ATTENTION!! Meet 1st Lieutenant Daniel Jackson, my First USMC Aviator Spotlight Interview!

Fasten your seatbelts, my Fellow Aviation Enthusiastic Friends! I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to share with you my interview on Daniel, my first US Military Aviator Feature ~ WOOHOOO or if you're a fellow Marine like him, give a loud HOORAH.

Daniel is another aviator I connected with through Instagram. Got to love the possibilities social media can unleash in terms of making new connections.:-) 

As with all my Pilot Spotlight Interviews to date, I am inspired and have gained more perspective through Daniel's responses and aviation action pictures shared! I couldn't help but smile as I read the excitement and passion he has for flying.

I look forward to following his flying adventures on Instagram and watching him excel in his US Military Aviation career!

It is my pleasure to introduce you to Daniel Jackson, USMC 1st Lt ~ WOOHOOO!!:-)

Hawker Beech T-6B student

35 hours in type, 55 hours total (Note: I'm sure he's gained more hours since our interview!:-))

Question 1: Tell me your Love at First Flight story and how you fell in love with aviation - where & when was your first flight? Also, what did you fly?

I've always loved planes. My father was a US Navy P-3B and C flight engineer so I had always been around the environment. I haven't imagined doing anything else. Being a 3 year old in 1991 didn't hurt with Top Gun being only a few years old! My very first flight was at the age of 15 in a DHC-2 Beaver modified with pontoons. We took off from Boeing Field, landed a few times in Lake Washington and headed back. It was owned by a friend of my grandfather who is a retired United 747-400 pilot. My first flight for a lesson was in a 1972 Cessna 172M ... N61814. That was also the first plane I soloed in, in the US Navy's Initial Flight Screening program prior to flying orange and white planes. Not once have I questioned my desire to fly. In addition to the 172 and my current T-6B, I have stick time in the King Air 90, Cessna 182 and the Rutan-Long EZ. 

Question 2: What is the best advice you can give to fellow pilots?

Never give up on your dreams and ambitions. Flight is surely man's greatest adventure. If you throw in the towel when it gets hard, you will never know what would have been. You will always look up and wonder, and you will probably regret it, too. 

Question 3: What is your favorite part of being involved in aviation?

I love the passion all aviators share. We are obsessed, aggressive, adventurous people by nature. Put yourself with these kinds of people and fun times are always in reach. I love the fact that we, as aviators, experience something that so many people will never understand. Sharing this passion with someone is just as amazing when they get bit by the flight bug too! The only other group I can imagine such a close unspoken bond (outside of the military) is between motorcycle riders, a group I am proud to be a part of as well. 

Question 4: What is the best eating spots you've found in your aviation travels?

So far I haven't had the opportunity to travel far, as most of my flights start and end at the same field. Just recently I was able to fly to the former Craig AFB, now Selma Air Center (KSEM), AL on a check ride with a night flight to Bay Minette (K1R8) and Mobile Downtown (KBFM) before retuning home. We got good home cooked food at Selma! I've eaten at Monroe County (KMVC) and Bay Minette (K1R8) had an awesome Taco Thursday! My CCX experience is sorely limited, unfortunately. 

Question 5: What are your favorite airports that you've flown into and why?

I've done all my flying in the Bay Area and Central Valley of California, and the Florida panhandle and So. Alabama. I have enjoyed all the fields immensely, because, hey- flying is flying! If I really had to pick I would choose K2R4, Peter Prince field in Milton, FL because I truly learned to fly there, had my first solo there, and found out that I was really going to make this whole flying for a living plan work out! The most challenging airfield I've landed at any one time is probably NAS North Whiting just because it is so busy and there are ridiculous course rules and providers there, not to mention the sheer volume of traffic of student pilots missing calls and flying erratically (I won't pretend I'm not included!) while a veteran instructor has hawk-eyes on every mistake you make! 

Check out some of Daniel's aviation action shots!

His aerobatic solo complete!

First walk around as Pilot in Command!

Nice!!

