All about Landing Signal Officers with "Jamboy" (ep. 178)

#usnavy #fa18 #pilot, Joe "Jamboy" Kirksey, a career LSO currently serving as "Force Paddles" at the Chief of Naval Air Forces in San Diego, explains the history of LSOs assisting fixed-wing #aircraft on an #aircraftcarrier, how LSOs are trained and whether they and their grading methods are still necessary with the advent of Precision Landing Mode.
00:00:00 INTRO
00:40:00 Guest Introduction
02:19:00 Guest History
12:22:00 Paddles History
14:40:00 LSO Mindset
19:55:00 Minimum of LSOs needed
20:25:00 Bug Roach
02:21:00 Who gets to become an LSO?
06:31:00 LSO Training & Operations
01:03:20 LSO Grades
01:06:35 Hook Point
01:07:22 LSO Experience
01:09:20 No Comment Pass
01:10:12 Line Periods & Top Ten
01:14:07 Jell-O's Stories
01:16:00 LSO Equipment
01:20:20 What happens if there are casualties?
01:24:41 PLM
01:40:10 Patreon Questions
02:04:00 Dealing with extreme weather
02:07:35 Future of LSOs
02:12:00 Guest Outro
02:12:43 Outro
#fighterpilot Podcast
Website: www.fighterpilotpodcast.com/
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Patreon: / ftrpltpdcst
Twitter: / ftrpltpdcst

[@pinchus34]

Dare I say this might be my favorite episode of all time? Having listened to every single episode that's not nothing. Beers, Jamboy and talking about dark nights in the barrel. Love it!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks! One of my favs too. 😎

[@PeteSaxon]

I cruised with Bug Roach in 1971 on the Oriskany. He was with VF 191 flying F-8s. His LSO mentor was Lcdr Moon Vance. Whenever you would see Moon on the ship, Cubi O'Club or anywhere, you knew Bug was not far away. Those F-8 drivers were awesome, especially at night.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Awesome 🤩

[@FlightSimulatorXATC]

It wouldn’t be a podcast without Jamboy asking for beers 😂 what a guy

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

He didn't ask--I offered!

[@nickforster748]

I LOVE that you’re getting the beers in! “Jam Boy” seems a great guy; the embodiment of being approachable, just who you’d want to be talking you in on a dark and stormy night! Cheers to you both from 🇬🇧🍻

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

🍺

[@MikeyRDean]

I've never missed an episode and this one is waaaaay up there on the awesome scale

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

👍

[@jonathanrobinson7573]

I’ve always been fascinating about the LSO’s and how their important work often gets overlooked.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Well then you're in for a treat.

[@SimDeck]

Fantastic stuff. I split the interview over a few days and savoured it all like a fine wine. Jamboy comes across as a great guy and a true professional. Loved it and all the best!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks!

[@x-stream]

Loved this interview, I learned a ton of stuff.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks!

[@austinclark1511]

He flew the f18 demo at the Camarillo air show, awesome!!!

[@1jwebber]

NFO LSO: I was a squadron LSO-in-training during my first cruise with VAW113 on Enterprise CVAN 65 1971-72. The LSO from VF-143 was LCDR Phil Rupprecht, an F-4 RIO. As I recall he was qualified to wave every aircraft in the Air Wing, (including the Vigilante).

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

@@1jwebber perhaps he was an NFO to pilot transition?

[@1jwebber]

I don’t think so. He was on his Department Head tour, had never been a pilot, and was an RIO on this cruise. I asked the CAG LSO how this all came about: After watching a bazillion FCLP’s at Miramar and passes at the ship he eventually convinced everyone that he could do the job. I’m pretty sure that it was a one-time situation. Maybe someone out there could verify? It’s been a while.

[@lucamarsilli9789]

Enjoyed a lot, and as you say it’s not about the plane it’s the people, your guest was super

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

For sure, thanks.

[@mach91photo]

Jell-O this really is fantastic! You guys did a great job sharing such an important part of the past, present, and future of US Navy carrier aviation in a really informative and entertaining two hours. Kudos to both you and Jamboy!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks very much!

