Narby]

Rewatching this now that the podcasts are going up. Story around 12:00 is thrilling and chilling 😂

[@gabrielvazquez1691]

Thank you for doing this video. I'm currently in my junior year of college and I'm heading to OCS this summer for the Marine Corps. Hearing both your stories in the channel has truly shown me that I can, I just need to stay in the game and never surrender. I'm grateful to you guys for sharing your perspectives.

[@terryrutherford2114]

WTF gave he thumbs down? Great video. I'm way to old to be a military aviator, but I love theses videos. Thank you.

[@South.Florida.Aviation]

The straight d student, gives me confidence I got A’s and B’s so hopefully I’ve got a chance

[@alanwelch5623]

Wow.. small world! Here I was enjoying Mover’s videos and all of a sudden... here’s a familiar face staring back at me. Gonky... of course I knew him as a new grad from UND and instructing in Ohio. Last time we chatted was right before he left for Malaysia.

[@donc9751]

I really enjoy hearing how you guys got into fighters and all the stories associated with them! Enjoyed hearing Gonky's story and am looking forward to more!

[@redcauthen771]

23 yrs as a Grape, with about a year with VF-142 F4-J’s this is interesting to listen too 😂😂 I could tell ya some flight deck stories about CQ Scooters A-4’s 😂😂😂😂

[@D00kerT]

Great story. Follows my path almost exactly until I realized there was no way I was going to get through my flight physical, in the military, with color blindness. The FAA has a waiver if you can demonstrate that you can see all of the color necessary, but the military does not.

[@unclejack123]

Really enjoyed this series......as a military son (my Dad was a 30 yr. Marine) I was scheduled to go to the AF Academy in 1962 but flunked the final flight physical (eyes - correction and color) .......... was (also) a poor student & would have had to go to the prep school anyway ......Long Story Short ....... ended up in the Marines as a Safety & Survival Mechanic ..... we did Ejection - Canopy - Oxygen - Pressurization (everything but Chutes and survival gear) ..... Since I had my Ejection seat card I used to get rides with our instructors occasionally .......2 hopes in TF9J Cougars - 3 hopes in TA4F Skyhawks and - 1 hop in a visiting Army OV-1 Mohawk ........... to this day I can remember every second of every flight as if it was yesterday .................. had 9 hrs. of civil log book hours (then life got in the way) ............. ;-p

[@dedexyz8475]

Per usual, great content/perspective.....the INSIDE story, from those that DID it. I wish stuff like this had been around when I was a teenager....

[@billbargar2284]

Fantastic VLOG Mover this really takes you into the mind and development of a military pilot.

[@CWLemoine]

Glad you enjoyed it! Stay tuned for part two! Gonky's had a very diverse and unique experience.

[@shaunroberts9361]

First of all thank you for your service in the military I am really really enjoying your B logs they're awesome keep up the good work

[@FalconLX-nf9uz]

Thanks so much for this channel. This is fun for me as my nephew is currently going through Navy flight school in Corpus Christi. Years ago I went through Army Warrant Officer helicopter training at Ft. Rucker. Interesting to see the differences and similarities. I fly corporate fixed wing now and enjoy debriefing each of my nephew’s flights with him. They push you hard but what a honor to get the opportunity. I told him when he gets F-18’s I get a ride even if it gets him kicked out! :). I will be purchasing your first book soon. Thanks to both of you for your service and I look forward to all your videos.

[@CWLemoine]

Thank you for your service. Good luck to your nephew! This is the best time in his flying career!

[@FalconLX-nf9uz]

He knows it! He wants the electronic warfare F-18 but so many things have to fall in place. He knows he will love whatever he gets though. My stick buddy at Ft. Rucker and best friend was a San Jose police officer also. He was killed in a police helicopter crash in 1999. It’s amazing how many people I have met that have combined these two professions. Stay safe and keep inspiring our next generation! You have a big fan here.

[@CWLemoine]

The Growler is okay, but hopefully he gets the Super Hornet instead. Much better aircraft performance-wise. Sorry for the loss of your friend. We lost one of our helo pilots recently in a light-twin crash (bug spraying - his full time job).

[@joeshovel2]

Awesome video, love the conversation between the two of you is great!!! It's very really & candid...Thank you to both of you!! Two thumbs up!!

