Spectacular Cockpit Stories with my Dad, the Pilot

[@Watermusic0709]

As a former flt. attendant, you both have that "airline pilot" voice! 😊

[@billwittman0504]

You guys ROCK, 9000 hours in multi-engines jets, Dad's da MAN! Go Navy...

[@phileasau]

His dad's Air Force tho! Haha

[@Sardy540]

Happy to buy Jammer Senior a beer any day of the week. Brilliant chat, cheers from Australia!

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers and thank you for your support!!

[@karenbradley2657]

Thank you really. Enjoyed listening to. Your dad. God bless you stay safe

[@texasflood69]

How cool to have your dad in your video. You're blessed to still have him.

[@joelboston5553]

Dad did a good job raising a son.

[@southjerseymountain]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video. I found myself sitting with tears listening to your father having a informative chat with you. I myself never had a father in my life and it hit home watching and hearing this video what I missed out on. 66 years old non military, father of 2 wonderful girls and 45 years of marriage. Love to see your videos when they are posted. Thank you Dad, Mom & son for your service to our country. New Jersey USA

[@Ryan-mq2mi]

It sure does make a difference, I never knew, until I was in my 40s how damaging it was. So much you just never learn

[@1983dmd]

Wow, great comment...touching.

[@teeh917]

What a heart felt comment, Southjerseymountain. 💜

[@brandspro]

Same here. My father was an Air Force Phantom pilot who didn’t make it home from Vietnam. My mother had his funeral and then 6 days later had his only child. 56 years on now and I’m only just starting to really understand how it affected my life. NJ too.

[@brabhamfreaman166]

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had excellent relationships with *both* parents especially in adulthood. Though the pain of losing them both in a 4 year span has hurt like hell, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Appreciate everything you have while you have it. By the time you don’t it’s too late 😃. Fly navy.

[@tiladx]

How cool to hear from Growler Dad. If it weren't for the tanker pilots, our air superiority mission would certainly falter. As he said, it doesn't really matter what color the wings are in the end; what matters is getting the mission done. FLY NAVY!

[@rigelhinckley6103]

Tanker Toads are the unsung heroes of the USAF. Nobody flies very far without them. NKAWTG! You're blessed to have a Toad as your father!

[@jpdunamislodge]

I remember my grandpa telling me when I was 5 years old “the bigger they are the easier they are to fly”. We were standing in the cockpit of a brand new Pan Am 747 at Miami International. He was a SAC pilot based at Homestead flying B52’s and he and a bunch of his fellow pilots were there checking out that new 74. I remember that it was like being in a very large room full of dials and switches from floor to ceiling and didn’t understand at all what he had meant when he told me that. Looked pretty complicated to me at the time. It was years later after I started flying that I got what he meant. It’s true. The bigger they are the easier they are to fly. I was very fortunate to have gotten to hang out with my grandpa that day. I remember that like it was yesterday and have never forgotten that new airplane smell.

[@chrismchale4280]

I used to maintain 747s for Pan Am and later Northwest. The first gen 100s/200s were a bit long in the tooth when I got there, but eventually I could locate the sensor for every gauge in that cockpit without looking it up. Later I got the new car smell when NWA rolled out the 747-400. What a great plane that was. New or old, loved the smells inside! Outside, not so much.

[@nokoman85]

Thanks Pail for making this video. I enjoy listening to different military pilots perspectives on how to fly the mission. Your dad hit a home run and hopefully we'll hear more from him. I can imagine how proud you both are of each other. Really nice. Fly Navy!

[@superman60201]

You both have that smooth airliner pilot voice.

[@sheilajohnson3427]

Yes! I was thinking the same thing!

[@braveworld2707]

I didn't fly airliners but I did practice that voice. It's amazing what ATC would let you do if you sounded like that and were able to communicate professionally and not screw up the terminology. I landed when others were told the airport was closed to VFR traffic.

[@LoganVass3]

@@braveworld2707Ok “Sully” that last part is B.S.

[@braveworld2707]

@@LoganVass3 Funny, I don't remember you in the back on those min viz and 800 foot ceilings approaches. Read the last sentence that you appear to object to. The airport was closed to VFR traffic but there was something called *SVFR* that ATC would clear you to use. Look it up as you must be a non pilot not knowing about SVFR.

[@LoganVass3]

@@braveworld2707 Yeah, requesting SVFR has nothing to do with sounding as "this is your Captain speaking." Yes, I am working on my PPL and know what special VFR is. As I know I can't fly special VFR as a Student Pilot.