[@danielcarroll5342]

Bug was our CAG LSO. One night after a recovery, he had me de-brief one of the Tomcat skippers, who had just flown an OK 3 wire pass, with maybe 1 or 2 (comments). Bug told me to de-brief the other 2 pilots from his squadron in that recovery first, then the CO last.The CO, who knew he had flown a nice pass, couldn't wait to hear his grade and de-brief in front of most of his squadron in the R/R. Bug told me to say: "Skipper, that was you in 201, right"? Then I continued: "Nice one Skipper, 3 wire, fair." He exploded. "FAIR...FAIR..WHAT WERE THE F+CKIN' COMMENTS??" "Umm...no comments Skipper, it was just an average pass." He lost it, kicked us out of his ready room, yelling and throwing his kneeboard at us. That night I earned a cold Coors in Bug's stateroom! He was a pure beauty for sure.

[@dougstitt1652]

Good Stuff Jell-O thank you both for your time.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Our pleasure. 😎

[@DGH19]

awesome discussion into the LSO world, extremely informative ! cheers. Great guy, love the beers too lol

[@grenadespoon]

Love it. All the details that I can’t get anywhere else, but always wondered about. Thanks again Jello.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

💪

[@D5Pasadena]

What a great episode! It was hilarious how you gave Jamboy the run around on nautical terms!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

He should know this stuff!

[@TheMicroproductions]

Jell-o, just an idea.... but how about another podcast with jamboy looking at various passes and breaking them down. Everything from the good and the bad, to the "oh dear Gods". Give the viewers a little LSO training.

[@lajulasse4332]

That’s a great idea. I’d love to watch that.

[@TheModelGuy]

This was one of the best episodes to date! I’d listen to Jamboy talk about how he ties his boots

[@bradbelluk7645]

A very thorough, informative and entertaining episode. Well produced as always. Right up there with Billie Flynn’s episode on F 35. Thanks!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

You’re welcome!

[@svitella6889]

Great episode!!! Please do another with Jamboy.

[@ahadasim12]

Awesome interview, great hearing about the impressive history of LSO’s.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Seems funny now that they did not recognize the need for it before some guy just went out there to help bring his boys back.

[@ahadasim12]

I am headed to the boat next week for CNATRA carrier quals with VT-21, this interview was great to hear before heading there. Hope to see him out there and get a chance to talk to him.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

@@ahadasim12 good luck and keep good notes in case you ever write your story later. 😎

[@singhson1061]

Great episode and great guest once again Jell-O!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

thanks! 🤩

[@zone5photoYT]

Jamboy is the man! Great episode guys 🤘🏼

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks! 🍻

[@dutchpilotguy]

100% best episode EVAH!!!!!

[@johnb7490]

That was sooo entertaining. I can't believe how fast the time went by. Thank you from an ex Navy airdale.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

😎

[@alexpitts7634]

My favorite episode in years! More Jamboy

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

2+ hours not enough?!

[@xris5697]

Great interview Jello. After this interview I can now understand how complicated it is and get selected as an LSO. I’m proud of my son got selected and trained as LSO going on his 2nd year now.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

This could be him someday...

[@xris5697]

@@FighterPilotPodcast I hope and pray for his success 🤞

[@xris5697]

@@FighterPilotPodcast He maybe one of my sons LSO instructor in Oceana.

[@Gotav-uq4jr]

Jello thanks for going to a video version of the podcast. Truly made this episode better with all the visuals.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

You’re welcome

[@ericbiehl9833]

Great episode! Learned a lot. Jamboy 👍

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

💪

[@mikebridges20]

Jello, I doubt if you'll ever run out of great podcasts as long as you can find people like Jamboy; 2+ hours and still had to go back: "did he just say what I think he said?" Awesome stuff. BTW, you need to work the Jello-1 arrival into DCS somehow!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Hah, DCS players, can do that for themselves: just get deck rush and dive for the ace! Thanks 🙏

[@chunandler]

Lots of great episodes but this one is way up there

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks! Wish the rest of KZbin agreed with you…

[@Vicki.TheDel]

Best episode of the podcast!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

🙏

[@user-dx9oz7wy7j]

Great interview! Here's a beer for the both of you. 🍺🍺🍻⚓✈️⚓💪

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

😎

[@randy25rhoads]

Hey Jell-O! I just watched through the PBS series Carrier and say you on the episode where they encounter rough seas.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

A younger, skinnier me!

[@algeils9789]

Awesome interview 😎

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks! As you can tell, we had some fun.

The story at 1:01:46 is hillarious! :D Thanks Jello!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

🤩

[@Vicki.TheDel]

Could a future episode of sea stories with Jello and Jamboy be consideration?😉

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Never say never

[@J.C...]

