Episode 18: The Hunter: Long Range Patrol and the CP-140M Aurora - Davis
Jul 18, 2023
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Former submarine hunter Davis shares stories and advice on thriving in adversity as a military pilot, including the importance of learning from mistakes, the challenges of flying in different locations, the experiences of flying over battles, and the unique sights and opportunities pilots get to witness.
Building resilience is crucial for pilots to navigate the demands of limited chances and potential setbacks.
The camaraderie and shared experiences among the crew create lasting connections during deployments.
Flying the Aurora offers unique opportunities for pilots, such as low-level VFR flights, international operations, and breathtaking scenery.
Deep dives
Challenging Missions and Resilience
Flying the Aurora involves a wide range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, ISR, counter-narcotics, search and rescue, and more. The training process is rigorous, requiring self-study and practical application. Pilots often face challenges in managing the complex crew dynamics and mission sets. Building resilience is crucial to navigate the demands of limited chances and potential setbacks.
Memorable Experiences with the Crew
Some of the best memories on the Aurora involve bonding with the crew during deployments. Special moments include renting out a theater to watch shows like The Simpsons and creating crew songs like 'Shake It Off'. The camaraderie and shared experiences create lasting connections among crew members.
Unique Flying Opportunities and Perspectives
The Aurora provides unique opportunities for pilots, such as low-level VFR flights with breathtaking scenery, manual flying experiences, and the ability to loiter engines and save fuel. It also offers a chance to travel to various locations around the world and engage in international operations. The hands-on flying and versatility of missions make the Aurora appealing to those seeking a dynamic and rewarding aviation career.
Flying in the West Coast versus the East Coast
There are significant differences between flying in the West Coast and the East Coast. The West Coast, characterized by its mountainous region, poses pros and cons for pilots. It limits the number of airports available for training flights, as some are too short or too busy. In contrast, the East Coast offers more options for training, with various airports to visit and experience. The mountainous scenery of the West Coast makes certain aspects of flying, such as low-level flight, more challenging compared to the smoother terrain of the East Coast.
Flying in Kuwait and Iraq
The experience of flying in Kuwait and Iraq presents unique challenges. Pilots often have encounters with gunfire, making it difficult to differentiate between threats and normal fire. The unfamiliarity of such situations can lead to confusion and concern. Additionally, flying over battle zones adds complexity, as it is hard to identify exactly what is happening on the ground. Despite these challenges, pilots also have the opportunity to see rare sights, such as whales, remote islands, and waterfalls, which provide a sense of job satisfaction and enjoyment.
What does it take to make it as a submarine hunter? What about as an instructor on the Harvard II at the Big 2 in Moose Jaw? Davis has seen it and done it around the world in the Aurora, and gone to many amazing places in the Harvard. After years of flying the Aurora, several tours overseas and instructing at Moose Jaw, Davis has transitioned to civilian life, but he has a ton of great stories and advice to help you thrive in adversity whether that be in flight training or life.
Hear about how accepting that you will fail can be the key to succeeding more often, and much more in this latest episode.
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