Ready for action!

Cessna flying

Representing!

Code name: Hercules!!

Living it up (literally!:-))

That was such a great read, Daniel. I'm smiling like a Cheshire Cat! Thank you again for sharing your responses and aviation pictures with me and my audience. Inspiring stuff!

I agree, Top Gun was a great recruiting tool, no doubt. I also agree with you about the love of the shared passion amongst fellow aviators. We are indeed intensely passionate, aggressive, adventurous people by nature. When I discovered my flying passion and met other pilots, I felt I finally met my kind. They are not your average bear!

Looking forward to following your continued aviation career advancement.

Safe flying, Always!!

Follow Daniel's adventures on Instagram. His handle is Shooter034!

Meet Mike Pape, B. Sc. E.E. 2nd Lieutenant, Royal Canadian Air Force ~ O Canada, indeed!!

I'm thrilled to share with you my latest Pilot Spotlight!! Before I get into this Rockstar Pilot, let me share a tidbit about my background for some context. I'm what they call a "Military brat". I grew up overseas on Miltary bases. I have a great appreciation for the Military community, exemplary examples like my Father who served, and the Life that I knew being part of the Military Family. Part of what I'm grateful for through that experience is my enthusiasm to make connections with International friends. 

Speaking of international connections, one great thing about social media is it has vast possibilities to make connections with anyone engaging globally. I have been admiring Mike's aviation adventures through his posts on Instagram. I'm excited to have him as my very 1st (there's only ONE first:-)) International Military Pilot interview! I reached out to Mike with a request to answer my questions and he stepped up to the challenge like a Champ! :-)

Follow him on Instagram (mikediggspape) or Twitter (@mikediggspape) to see his inspiring journey, catching glimpses of his military training, his passion for aviation, his growth as he excels, and his learnings shared in video clips (i.e.., sound advice about keeping the plane clean:-)) or reflections in his comments. The joy and pride in what he is accomplishing is evident. I dig it!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the responses Mike provided to the 5 questions I have posted on my site www.wingsconnect.com. The intent of my Featured Pilot Spotlight interviews, like this one here, is to give myself, along with my growing audience of fellow aviation loving aviators, more insider exposure to different flying experiences worldwide! I find a connection in each interviewee and a mutual, but unique internal fire that shines in each pilot I've made a connection with via in-person and online. 

I love learning, challenging myself and growing. I find the responses shared provide me with insights, good food for thought, inspiration and excitement! There is something incredibly special about learning from others willing to share their passion and real life aviation experiences. Reading these responses enhances my learning process and fuels my passion for flying. I hope it does for you, too! 

Too good to keep these responses and action pictures to myself, I geniunely love sharing these interviews with fellow aviation lovers so you can enjoy getting to know these pilots a bit more, too! Share the interviews after you read them. You never know who you may impact positively by inspiring another to take flight! 

We all accomplish things. Great things are never accomplished alone. There is always a Team supporting, be it any combination of Family, Friends, Peers, Juniors, Crew, and list goes on. Whether you realize it or not, like it or not, we are connected to more than just what we do. People are watching, learning, and possibly being inspired by your actions. Make who you are and what you do in Life count. Be a Great example. Double dare you!!

It is my pleasure to introduce to you Mike Pape, B. Sc. E.E., Second Lieutenant | Sous-Lieutenant, Royal Canadian Air Force | Aviation royale du Canada ! WooHoo!!:-)

• Question 1: Tell me your Love at First Flight story and how you fell in love with aviation - where & when was your first flight? Also, what did you fly?

I fell in love with aviation at a very young age. It largely was influenced by my father who was a CF18 fighter pilot during the 1980's. He would come home from work in his slick, black flight suit, donning his Canadian flag, and the faint aroma of jet fuel. He was consistently filled with pride and excitement for his job. I loved hearing about his stories as a child. 