[@goodtalker]

I live across the street from NAF El Centro where Gonky trained. I remember seeing him in town. Very cool guy, polite and friendly...just like he is in this vid.

[@piper56m35]

I'm on the same route as Gonky to become a naval aviator: OCS after college

[@TrollerzTV]

How’s it going??

[@brianruss113]

Excellent video - thanks for your service Mover and Gonky! You have so much great information to help those who want to be fighter pilots and how to navigate the process! Long story short - I wanted to fly but my grades were not the best so I was told a no go (back in 1982) so I went the next best thing - Navy Nuke flying subs! Now full circle I am working as civil service at a depot repair facility for the USAF fixing F15/16 avionics. Great job guys!

[@dougcoombes8497]

So glad KZbin recommended this channel, I'm really enjoying the content.

[@snipinmonsta]

This guy reminds me of me so much and gives me sooooo much hope thank you

[@acs1789]

He has an interesting and impressive background being that he was an accomplished civilian pilot (CFI, CFII, etc.) before becoming a fighter pilot.

[@herbh9348]

Thanks for Sharing guys, if I would of known the info you gentleman shared I could of given myself alot more hope to get a pilot slot and definitely would of completed my pilots license to enhance my chances, hopefully the young men out there are going to utilize your helpful information to persue their dreams...so for those teenagers watching, get as many flight hours as you can, it definitely helps.

[@alrauch1711]

hi. im aspiring to be a pilot in the Us navy. im on the path to take the NROTC route and i just wanted to clarify something you said. does it help to get flight hours before you even go into the navy? just at like your local civilian airport? i am a senior right now and i want to do everything i can to help my chances to get in the cockpit. thanks for your help

[@The-Baldawg]

I won't fly sims outside of VR anymore. Now the Tomcat is on it's way so usher in the Top Gun nastalgia!

[@samueltomlin8418]

Glad you guys had such wonderful planes to fly...I had the T-37, T-33, F-101B and a year in Laos in a 0-1E. THE VOODOO WAS FAST....IT WOULD TAKE AN HOUR TO MENTION ALL OF THE PROBLEMS! Loved the interviews! Thanks!

[@connorlorio5280]

Lemoine, would love to talk to gonky about how he handled the childhood asthma issue. Its been my dream to be a naval aviator but denied for asthma.

[@tommy35ss]

Look forward to part 2!

[@johnbrown6821]

Gonky and Mover seem like suchlaid back chill dudes for having a supersonic career.

[@steviespaind4307]

Thank you for taking the time to do this. I LOVED it. Thanks to both of you.

[@E9clyde9]

My experience with flight hours is as a crew member, EC-135 flight scheduler and Operations Management - Flight Records and approaches and landings are more important than total hours. I was stationed at Dobbins AFB in Air Weather Service and the astronauts would fly up to Lockheed and of course come through the weather station for briefings. Two that stick in my mind are Gus Grissom and Gordon Cooper with very different personalities. To me, Gus was a person if you met him for five minutes you felt like you knew him for life. Gordon was polite, friendly and rather reserved.

[@snipinmonsta]

Haha I’m a crew chief for 22s and a pilots mask wasn’t working and we had to have aircrew flight equipment come out and gave him a brand new mask and fixed it on the spot

[@CWLemoine]

That's what I was expecting. That's not what I got. hahahaha

[@SternLX]

Nice to know USAF crew are still spoiled. I was AMMO/EOD (12 years), getting new equipment or parts was always easy.

[@mikethefz07guy79]

Thanks for your service guys. Love the shop stories.

[@JD-xh3ex]

Great interview.

[@KutWrite]

Great guest. Is it just me, or is Gonky's left bicep much larger than his right?

[@Glee73]

distortion from the wideangle lens.. if you look at 'mover', his right bicep is also way larger

[@JimmyD_C172]

May be they are avid bowlers... ;)

[@slowpoke96Z28]

Lens and depth of field.

[@jakobsiefert9429]

Looks like Quagmire after he discovered internet porn xD

[@bgiizy]

Rights bigger

[@collinnewberry]

NAS Lemoore 2002-2006, CVN-72 04-05 and 06 Deployments, UND grad 2009. Probably saw you at Lemoore once or twice.