[@etarheel1]

That was pure Gold! Thank you both! Fly Navy um Air Force, love to all who fly and or other wise serve our country!❤

[@Fubar684]

Okinawa 1986. Kadena AFB chow hall had much better grub than our galley at Camp Shields Seabee camp. Carry on.

[@charlesmoore1762]

That was HUGE!! I just "happened" to see it. So glad I did. Thanks to your whole family for their service to our country! 👍

[@XaviervandenDriesen]

Hey, Perth West aus resident here, nice to hear of tanker pilots coming out to our tiny refuge between the sea and sand way out on the west coast. Love the content and keep up the good work and flying

[@ThankYou-bn6bp]

Like father like son. How amazing.

[@sjoeld57]

Something tells me that your dad knows what ALL the buttons do with that much experience. Thanks for what both of you do.👍✌️

[@nightflight1454]

Everyone flying as a military or commercial aviator knows the cockpit of the airplane he is flying very well.Its just that Pail and senior are such smooth operators ...that's why you think that ..

[@teeh917]

@@nightflight1454 I hear a song....🎶smooth operator.....🎶 😆

[@nightflight1454]

@teresahixson8716 Sade ,.... sweet as cherrie pie ..wild like Friday night ...

[@teeh917]

@@nightflight1454 oh yeah !

[@RaspberryRockOffGridCabin]

There's a youtube channel called 'The Outsider' which is in my vein. It's a guy building a log cabin in the wilderness and his dad was helping out. And I watched his videos thinking how awesome it was for his dad to spend so much time with his son. But then his dad died recently, so he's continuing the build alone. Never stop talking to your dad. You just don't know.

[@daffidavit]

Outstanding. You are so lucky to have your dad around. My dad was 20 years in the Naval Reserves after WWII so I grew up loving the Navy. Thanks for the great jams.

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@sandralutz-rodriguez2864]

So rad to have your dad share his experiences. Super cool to watch the refule from the cockpit view.and thank you for being such a patriotic family!

[@GrowlerJams]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TwoToFly]

Fathers are so important in shaping their sons. You have a great Dad. I’m an Apache instructor. My longest flight in Afghanistan was 11.7 hours supporting troops in contact. I was smoked. Great work @ Lark69 and Pail. My wings are silver too.

[@braveworld2707]

11.7 in a fling wing? How? Serious question because I didn't know the AH-64 had an air refuelling probe. How was the landing after that long flying?

[@TwoToFly]

You’re correct. No aerial refueling in an Apache. We hit the FARP multiple times for hot gas and armament. I didn’t look forward to those FARP turns because they were tight, and we were power limited, and once it got dark, I had to fly it NVS. Thank God the last landing was to a full size runway at Sharana.

[@braveworld2707]

@@TwoToFly Damn forgot about the hot refuel. DUH ME!! (say it quick) 🤦‍♂🤦‍♂ *Thank You* for your reply. Can't believe I forgot about the hot refuel. Never got any rotary time unfortunately was something I always intended to do but 💩happened and my medical decided to Foxtrot Oscar. 😭 _Porridge stirring_ sounded like real good fun too minus the autorotate in dead mans curve. 😲 Have a good one! 👍👍

[@TwoToFly]

🫡

[@00bean00]

Did you meet Ed Macy?

[@thomasbucior7780]

Of all your excellent videos I’ve seen this is one of your best 🍺🍺. Here ya go and 1 for Dad

[@music4dages]

Hear hear!!

[@SurviveTheDay]

Awesome video and tribute to your Dad.

[@daveh7720]

That's quite a family you've got there!

[@paullago8345]

Fly Navy! Fly Air Force! Thank you both!

[@michaelmcclure8673]

My father started out US Army then Army Air Corp then US Air Force . 28 years total . My Uncle was USAF till his passing and was a boom operator. Thank your dad for explaining a lot of the questions. 😊

[@GrowlerJams]

👍🏼

[@rickewart5089]

Great Video. Two Proud Patriots. God Bless you guys. I gave the Navy 20 years. H-3/H-2 Helicopter Crewman. FLY NAVY!🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@GrowlerJams]

Fly Navy!

[@davidhingst7063]

I was born a Navy brat then my dad switched to Air Force until he retired. I’ve got a nephew that is a boom operator which is an awesome job. It was great hearing you and your dad. Thanks for doing these. I appreciate it.

[@alanlukes7668]

That's just great to listen to, thank you. What a wonderful family history to tell the grandkids!!

[@GrowlerJams]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@skullman1455]

Pail, best jam ever! Great to see your Dad relating his experiences as a tanker pilot. Thank you both and your mother for your service to our great country. Wish there were more like all of you. The country can use it.

