The last training evolution for API students to complete is the "Redneck Parasail". Using previously learned training on how to execute a Parachute Landing Fall (PLF), students parasail into the sky behind a pick-up truck and then descend back down simulating a parachute landing. The first two landings shown are mine and the rest are my friends. This was one of the most fun things I've done at API. I'm just glad that I was able to walk away with only a few bumps and bruises.

Today we did two major training evolutions revolving around what happens when bad things happen. The first was parachute training. We have been spending time over the last week getting acquainted with the harness and memorizing the procedures for a bail-out and parachute descent. Today we applied what we've been learning to Virtual Reality parachute drops over land and water. Another good bit of Navy training was the buddy drag. While wearing a parachute harness and backpack, one lays on the ground in a dirt and grass field, four of your friends run while pulling your parachute straps, and you try to get out of your harness while being drug around a dirt field. Loads of fun. This attempted to simulate landing in a high-wing situation where your parachute could drag you along the ground. We also spent a good deal of the morning learning how to execute a Parachute Landing Fall or PLF. The maneuver consists of turning your body sideways and absorbing the shock of a parachute landing by rolling you body into the direction of travel and having your body impact the ground one piece at a time. The PLF is not intuitive and it takes a lot of practice to ingrain into muscle memory. We practiced it first by jumping off a curb into a gravel pit, then off a 2-foot ledge, then off a 4-foot ledge and finally while traveling on a zip-line. I seemed to get the hang of it by the end, but I didn't escape without a few bruises on the sides of my body. Tomorrow we get to practice the PLF while actually parachuting. The parachutes are designed to drop a 150 lb individual at 20 ft/s. Big guys like me will be traveling more around 30 ft/s on impact. Navy: Accelerate your life!

In addition to parachute training, today we went through the live helicopter pick-up. We took a boat out to the middle of Pensacola Bay and one-by-one were dropped into the ocean in a long line. A SH-3 Sea King helicopter came by to "rescue" us. Starting at the end of the long line of students, it would drop down it hoist line, a student would hook themselves up, signal to the helicopter, the helo would pick up the student, drop them back in the bay and then move on to the next student. After being picked up and dropped off, a second boat came by to pick us up. It was a lot of fun. We took some pics with a waterproof camera, but I won't know how they turned out until Friday. I'll make sure to post them as soon as I get them.

Last week was pretty fun. We continued to learn about survival and how to deal with the harsh environment of naval aviation. On Tuesday, we sat through 8 hours of power point presentations on subjects ranging from Hypoxia (lack of oxygen in the blood), to spatial disorientation, to our standard issue flight equipment. Quite possibly, one of the hardest days in API. Even with no sleep deficit, I could barely stay awake. Wednesday was much more fun. We got to ride the infamous "Spin and Puke". Think the Alice and Wonderland Teacup ride at Disneyland, but instead of teacups, dark enclosed cockpits with lights and dials and such. The purpose is to show you how easily one can become spatially disoriented (thinking you're turning but you're not or vice versa). The second cool training we did that day was the altitude chamber. You and 19 of your buddies get to put on an oxygen mask, go in an air-tight room, and have most of the air sucked out to simulate a high altitude environment. At 25,000 feet, the students take off their masks and begin performing basic tasks like patty-cake. They are now breathing air that has a small fraction of the oxygen found at sea-level. The effect is similar to getting winded when walking up a flight of stairs in Colorado, but far more extreme. After a few minutes of breathing this high altitude air, the students begin to loose oxygen in their blood and loose the ability to perform basic tasks. They are now Hypoxic. This can happen in a tactical aircraft if the oxygen system fails at high altitude. It is very dangerous and this training is designed to expose us to those conditions in a controlled environment to experience what Hypoxia feels like. The effects are very similar to alcohol intoxication, so things got very silly after a few minutes. Once we realized that we were Hypoxic, we put our oxygen masks back on and regained our faculties. It was fun.

Thursday we got to test fire standard Navy flares and signaling devices. If we go down, we need to know how to use this stuff to get rescued! Then we jumped in Pensacola Bay and learned how to use a variety of single and multi-person life rafts. For me, the most important take away from this training was simply: don't crash. Things are much more comfortable in the aircraft than out of it.

Friday was the legendary Helo Dunker. I took some pictures with an underwater disposable, so they will be posted soon. The dunker is a mock-up of a helicopter cabin and it simulates what happens when you go down in a Helo over water. Helos are top-heavy, so the first thing they always do when the crash is turn upside-down. Six of us got to ride this "death trap" at a time. They assign you to a seat and tell you which exit you will egress through. Each of us went three times and we rotated through each type of seat. The third time you go you are also blind-folded which adds a little adrenaline to the blood stream. Once your six-man "crew" is strapped in, the dunker is raised in the air, dropped into the pool, sinks, and flips over. Once you are completely upside down (and not a moment before), you unstrap from your harness, make your way to your assigned exit, egress the aircraft, and make your way to the surface. Sometimes, you are relying on another person to open your exit and get out before your can. Teamwork counts huge here. I actually had a lot of fun with this. To be honest, it's kind of a ride. I have a video that Steve Podmore put together when he went through this training. In the video you will see two huge side-doors and a large aft door. We're not allowed to use those. Our only exit points are the co-pilot's window and the two aft-side-windows. Enjoy.

Today was our introductory training into land survival. We watched these very antiquated videos (made in the 60's) about which plants are good to eat and which are poisonous. We also learned how to make and set up traps/snares to capture animals for eating! Squirrels, rabbits and stuff. According to the Navy, the standard procedure for land survival is to watch a monkey, see what it eats, eat what it eats, and then eat the monkey! Good stuff. I can't wait to see what other crazy training evolutions the Navy has in store for me this week.

For all those keeping track, I've been really lax about updating my website. All I can say is that writing a masters thesis really takes up all your time. I've completely updated my photo album with photos from the last six months. Enjoy!

Updated Photo Album

Yesterday, my fiancée got back from a six-month deployment to the Persian Gulf aboard the USS Reuben James (FFG-57). Being separated from her has been very difficult, but we made it through OK. We're currently deep into wedding planning and can't wait to see everyone in Bonye on January 13th. I've added a collection of photos from Jo's deployment to my photo album.

JoEllen's Letters Home

Today I took my last test and finished all the academics here at API. All I have left is the helo dunker and parachute training. I did very well on all my tests and have set myself up well for Primary.