I know a guy that was a SIGO in the Army. He was a pretty cool dude. Tried to talk me into getting in but they wouldnt take me, even with a 95 Asvab and 127 GT(ARMY) and 125+ for the others. I was on probation so they told me to come back when I was off. Kinda glad they didn't take me. It was in 2000, over a year before 9/11. Thank God. I'd probably not be here today had they taken me. Then again, with a 127 GT, they wouldnt have put me in infantry. I could've been a nuclear tech or basically any job in the Army. Medical or otherwise. The funniest part is that my recruiter dropped me off at MEPS to test and I was calling him to come get me as he walked into his office. He said no one had ever finished that fast. When he saw my scores, he said no one he recruited ever scored that high, either 😁 I BURNED through that test, being a year out of high school. One of the easiest tests I've taken, TBH. It was all general knowledge stuff.

[@alexpitts7634]

Thanks!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

thank you.

[@mikec1554]

Intro is awesome. What Jet is at the end doing the fly by sound?

[@Bryster51]

Great talk! Any chance to look into shock mounts for your mics? table thumping vibrates to the microphones. Cheers

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

We went from boom arms to stands, will keep experimenting…

[@dennispetretti3384]

Unless I missed it. Question regarding PLM. There is no training required during FCLP’s especially (I guess other then the T-45 which does not have it) for a fleet qual to demonstrate any proficiency in basic flight mode with no AT?? If the system is down etc/

[@banjo-awgdu]

Maybe do a 'fact sheet' on two opposing weapon systems of a similar class, and have them face off in undulating terrain.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

I don’t know what that means.

[@nervechews6781]

He's right, the khakis and kabar were sick.

[@flightsimstuff5417]

"One of your best" -- Hopeless Aviation Geek

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks!

[@user-hb5gi6rg6i]

he was the rhino demo team pilot last year

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

💪

[@110MAN1]

What is a "Senior J.O.?".

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

A lieutenant who has been around awhile

[@indy500tabasco8]

😢Peace in the middleEast & 😢 SouthChicago. ❤great podcast❤

[@fhlostonparaphrase]

Will episodes on specific aircraft return?

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

If the proper guests can be found, yes.

[@fhlostonparaphrase]

@@FighterPilotPodcast I was going to add something to that effect 😛 Some of the (nowadays) obscure 50s jets like Skyray, Cougar or Tiger would be interesting (whilst we still have people who flew those around), BUT I get that its not that easy. I'm just wishing aloud 🙃 Was the F-84(F) ever covered? Maybe in passing.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

@@fhlostonparaphrase not yet.

[@fhlostonparaphrase]

@@FighterPilotPodcast OK thanks (for your work in general) :)

[@noahway13]

He favors a guy in the opening scene of original Top Gun

[@neallepic4862]

No offense . Love your podcast. Thank you for your service. But you need to explain more of these anachronisms thank you. As a layman

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Yep, none taken--and don't take this the wrong way either but we expect some level of understanding from our enthusiast audience. The jargon comes with the territory.

[@BobChanel]

"legend" 🤣 Best god damn channel on the YT

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Well thank you

[@BobChanel]

No way thank you! Both for your service and the service your providing by hosting this show and giving the world the insight and sharing these informative and most of the time very personal experiences.@@FighterPilotPodcast

[@terryboyer1342]

😁👍

[@SirReginaldBumquistIII]

Shit now I want a beer

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

🍺

[@SirReginaldBumquistIII]

​@@FighterPilotPodcasthey thanks! I have been glued to your podcasts for ages. Thanks from a cook from Ireland who's never seen a fighter jet 🙋

[@mmoly-cj4bd]

PLM= Precision Landing Mode

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

What did we explain it as...?

[@ziobrowskin]

Mac? - thomas magnum

[@dennispetretti3384]

Jesus Jello, I've had LSO's, just say OK pass, nice job. Maybe not often but if was a rails pass then why not? lol

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

“Jesus Jell-O”… I like it!

[@paulprigge1209]

So do you have to suck down Alcohol to be a good aviator?

[@SirReginaldBumquistIII]

Or you could ask if aviators are good to relax and have a beer once in a while

[@benjaminperez7328]

Top interview, Jell-O! Thanks to you & JAMBOY. 🫵🏼🫡🇺🇸👍🏼

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

🙏