Episode 19: The Sailor: Maritime Helicopter and the CH-148 Cyclone - Corey
Aug 1, 2023
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Experienced Cyclone pilot and instructor, Corey, talks about landing helicopters on ships, dealing with bad weather and tragedy, and the importance of continuous learning in military aviation. He also discusses the appeal of flying the Cyclone helicopter and the challenges faced during maritime helicopter training.
Growth as a pilot happens through failure and embracing challenges during flight training.
The CH148 Cyclone offers versatile capabilities for different missions, and mentorship plays a crucial role in career progression within squadrons.
Landing a helicopter on a moving ship at sea, particularly at night and in rough weather, requires steady control, trust in references, and guidance from the Landing Signal Officer.
Deep dives
Corey's Journey to Becoming a Pilot
Corey's journey to becoming a pilot started unexpectedly. Originally planning to become a police officer, he stumbled into a job working with the Skyhawks parachute jump team. Frustrated with his progress as a police officer, he considered the military as an alternative. Corey applied to the military and eventually found himself on the path to becoming a pilot. Despite having no background in aviation, Corey successfully completed flight training and went on to fly the CH148 Cyclone.
Challenges and Accomplishments in Training
Corey experienced both challenges and accomplishments during his flight training. He faced setbacks and had to go through additional training flights and extra duels to improve in certain areas. However, he embraced the challenges and forged strong friendships with fellow trainees. Corey believes that growth happens through failure and that the challenges of training ultimately contribute to a pilot's development. Despite the obstacles, Corey successfully completed his flight training and achieved his goal of becoming a pilot.
Deployments and Operations on the Cyclone
As a pilot on the CH148 Cyclone, Corey experienced various deployments and operational missions. The Cyclone has a versatile set of capabilities, including above-water warfare, underwater warfare, secondary search and rescue functions, and utility work. Corey deployed on multiple occasions, serving as a co-pilot and aircraft captain on different ships. He also discussed the importance of mentorship and the different pathways available within the squadrons for career progression, including becoming a flight instructor or taking on specialized roles in flight safety or human performance in military aviation.
Seaborn Operations: Landing on a Moving Ship
One of the main challenges for pilots is landing on a moving ship at sea. The ship's movement can create a visual illusion that the helicopter is also moving, making it crucial to trust the references and maintain steady control. Landing at night and in rough weather can be particularly challenging and tense. Pilots often have to wait in a high hover for several minutes before attempting a landing. Ship motion limits and the need for safe landings without alternatives further add to the complexity. The bear trap mechanism is used to secure helicopters to the deck during landing, and the LSO (Landing Signal Officer) helps guide the pilots into the trap.
Benefits and Challenges of Flying the Cyclone Helicopter
The Cyclone helicopter offers unique experiences for pilots. It is known for its dynamic flying, making it a thrilling choice for adventurous pilots. The pay for flying the Cyclone has traditionally been one of the highest in the Canadian Forces, although changes may be underway. The opportunity to travel to various destinations during deployments is another appealing aspect. However, being away from home for extended periods may pose a challenge, especially for pilots with families. Humility, continuous learning, and setting and communicating career goals are essential for success in the aviation field.
What does it take to land a helicopter on a pitching ship deck at night in bad weather? How do you come back from tragedy and the loss of good friends? Corey has flown the Cyclone around the world from the decks of Royal Canadian Naval ships. He also instructs the helicopter course at 3CFFTS in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.
Corey will talk about his experiences flying the Cyclone and his journey to recovery after the Stalker 22 crash. He’ll talk about why growth happens on those dark and stormy nights when your NVGs fail and much more on this latest episode of The Pilot Project Podcast.
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