Military Co Pilot

The final Count down……

2008-09-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

5…4…3…2…1…So, I guess this is it…Good bye civilian life…Hello military life… 3^rd May 2003, the day when I entered Fernando Air Base, Lipa City. The moment when I step into its hollowed ground everything was never been the same, as if I passed into some kind of a portal that brings me to another dimension…All I can recall was that, there were lots of people on the stage as if they were expecting something big about to happen…and my instinct was right…as 30 of us marching towards the center of the hollowed ground the command to halt was ordered…”Left face…” we were welcomed with a short speech by a general and as the speech was over, he ordered…”upper class take charge…” as the bit of the drums started, the upper class men starts shouting and running towards us as if they’re going to eat us alive and swallow us intact…whew..! Longest day of my life…1..2…1..2…1..2…The start of a never ending punishment and great ordeal…But no am not gonna give up…am ready for this…This is a once in a life time opportunity, not being offered to everybody…

A Paradise in Hell?

2008-09-22T14:57:00.000-07:00

A Paradise in Hell?

War zone area…Abu Sayyaf…Kidnapping…Military operations…Displaced civilians…etc…For the past years these has been the headlines of the news papers, and just recently…The abduction of a reporter and her team…What else? Anymore?

It is sad to note that many of us foreign and locals upon hearing the name Jolo, Sulu Philippines it always enters into our intelligent mind the headlines that made hit in the newspapers stand and TV news for the past years…

From the bandits and ground troops who are playing hide and seek in the forested mountains of this magnificent but melancholic island, to the flying iron bees that made witness from above of its virgin beaches and vigor natural resources that compiles the very beauty of this Paradise in a savage circumstance. I rejoin you all, in promoting the bliss of this island and the uniqueness of its culture.

The powdery white sands of its shorelines that can highly compete with some of the famous beaches in the world, with a culture that displays a colorful history, once dubbed as the seat of government of the Sultanate of Sulu, with an abundant natural resources (wild bore and sea foods it’s the best), What else is missing?

“A paradise in hell…” are we going to let this to happen? Brothers, ask yourself…

Pride and honor of a few good men

2008-07-22T01:14:00.000-07:00

What cuts the military above the civilians is the colorful life of serving the country.

Men in uniform would mean a lot of things...in the eyes of the civies it could mean men with authority, bullets, guns...for us, it is exactly two words: Pride and Honor.

Being in the airforce as a young officer, I have been to many places and this profession can be more than a challenge. Some people might think it to be a very noble profession. I think indeed it is. Otherwise, I will not be here suffering being constantly away from my family and close ties. I might be stationed in one City at a certain hour, and be in another location minutes after.

As an airforce pilot, I no longer own my time and life. For it is by serving my country that I get to have great pride and honor.

I am the Co-Pilot

2008-07-21T11:19:00.000-07:00

And I follow these rules which governs a co-pilot in flying my machine:

1. Practice makes perfect...so to make things perfect, practice, practice, practice. As a co-pilot, you can never be more comfortable unless you have accumulated the needed flying hours.

2. Communication with squad members is the key to any mission's success rate. As Sun Tzu might have told in the Art of War, be of where enemies are and where your friends are. The last thing you want is teamkill or other mishaps.

3. Coordinate with jet pilots to make sure your airspace is secure or have friendly AA units cover to make your trip a short one, of course, in the co-pilot point of view.

4. A co-pilot always flies safe with a sound mind and body. Never ever forget: Godspeed!

The Huey: UH1H

2008-06-12T02:42:00.000-07:00

"The Huey" is but a famous heavy flying equipment. Manufactured by the the Bell Helicopter Company in 1972, the UH1H was purchased by the US Army in 1973 when it was also used to serve the Vietnam War.

The Huey has Army Matt Green color, with seating capacity of 4 crew & 10 troops. Crew for UH1H counts a pilot in command, a co-pilot, a crew chief, and a gunner. Its maximum air speed is 120 Kts with a range of 200 N miles (w/out Aux Tanks). UH1H is equipped with Lycoming T53-L-13 trubine, 1400shp engine. The Huey has a 2 door mounted 7.62mm M60D machine guns.

UH1H a bit old and is a Classic...but like its co-pilot, age is already irrelevant.