Later on when he retired from the military and began flying with Air Canada, I thought it was amazing that he was able to travel the country and still be home a substantial amount of time. He was always a huge inspiration and a really active parent (coaching soccer, baseball, walking the dog, coming to recitals, and school events). It amazed me how much his career seemed to allow for him to be there for his family while still affording him the freedom to "hop on a plane" and go explore.

• Question 2: What is the best advice you can give to fellow pilots?

Aviation is a life long journey of improving and learning about the wonder of flight. You can never be the perfect pilot, but you can always strive for perfection. Above all you always want to be safe, but remember to seek out other more experienced pilots for advice on how you can keep challenging yourself to improve. Take some lessons on a new type of plane you haven't flown before, get a new rating (try an aerobatic rating), and keep polishing your skills and workflows. Never let your love for aviation become stagnant because you are doing the same mundane thing trying to build hours, with some final destination in mind.

Life is a journey, not a destination. You should enjoy every hour of flight you rack up in the air and you should ALWAYS have points to improve and work on every flight. Use very specific techniques and things you want to change while you are flight planning like "I want to see if I can touch down exactly with my landing gear on the centerline, no more than a foot off every landing this flight". Leave behind the idea of improving vague general ideas like "I want to improve my aircraft control". Be specific and seek out guidance for techniques and tips on how to improve in very determinant ways every flight. I try to work on a minimum of 3 distinct items per mission.

• Question 3: What is your favorite part of being involved in aviation?

My favorite part of being involved in aviation is the pride I feel when I put on my flight suit and I see the Canadian flag staring back at me. The RCAF is internationally known for turning out world class pilots and we definitely have a very demanding selection process and training regime. I'm inspired to put in 110% effort every day when I know how many people would love to have this opportunity I have been given. 

I love learning the techniques and training maneuvers that are specific to the military program most of all. The closed pattern, overhead break, formation flying, low level navigation, and advanced aerobatics are some of my favorites.

• Question 4: What is the best eating spots you've found in your aviation travels?

I really have never been one to fly somewhere to eat although I have heard it is a really fun idea.

• Question 5: What are your favorite airports that you've flown into and why?

I love flying out of 15 Wing Moose Jaw CYMJ presently. Never before have I seen so many high performance military aircraft flying in such close proximity. Because of the fast paced training program that goes on here, this airfield technically is the busiest airport in Canada during the day. A constantly thorough look out, solid knowledge of wing procedures for low approaches, go-arounds, break outs, radio terminology, and arrival/departures are what keep us from running into each other. It's truly a sight to see the first time you're taking off on the outer runway and to your right you see a Hawk formation taking off from the inner, a Harvard above you doing an overhead break, and another Harvard flying a low approach in-between the runways. It can be challenging at times, but we make it happen. In the Air Force, there's really no life like it.

Sweeeet shot here!

The Harvard II CT156, also know as the Texan T6 II around the world. Mike trains on it. Photo by 2Lt. Savaria. at 15 Wing Moose Jaw

Mike, gold medal for this excellent pose! Represent!:-)

High altitude selfie Rocks!

Cool picture!

Mike, HUGE thank you for sharing your enthusiasm and responses with me and my audience! I look forward to seeing more, through your posts shared, as you continue to excel in the Royal Canadian Air Force! 

If you ever make it to Virginia, drop me a line. You've got an international aviating friend in me!:-) We have got some Amazing sights here, coast to coast!

Happy and Safe Flying, Always!

Wakey Wakey ~ Where are you flying today? & where do you post maps?

Waking up. Love my sheets & my Sectional Map in sight! Wish I was flying this weekend. I will next Sat and excited for it.

Where are you flying this weekend? 

Drop a comment, it'll fire up my happy feet. Send me an action flying pic to share and I might sonic Boom!:-)

Happy & Safe Flying, Always!

Also, random polling. Where do you hang up your maps or other aeronautical aids around the house? I have another map in my living room. I like having the visual up to inspire my next flight plan and remind me of where I've been, plus how much I still have yet to see/experience!

Also, I like the map being one of the first sights I see to start my day and having it be one of the last things I see before I sleep. 

Flying ROCKS!:-)