[@bobshaw4063]

Gonky do you know Swayne Martin ? He went to the same Aviation College as you did . He started flying for Mokulele Airlines in Hawaii after he graduated . He now is Flying Regional Jet for Envoy Air American Eagle owned by American Airlines out of New York . I enjoyed this vlog . Loved your humor during the whole vlog . You both are funny guys .

[@mikelucas2309]

Great commentary and a real eye opener. Here in good old NZ, we still fly canvas and wire - nothings changed lol. Although we are suppose to be getting P-8's to replace the P-3's. Thank god for the War Birds Association here as they are the only organisation in this country to operate fly-able ex fighter jets!

[@tonywatkins6139]

I hate hearing that there’s only 2 current Master Jet Bases. Used to be NAS Oceana and NAS Cecil Field for the east coast and NAS Lemoore and NAS Miramar out west. Go way back and it even included NAS Sanford, Florida too. Used to be a great base, gone of Vigilante squadrons. Anyways, ignore my old man grumbling. Great video guys and thank you Gonky for sharing your personal story. It’s entertaining for old time Navy guys like me, but can truly inspire the next generation of Navy and Marine Corps (and even Coasties) aviators and that’s what we really need. BZ fellas.

[@Emiliano88888]

Is a 3.3 still high enough to give me a chance of being accepted to OCS?

[@toriming9518]

Looking at the AFROTC web site saying you cant have asthma or alergies from age 12 ... put me down i had asthma and i thpught i would never have a chance to be a fight pilot ... you showned me that you can do anything no matter what thanks gonky

[@BR-il9vl]

Great stuff.... but was a air traffic controller on Ike (CVN69) in the 80 and we were doing CQ of the coast the nuggets (new pilots) would come out and get their quals , you new it was there first time seeing a carrier because when they checked in with us there voices sounded as if they took a hit from a helium balloon they were so nervous....but I admire those guys a lot.....great time in the Navy!

[@blech71]

Oooh Lemoore... maybe he came down in our neighborhood and hit up Star Wars Canyon once in awhile :)

[@N34RT]

That T-45 formation clip about 10:45 looked like Meridian NAS (born and raised in the Jackson, MS area, I've seen it many many times in the last 50 years)

[@AtlantaToomeys]

Great interview. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@bigearsandnoddy1]

Hiya c.w. & gonky great intro top film & thank you for your service from London Enland.👏👏👏👍👌💪👊✌

[@rodneywhitfield5754]

Funny stuff, I went to. Spartan School of Narcotics , in Tulsa and majored in mechanical instruments, at the time just before all glass, we were told there’s always going to be mechanical instruments as backups….. then there was there was all glass laser gyros instead of mech. gyros…. So worked at a company where we made the ARN-89 df.. old school direction finders used mainly in rotor winged birds.

[@Bender2497]

Ha, we were just out doing a safety assessment last week at 146....

[@somebody5206]

I’m in between trying to become a f22 for the fun and a10 from my heart of helping troops

[@CWLemoine]

Don't worry about the aircraft. Focus on getting a pilot slot and making the grades to become a fighter pilot. If you're active duty, it's possible that neither aircraft will be available when you get your drop.

[@Aardvark49]

It'd be interesting to hear how fighter pilots get their callsigns - both AF and Navy style. Please cover in Part Two. Thanks.

[@CWLemoine]

Part two has already been filmed, but perhaps a later video. Good idea!

[@Aardvark49]

I was an Aardvark driver 1974-80, so there wasn't much of that then. I'm thinking you get a callsign either for an Attaboy event or an Aw Sh*t one. BTW I was AA 1988-2008, retired off the B737. Career was over way too soon. Good luck with yours.

[@jcheck6]

Vic we retired in the same year....'08 cept was NWA/DAL. Was previous F-4 driver.

[@jcheck6]

Also Vic, amazing how the airline pay has doubled since we retired. These young kids don't know how good they have it.

[@joeg5414]

I was at Cannon AFB back when it when they had F-16s. Definitely a less desirable base. Looking back, I kinda miss the place.

[@luislongoria6621]

I guess Gonky isn't a writer like CW. The Blue Angels were in town and I wanted to hear an aviation podcast. What I didn't want to hear about was cruising around in a Cadillac on autopilot scrolling through menus with the thumb wheel. So much for Top Gun 😭

[@qflight9851]

Great guest and great interview! Looking forward to part 2. I really liked how you guys talked about how easy the hornet was to fly - I'd love to hear comparisons between the hornet and viper, and maybe an interview with someone that flew both the hornet and tomcat and compare those as well. Love the channel, keep it up!