[@tommygun688]

Thankyou POPS! It's always good to hear from past experience and great knowledge & experience Thank you both for serving our country and keeping us safe

[@margarethenderson3129]

Great idea having dad along to comment - such professionals the both of you. Thank you all (including mom) for keeping us, all over the world, free and protected.

[@CaptCaveman7570]

Nothing is greater than a son who follows in his dad’s footsteps. I can see the sense of pride your dad has for you. I am happy to know your dad flies for American out of DFW. Chances are I worked a MD-80 flight with your dad. What a great family.

[@mickraybam6012]

Is like to ask what has changed over the 2 generations of service members. Very cool, thanks you both for your service….stay safe 🙏

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@Rod3E900]

I'm a retired USAF Chief from Michigan (Selfridge), and was also stationed at McClellan and March. I never knew your Dad, but my Son was also USAF. Nice to share life experiences with your Son !!!

[@music4dages]

This is such a wonderful video Pail. I wish my dad had talked about what it was like to fly during WW2. To have your dad in the cockpit and listening to him talk about his experience is just so special. This is definitely a keeper to show your kids some day.

[@MrThuggery]

How cool is that Pail!

[@sb859]

Awesome video with your Dad. I flew Buffs for 20 years. We held a constant airspeed of 275 KIAS while on the boom. Transferred 6000 pounds per minute, and frequently took on 80,000 onloads, especially going into Afghanistan. Most heavy acft refueling is done along a 45 min long straight line, but in-country we would do anchors with 180 degree turns on either end of the racetrack.

[@LindaKing-nq6ut]

Like father like son…heartwarming conversation

[@teeh917]

Hands down top three favorite videos, Pail ! Such a special treat getting your Dad's perspective on things. So cool. And the ending.... I'M DYING 😂😂😂 Please, thank your parents for their service and let them know how proud of you all of us are. Love and prayers from your Mother Wingman. 😉 🙏🏻♥️🙏🏻 Fly Navy 💫 #TeamPail

[@fsj197811]

I don't know why but I find it rather amusing that they had to refuel the tanker. Twice in one mission. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

[@U_ever]

Thank you and your family (Mom, Dad, Wife & Kids) as you all better than anyone have a first hand understanding of the sacrifices all of our uniformed military members endure on behalf of our great nation. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all very much.

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!!

[@barretsmith5592]

“Wing it”…that was a next level dad joke

[@GrowlerJams]

😂

[@braveworld2707]

Yeah and I imagine he would only get into a _flap_ during the approach to land. 🤦‍♂

[@jimbrown5268]

Much respect to both of you and your family, God bless

[@drewrubtheMando]

Thanks to all of your family for serving. This was a great vo episode.

[@corjp]

Thanks Dad...... great you were there with junior.... My RESPECT to you both!!!!!!

[@williammcguire5685]

So cool Dad and son.

[@lindseyc3811]

Go Growler Dad! Mine served Coast Guard, always ready. Sweet vid.

[@jackmcgonegal8728]

Cool episode. My dad flew fighters from the F4U to the F8, and I got to take him up in the trunk about ten years after he'd retired. That was 40 years ago and will always be a cherished memory. And nothing looks better than Gold Wings. Fly Navy.

[@GrowlerJams]

Fly Navy!

[@reggierico]

I'm not a tanker pilot, (my son Alex is though), but I'd say the main difference in manipulating controls while in contact with a tanker is that your'e in formation. That mindset requires smooth, steady and precise yoke and throttle movement to enable a safe platform for the receiver. This will reduce his workload and keep inputs more predictable, and controlled and smooth.

[@peterculverwell2030]

What.a great interview you had with your Dad. Two top notch aviators but as humble as can be. Grea respect to you and your Dad, Thanks !!!!👌👌

[@StevenDCave]

I like this channel as it reminds me of my with VAQ129 and VAQ138 from 1983-1986 working on the roof as a line rat.

[@richardaldom741]

Go Navy, but seriously, thanks to you, and your Mom and Dad for their service! As you might expect, a boat sailor rarely gets opportunities to fly in military AC, but I have a good friend who was a boom operator and got me a “Fam” flight years ago. Being a PPSEL as well, it was cool to be in the cockpit during TO and later to observe the refueling from the KC135 refueling pod. Bravo Zulu

[@malig0413]

Great video. The interview with your Dad was great.

[@rogerbir5084]

Great video. Glad your Dad was onboard.

