My Nightmare Battling Turbulence For Precious Fuel

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Welcome aboard! This was a rough day of aerial tanking off a NATO Canadian CC-150. At the beginning of the video, I am in starboard observation. Once cleared by the boom operator, I proceed to pre-contact right.
After contact, however, the boom operator directs me to disconnect, so he can troubleshoot a "low-flow" issue. Fuel was not flowing to my jet at a normal rate.
After I back out, I try to reengage the drogue on the tanker's starboard wing for about three minutes. As you can see, the basket was moving around too much for me to connect safely. As I grow increasingly frustrated, I noticed that the drogue on the port wing was not moving nearly as much as the one on the starboard side, so I ask the boom operator if I can switch sides.
After cleared to pre-contact left, I finally contact the port drogue. I was able to stay in the basket, get my gas, then go do what Growlers do.
The evolution took longer than it should have, but I'm glad I got my gas and didn't make any dangerous plays for the basket. I earned my paycheck today.
Fly Navy!
Chapters:
0:00 Starboard Observation
1:29 Pre-Contact
1:41 Contact
2:31 Backing Out
3:39 ROUGH DAY!
6:44 Switching Sides
7:08 Pre-Contact
7:20 MORE ROUGH DAY!
8:50 Contact
If you like the video, please like, subscribe, and turn on notifications - I appreciate it! If we get enough support, we can keep this channel going.
#ASMR #relaxationmeditation #flightdeckoperations #usnavy #f18 #superhornet #flynavy #avgeek #naswi #flightdeck #navy #growler #theodoreroosevelt #topgun #navalaviation #aviation #aviationworld #aviationlovers #fighterjet #trending #goshawk #cockpitview #navy_motivational_video #cockpitviews #dcs #dcsworld

[@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

[@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.

[@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..

[@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%

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@ero1456]

The voiceovers bring these videos to next level.

[@theramblingsoflarry9290]

I like the narration

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@teresahixson8716]

Lol exactly!

[@susip898]

Admiration Boss 🤩 ALWAYS Professional and perfection to the tasks at hand.. & toes.. 💥🤯

[@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

[@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!

[@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 '

[@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.

[@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.

[@55Reever]

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

[@GrowlerJams]

Thanks!

[@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.

[@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.

[@airspeed_alive]

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

[@blakewilloughby9391]

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

[@gilbertdelgado6703]

Way back in the last century I was in VA127 out of NAS Lemoore, it was in the late 60’s through 1970. I’m sure you weren’t even a twinkle in your Dad’s eyes. I was an enlisted puke, an ATN-2. I was fortunate to be able to fly back seat in our TA-4F’s on our scheduled maintenance hops and any other flights I could grab, including refueling hops on occasion. Since we could use only the center line buddy store refueling tanks, the pilot in the lead bird did all the controlling to Get Er Done. On one flight my pilot was having some difficulties getting plugged in until the tanker pilot told my pilot to put some damned hair around the drogue to see if that would help. I’m sure that tanker pilots might still use that term. Thank you Sir for your service to our nation and stay safe up there.

[@GrowlerJams]

Thank you, Sir, for your service. Cheers!

[@daffidavit]

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

[@wolfe1970]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@wizzytimeless]

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

[@richardvanneil2570]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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).

[@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.

[@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! 🇺🇲

[@PlymouthVT]

Fantastic training. It was great flying with you today!

[@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.

[@JonDunnmusician]

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

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@teresahixson8716]

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 💫

[@kirkpennock2997]

Nice and calm. Thank you for sharing.

[@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.

[@kamalsinnofilms]

Thankyou for taking the time to film edit and share this. Always wanted to be a pilot but life takes you elsewhere. Amazing footage of everything happening here.

[@R1door]

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

[@mdu2112]

Just missing the 🐿️ on his shoulder.

[@rogerramjet7567]

Such great commentary. I love flying with you!! 😀🙏

[@user-id6en1be4e]

Another good flight! Keep it safe.