[@qflight9851]

Just found part 2! Didn't realize this was an older post.

[@franesmolic]

Great video, make more with Gonky

[@gedmiller]

The Marines can still guarantee a flight contract before OCS if you pass the ASTB-E and get selected.

[@tommy35ss]

As others have said as well, I definitely love this stuff. Thank you to both of y'all for sharing this, it was really cool hearing Gonky's story. I especially liked the comparison to commercial flying, I knew it was a lot different, but never heard a good explanation. Seems it boils down to the high level of knowledge they want you to have, the high level of proficiency in application of procedures, the high correlation of the two together, and then most of all the fact y'all are employing weapons systems, and all the extra complexities that come along with that, as was mentioned. In commercial flying they give a basic knowledge of the aircraft, but don't dive deep into many aspects of flying or systems, and only take it to a 'working knowledge' of aircraft operation. At least below the type rating level. I can't imagine that happening in the military whatsoever.

[@cessnaflyer172]

This dude's story is literally the same as mine. Guess I can do it!

[@kentanch2601]

Hey, is that Wombat at 14:32 ?

[@King1018-t9w]

Greetings from enid,OK been here 28 years. My uncle did flight training in enid as a navy guy

[@ytdlder]

Absolutely awesome stuff here! ty both!

[@tonymontanam2110]

Awesome insight!

[@aviator_bryan]

Cool video! It's interesting to hear how your path unfolded. I was an enlisted Marine GCI guy (MACS-7 out of Yuma 93-97) but signed up to try and get a flight slot. Mostly bad timing I think. Hindsight is always 20/20 as they say lol. I ended up getting out after 4 years of active duty and finished my degree and all my ratings, became a CFII-MEI at Ohio State, yadda yadda. I've spent the last decade in Gulfstreams, most recently flying a new G7 (G500). I'll always be a fan of fighters tho, but DCS is as close as I'll get LOL. Side note, you talk about data subsets in the Hornet, is that like a DCN? In the Gulfstream we use a Data Concentration Network, which I was told was a concept borrowed from the F-22. I tell ya, I came up on steam gauges, but now EVERYTHING is glass LOL.

[@tonykg76]

I thought it was forbidden to former pilots commenting all those details... Nice to learn. I'm not north American, nevertheless would like thank you both for your service.

[@CWLemoine]

What details? Nothing classified or sensitive in any of these videos.

[@tonykg76]

@@CWLemoine Excuse me. Sorry. Didn't mean classified info or be disrespectful. Just had an idea that couldn't or shouldn't be allowed to share any info... my mistake. Probably wouldn't even recognize if there was any... LOL

[@lukestanley4984]

I’m enlisting for the Navy as an avionics electrician, I leave for bootcamp in a month. I’m currently 26 years old without a college education. Im interested in flying fighter jets in the future but if I use my benefits from the Navy to get an education and then go on to become an officer I believe I will be too old to become an aviator. I am really hoping that they will allow a waiver in certain circumstances and I also read somewhere that the maximum age has been increased to 32. I’m going to do the best I can and not give up fingers crossed.

[@davman115]

In the UK they won't even let you join the RAF police if you have a slight lazy eye. However prince William got to fly fast jets even though he wore spectacles. One rule ror the rich and powerful and another for the working man here in the UK.

[@The-Baldawg]

If you guys are missing Ball Flying, you should check out DCS World and F/A-18C. Closest thing to bringing it to the boat right from your living room.

[@aggieforester05]

Even better with the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive. I'm a long time flight simmer, and this is the most immersive sim I've seen yet.

[@av8tore71]

When I first entered the military I was an air defense so I spent a lot of time at Fort Irwin ( NTC or National Training Center ) for Desert training and stuff like that have you ever been out to Fort Irwin??

[@CWLemoine]

I have not.

[@sanxim]

Not that anyone will read this, but, a one point I was a Marine 1 star (now 4). I had flow for nasa about 200 times. So I first landed on flattop with all that behind. Landed on the deck, at night in the rain with a Cessna 172 @night - in the rain, out of fuel. I’m a 1 star what are they going to do. I landed in less the 100’ . Which made me qualified to command the boat [sic] if there was an opening. This thing between the marines and navy must stop. It should stop between all the services

[@ericavery3244]

Awesome video series. I truly appreciate the work going into these. I'm in the process of rushing a couple AF Reserve units, but have medical skeletons in my closet like most. Well, just hearing. Would Gonky or anyone with experience be able to elaborate more on getting medical waivers through?

