In the air with BDCP

[bluesig1]

Most people wont care about this thread, but I just scored my second ride-along while being in BDCP. It makes me even more stoked to be in the air for the NAVY.
So far I have gotten to ride jump seat, and as aircrew on the flights. For me last night was pretty intense being underneath the MH47 doing hoist work, and sling work with NVG's. (I got new respect for crew chiefs)

 

[picklesuit]

awesome...you should go score a ride in one of the C-130's. They have a pretty impressive cockpit and capabilities. I think you might have a guard/reserve unit up by Knoxville.

 

[WishICouldFly]

How do you get that to happen? Did you talk to the unit yourself, or have your NRD talk to them?

 

[MIDNJAC]

Indeed....I think the BDCP guys would probably be a lot more interested in this thread if you explained how you made this happen

 

[bluesig1]

Sorry I did not think of going into detail in the first post, oops. Lets see, the way I went about doing it was: First, I knew someone in the unit, that I could talk to and ask for rides when they had space for me. This is also who I borrowed gear from to have the proper attire to fly in. I simply had to explain that I met all the legal requirements to do a ride along with the aircraft. Some of those requirements are being in the service (BDCP covers that). Having dog tags when you go up (you can get them made at any military surplus store {needs name, blood type, religious preference, military service number). Having your commanders permission to do a ride along with another unit (just ask if your recruiter if they care or not, they should not). Then the person I knew wrote it up as having a spare passenger on board, gave it to their commander, and he did not have a problem with it, so I have been able to go up. I hope the best of luck to anyone else that wants to score some ride alongs. If I left any details out just let me know and I will fill in the blanks. Tomorrow I am getting some simulator time as well. If you can't be good, be lucky.

 

[bluesig1]

This might be a better thread in BDCP forum, anyway to move it over there?

 

[MasterBates]

Moved

 

[Tom]

Dang, I wish I could have done that when I was in BDCP. Good job on getting that setup.

 

[BACONATOR]

Dang, I wish I could have done that when I was in BDCP. Good job on getting that setup.

Ditto.

I'm like 9-10 months away from being a winged Helo Aviator, and I've never even been in a damn helo! :icon_rage

 

[bluesig1]

Thanks,
With a litle luck and inside knowledge anything can happen.

I think I will write one of those internet "how to books" (like the become a fighter pilot in ten easy steps) and call mine -"I bummed a ride and you can too"-

 

[BACONATOR]

Thanks,
With a litle luck and inside knowledge anything can happen.

I think I will write one of those internet "how to books" (like the become a fighter pilot in ten easy steps) and call mine -"I bummed a ride and you can too"-

I'll read any E-book with the word "Bum" in the title.

 

[mtsupilot09]

The C-130's are in Nashville with the TN ANG. Memphis has the heavy lifters and Knoxville has KC-135's. Bluesig- where did you do your ride along? I know there are helo units in Knoxville and Smyrna. Not sure where else. Thanks.

 

[nugget81]

Dang, I wish I could have done that when I was in BDCP. Good job on getting that setup.

Yeah, same here! I tried to get rides on KC-135's out of Grand Forks AFB, even had a retired Lt. Col. try to work some magic for me, but was still a no go. And the next nearest unit was the Happy Hooligans of the Fargo, ND ANG. They flew F-16A's at the time and wouldn't let me strap onto the wing pylons since they were single seaters....oh well. Have fun with the free rides!!

 

[wink]

Anyone get a deal like this from the active Air Farce let me know. I'll be looking for the Winter X-games to be held in Hell.

 

[bluesig1]

The C-130's are in Nashville with the TN ANG. Memphis has the heavy lifters and Knoxville has KC-135's. Bluesig- where did you do your ride along? I know there are helo units in Knoxville and Smyrna. Not sure where else. Thanks.

160th special operations Fort Campbell.