[@Savedbygrace2u]

What an amazing opportunity to see this video! You sound like your dad!!! 🥰. I have a feeling that you resemble him as well! Are you actually talking to him and your videos that we see? You’re a wonderful son? Wow!! This brings tears to my eyes! My husband is a proud United States Air Force veteran CMSGT. Goooo Navy and Go Air Force!! He’s proud of you young man!! Happy New Year 2025, January 1. 🎉. Thank you and father, mom for your service! ❤

[@deanbalouris330]

That was an easy hook, Sir! Nice work and hand salute!

[@GrowlerJams]

🫡

[@Pakensys]

Never forget how lucky you both are. Thank you for sharing, sir 🫡

[@glennaycock9445]

That was an informative & great interview with your dad good stuff well You have a great day safe week and we'll see you for the next one!!

[@john316godlovesyou5]

Thank you and your dad for your patriotic service to our great country! God bless you both!

[@GrowlerJams]

Thank you!

[@toddgillison7210]

Thanks Gentlemen. Have a great day everyone.😎🍻🇺🇸🦅

[@wyliemcmaster4338]

🇳🇿from New Zealand,Thank you Steve for your service 🫡 good insight on the refuelling of aircraft’s thanks Pail great Jam 🫡 🦅🦅

[@codiesdad717]

You are all heroes to me! Thank you for your service!

[@irunwire8528]

Awesome perspective from the receiver end. I crewed 135s fro 92-97 and have been in many refueling missions across the globe. One of our longest flights was dragging your predecessor, the EA6 from Spain to the east coast of Bangor. We left and headed back to the Forks and you guys flew on to Whidbey Island. I left the AD in 97 and moved on to crew the F16 and then the F22 in the guard. Thank you for your service and videos. We all bleed the same warfighter blood, but it’s always best to Aim High! 🤣🤣

[@davidcope51]

Sounds like a dad to be proud of.. Interesting to hear about his flying experience. At first I though this was going to be air-air comms between you and the tanker...but then I though wait... 🙂

[@kenclark9888]

Your fathers comments were spot on! I was a boomer on the 135E/Q and R/T. Also I had many friends who were dependents at McClellan. I’ll bet we have friends in common. Some time it would be cool to find out. On my boom initial check ride I had a B-52 on the boom doing 30 degrees of bank. Best job in the Air Force. Don’t let that hose hit your nose now 😊

[@Lana-hh4ko]

Love the interview. You and your Dad sound a lot alike.

[@paullandreville5394]

The apple fell right next to the tree.

[@mrkc10]

Awesome interview! You’re Dad is a true Patriot I proudly salute 🫡🇺🇸 Sounds like he had a hell of an AF & AA Career. That’s cool he was on the-10 at March before they came to Travis. Again great video!

[@tomristock247]

Thank you for your your service to our country and your Dad’s service to our country! It is very interesting listening to listen what you two have to say and how the both of you make things happen despite obstacles!

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers. Thanks for watching.

[@sonny5069]

You're Dad is super proud !!!.

[@Piertides]

My good friends, 5’2” gymnastic, ballerina, petite daughter flew tankers for 10 years. It was hard to wrap your head around after watching her grow up 😀 she married an AF pilot and they both now fly commercial for United 👏🏼

[@Carolynrn9456]

My husband flew KC135 then American Airlines now my son flies for American.❤

[@robertream2723]

What a Jam! This is friggin awesome. I have an enormous amount of gratitude to give to you and your parents. What a gas. I love the idea of the interview with your pop. My second solo cross country was from TVC to OSC. A 21 hr "cross the world" is quite a trip. I'm kind of a fan of gold on white, nothing against the Air Force. Your dad has a huge "boat" load of hours. I suspect that you and your dad spend a bunch of time talking civilian aircraft and can glean a lot of info from him. Once again Commander, very well done. Is an interview with "Mom" in the future? Fly Navy. 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲 Rob.

[@GrowlerJams]

I don’t think my mom has much interest in this. She never felt directly with aviation. I’ll ask her, though. We will see.

[@brianjones4026]

Just Fantastic Content ! Wow really ! Also so cool to have your own Dad on board and telling us all what is going on in the mind of that big bird of gas as she,s feeding that hawk on her tail ! You Guys are amazing ly Lucky to be Living the Life of Angels ! Thankyou Both for your Service ! 👋

[@Paulschultz-ny6hz]

Thank you this was great a wonderful family protecting America. God bless both of you,.

[@bdubs3819]

Hey Pail, Just wanted to say, I remember you asking viewers for feedback a while ago. I shared the opinion that telling a story with your jams was a way to keep things fresh, and I see you doing that lately. I have continued to enjoy your jams since then. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and stories.