[@suninmoon4601]

As a young man I dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot, but circumstances took me in another direction. Your videos give me a taste of what might have been. Thanks 👍

[@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!

[@Morten6842]

Huge respect for you guys. Very inspiring to see you keep cool under pressure.

[@James-fv1yl]

Love these! You guys rock!

[@PfizerRN_USNavyReserveRN]

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

[@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!

[@BoogsieClarke]

Thank you for showing this! Be safe!!

[@harnellholliman4265]

I love your videos. Thank you for letting me fly along with you. Fascinating!

[@emjackson2289]

I saw this being done from the back of a VC10 K.Mk2 into BAe Tornado F3s - one of the most impressive things I've ever seen.

[@MakeWhatever]

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

[@StrangerInAStrange]

Thanks for posting these. My nephew, and his wife, are Marine Corp Aviators flying the FA-18. This kind of video really makes appreciate their hard work!

[@martinfelton3089]

Brilliant video and narration - thanks

[@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

[@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.

[@irishlad331]

That view of your wingman at the end is just a thing of beauty!

[@frisk151]

Great information and flying!!!

[@AdrienGirod]

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

[@chris24j48]

Thank you for your service ! Enjoyed your detailed description

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@brianjones4026]

Who could not want to live these moments you live up in the air ! Its phenominally interesting to me ! Thanks for your service, this channel and your amazing content !

[@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👍!

[@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!😊

[@MickBonney]

Superb footage and very calm flying !!

[@gaurlglmistrz]

Awesome video, thank you!

[@alanbare8319]

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

[@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.

[@RobertBerrier]

Amazing video. And many thanks for the voice over!

[@kularace7351]

This was awesome. Thanks for making these with voice overs. Learn a lot.

[@wheelspinner20]

Wow, how did I not find this channel earlier! You would be a great trainer. When ever I have to learn something from someone where there are times there is no talking, I always tell them please think out loud! Which is exactly what the voiceover is doing for me. I love detail oriented descriptions! What an awesome job you are doing with these!

[@jockeyjack3367]

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

[@chuckcarson7196]

Really well done and such interesting content. Thank you for your service.

[@GrowlerJams]

Thanks for watching.

[@catherine59226]

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

[@agapeeternal]

Ty voice over videos are killin it 👏🏽

[@matskelton9589]

Incredible precision and cool-headedness. Top professional 👌

[@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.

[@michelebouvet8074]

Loved the calm tutorial in a tense situation. I will happily be a new subscriber.

[@GrowlerJams]

Welcome aboard, Michele.

[@brunofagulha]

I love learning real life AAR techniques. Pure gold video, thank you and keep up! :)

[@GiantSarcasticRobot]

One of my favorite videos!

[@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!

[@cspruitt3190]

Absolutely incredible! Thank you for your Service Sir.

[@dhall058]

What an excellent tutorial for air refueling!

[@alaincantarel3705]

I'm a french passionate. I enjoyed watching your refueling👍 I felt like being with you on the plane. As a bass player, and diver, I know the importance of precision and self-control on crucial moments. Congrats for your courage. God bless you, long live Pal. Be safe👌

[@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!

[@jeff0247598]

I like the commentary on how you deal with a bit of frustration or stress because of the initial difficulty tryin to hookup to the right side with the turbulence. I imagine stress coping strategies are a high priority for you guys.

[@44smithnut]

I really like your videos. Thank you for taking the time not only to video all this but explaining what's going on.

[@GrowlerJams]

Glad you like them!

[@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!

[@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!

[@slowentropy4531]

So awesome mate, really respect people who can actually do these thing. Simply incredible

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@porkchop955]

Just found your channel and subscribed. Great camera work, superb narration and explanation of what's going on. Thank you for your service.

[@GrowlerJams]

Welcome Aboard!

[@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.

[@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!

[@georgegillespie431]

Thanks for your service. Amazing talents for what you do. Almost mesmerizing.