[@CWLemoine]

If you get hired with a Reserve unit, they will help you with the process. It's not quick, but if you are patient and persistent, it usually works out.

[@michael4265]

Watching this made me realize there are a lot of misconceptions about becoming a fighter pilot.

[@Stangil1]

I was stationed in Lemoore in 87-89. Electronics Tech.

[@keesedabeast2503]

Do you guys play DCS? If not please look it up. They just added the FA 18 a few months ago, it would be awesome to see pilots play it. AD Air Force here

[@martin.B777]

LOL, Mover is now flying PMDG 737 NGX ;)

[@richardnurse2772]

were you a member of top gun? What sort of things do you learn there?

[@grege2383]

Interesting hearing how the other side lives being a former Navy Air Intercept Controller in the 90s

[@troyledbetter6597]

Great interviews. I enjoyed them!

[@martin.B777]

Fantastic interview, funny/inspiring at the same time! Please talk a bit about night carrier landings in the next episodes ;)

[@daytonasixty-eight1354]

Can you do a video sometime about how you became a deputy sheriff? I'm really interested in doing that whether I work for an airline or the military.

[@CWLemoine]

Sure!

[@gamerspitt8089]

Gonky is amazing

[@dohc22h]

I used to run the Hot Pits at MCAS EL TORO.. and got to know the training squadron VMFAT-101 pretty well... Those guys would do touch and goes all fucking day and all fucking night.... NONSTOP

[@mikelucas2309]

Having that below, a ride in a T-38 would mind-blowing and just cap my GA activities.

[@toddie4usa1]

Well done guys!!!

[@blech71]

Carrier Quals, I could only imagine how that first attempt. Call the ball

[@theyearoftherat]

Gonky looks like he's doing 10x more reps with that left arm.

[@ale1022]

Awesome - really enjoyed it.

[@beroth1]

C.W., really cool video. I enjoyed hearing Gonky's story and your experiences in the Navy. Curious, where did you get the Skunk Works shirt? :D

[@CWLemoine]

I know people. ;-)

[@sammysainz5]

BenRoth Glad to see someone also interested in Skunk Works. I’m guessing you’ve seen the skunk works documentary which involves area 51?😏

[@citymomsvlog6201]

Thumbs up :)) Very awesome video. It was great to hear his story.

[@CWLemoine]

Glad you enjoyed it. Gonky has a great story. Part two is just as good!

[@citymomsvlog6201]

I'll make sure to tune in for part 2. I have had family in the air force, guard and navy. No one has ever been a pilot though. It's nice to hear about the military experience from a different perspective.

[@flyingmemorials4384]

Love the ode to The Bridges of Toko Ri in the opening clip! I didn't tell the Marines abt my childhood athsma.. Couldn't keep that secret long.. Lol. Been trying to reach out to Gonky.. See if he wants to fly F404 powered Phantoms. Come and Swing.. In the #AuxiliaryAirWing!

[@ramberto7785]

That was so Awesome!

[@Walter_Jr.69420]

Can you still get a flight contract at PLC for the marines? If so, how competitive is it and what are the requirements/expectations?

[@ronmoore5827]

Thanx so much for sharing this information. Think 59 yrs old is to late to apply for one of those waiver things you talk about? Keep up the good work sir.

[@garywheeler2055]

Just stumbled onto your channel..... amazing product, now subscribed🍺

[@CWLemoine]

Thank you! Glad you're enjoying it!

[@jclc4201]

Nice content Sir!

[@dpeagles]

Awesome stories. Thanks.

[@johanl1ndahl]

Great video, I love it. My OCD is kicking in, the frames at the end of the video isnt lined up at the top...

[@whydoyouactlikethat]

Random questions for you. When you switched from the AFR to Navy Reserve did they issue you a naval aviator number? Like, you are now naval aviator # blank? Also, did you ever have to go to the boat and CARQUAL?

[@20Edward50]

watching from Chiang Mai, Thailand.... Y'all FLY SAFE