[@jackjones391]

As always, thank you for the opportunity in showing us what you and our naval aviators (naval airforce) do. Enjoyed your father's perspective as well. Thank both of you for your service.

[@GrowlerJams]

Thanks!

[@kennysanders6446]

Thanks dad for the info you are the best ty for your service

[@richardclark6753]

Hey Pail. A really great jam. Hugely entertaining and informative. Loved it. All the very best from the UK to you and your dad. Fly Navy 👍

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@Fiona86555]

So interesting, and I hope your Dad is well. Mine trained in the Silver Star with the RCAF back in the 50’s

[@GrowlerJams]

He sure is.

[@StratoArt]

So thrilled I got to be a Stratotanker Crew chief back in the day! Love the KC-135! Love that your dad flew them! thanks for your whole fam's service!

[@shawn2443]

So disappointed!! We all wanted to know dad’s “signature move” ; ) This was awesome !! 🇺🇸

[@GrowlerJams]

Thanks!

[@rbaldino]

Apparently it's pushing buttons he shouldn't, lol.

[@TC-bj8pu]

Thank you for the wonderful video! Makes me think of my father. Two tours in Vietnam in F-4s many other deployments away from the family. I loved his stories when he would share them. I miss him everyday. Your dad is a hero in my book, as are all of you who serve and sacrificed for this great country. Thanks for the best video yet!

[@voodoosurgeon9337]

oh, man, that was awesome. thanks for sharing❤

[@jaredsterenchock219]

Best one yet!!!!!!!! Father and son in military aviation , beautiful. Great listening to you talk with each other. Sounds like you guys have an awesome relationship ❤❤❤

[@deeceekashing5803]

Hello Steve awesome son you have

[@PackedJungle]

Loved the video! I like the 2 different perspectives you guys give its very interesting! Its really cool seeing your different point of views and objectives from a tanker and fighter pilot perspective. I start soloing next week in a Cessna. Thank you for your service!

[@GrowlerJams]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@x3racer86]

Thank Pail !. Appreciate the upload and it was cool to hear you and your Dad chat about his time as a tanker pilot.

[@Eric-ed8ti]

That was pure gold my friend!!

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@lestercoons3962]

That must have been AWESOME flyin' with your dad!!! You will remember that most special period of time in your life for the rest of your life!

[@seventhsealhere]

This was a great video! Much thanks to your Dad for his service in the USAF. Awesome commentary! 🇺🇸

[@GrowlerJams]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ibbylancaster8981]

Thank you Daddy Growler for your service. And as to the question about the AF or Navy family, my answer to you guys is this, Y’all are a Patriotic Aviation family. Much love and may you always have landings that you can walk away from 😉

[@ecclestonsangel]

You remind me of my brother with my late dad. They were both Navy. I loved hearing all the stories about their cruises. Just out of curiosity- did you ever see a sea bat? Lol, yes, I know all about that. I'm glad I found your channel. It has been helping to ease the pain of the loss of my parents(I lost both my mom and dad in March, within days of each other), and it is bringing back a lot of happy memories of my dad, which I desperately need. Thank you so much. I really appreciate your stuff.

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@glockparaastra]

So cool! Greetings from South Africa! A SAAF pilot enjoying your content. Safe flying!

[@55Reever]

I remember the WC-135's out of McClellan AFB. I lived in Sacramento.

[@turnergor]

"Hey wait, what's this button do?". Loved it; almost spilt my coffee. Great rapport with your dad and a great tribute to him taking him on this flight!

[@GrowlerJams]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@nukerock2451]

Thank you for your service, Gentlemen and Gentlelady (i.e. Mom). I've learned a great deal from this video - much appreciated. There have been many times I've been in the US and come across families where different siblings and parents have gone into different arms of the US services, I'm always afraid to ask about what happens in the Family House when there is an inter-service football game! 🙂

[@clydemurphy2392]

As we go through life, we choose our friends, but God gives us our family. Your dad obviously did an amazing job raising a son that chose a great career path. Thanks to your entire family for service to our country. My dad was at Jax NAS for 37 years after serving on a B-25 crew in N Africa for 36 mos in Army Air Corps.(ive shared that with you before). This was truly an amazing video, thanks! Fly Navy!

[@GrowlerJams]

Fly Navy!

[@ErinSmith-c4c]

So cool! Nice interview with your dad! Lived at McClellan AFB from 1968 to 1975, where many times I sat on the hood of the car with my daddy watching the planes come and go - the start of my lust for F/A aircraft.