Your advice "Make 'em tell you No" is on point, as it happened to me. I had a medical issue right before graduation from AFA that prompted my losing pilot slot. Was told point blank by several AF doctors that I didn't have a prayer of getting a waiver as time went by. Long story short, I got the waiver, went to UPT, F-111F active duty, C-130 Reserve, 21 year career at major US airline. I'm nothing special - just knew what I wanted and kept at it.
You lose 100% of the battles you don't fight or chances you don't take. Never take the first "no" as a certainty, as a final word. Find the person who's going to tell you "yes". Then do everything you can to succeed. There is a certain satisfaction in proving people wrong.
@@tidefanyankee2428 "You lose 100% of the battles you don't fight or chances you don't take". This is really important to keep in your head for every situation.
Never ever give up on your dreams. The one thing you must be able to do to be a fighter pilot is to NOT listen to the ones who tell you that you cannot do it!
The good thing is that you are really young and at the perfect age to start preparing. Start getting in shape if you aren't and try to gain some leadership skills by being the president of a club or something similar. Also when you graduate high school try to find a university with an Air Force ROTC program so that way you can get a pilot slot easier. Stay away from any trouble and do well in school so you can go to university. Oh and make sure you have good study habits so you can pass the AFOQT test with flying colors since a high score on it also makes you more competitive.
Would love to see a video on the cultural differences between Naval Aviators and Air Force fighter pilots, general attitudes, approaches to flying, etc. Seems like you'd have a pretty unique perspective to talk authoritatively about that.
Your VLOGS are outstanding in every way, my father was Air Force MAC pilot then 31 years flying for UAL his two childhood friends were career Air Force. One a squadron or wing commander for AC130’s and the other a Major General who had 2 tours with the thunder birds flying the F100 super sabers , the first on the wing, the second tour as the commander of the thunderbirds. You have a unique distinction as having flown the 16 for the Air Force and the 18 for the Navy. Keep those VLOGS coming.
I'm 17, I'm shipping out to basic in 12 days and I'm so happy I found you on youtube! You're truly amazing, and you inspire me to continue pursuing my dreams of being a pilot for the AF. Thank you for all your awesome content and videos Sir. You are an inspiration and a role model.♥
Funny you mentioned the FAA change to ATP mins. I was on my way to becoming an airline pilot when they changed that rule. I was 19 at the time and didn’t know what I was gonna do until I turned 23 (then the new age for an ATP). Took an aerial survey job in the meantime and while there I thought to myself “am I really going to be happy flying in the civilian side of aviation?” Long story short I applied to and got a pilot slot through OTS and just recently tracked the T-38. Being a fighter pilot has always been a dream for me but only recently something that I have realized could be a reality. What you say is so true, determination and working hard are so crucial for making your dreams a reality. Keep up the good work on the videos.
I wish this kind of information was available in the 90s. I always wanted to become a naval aviator, as a teenager there was a lot of closed doors it seemed, went Marines 0311 and spent along time in the weeds looking up at you guys running CAS for us. Always wished I would have forced one of those doors open! Make them tell you no is the best advice for guys looking to break in to any job really in the military and private sector!!
I think the best thing you can do and continue to do is to reinforce the concept of persistence in applying for the pilot slot. You're absolutely right when you say the world is not "linear" and that anything can change at anytime, and there's a waiver for almost everything. Keep the videos coming.
Wish this info was around back in 85. I ran into a similar eye exam issue, was told I could not fly, so I moved on and away from the dream of flying a fighter. Keep the videos coming. These are great!
Your video`s are inspirational to people in all walks of life, in any situation they might find themselves in,to never give up!!!! I was told I would probably die before I was thirty of cystic Kidney disease and I never gave up,never,and went on to go into the medical field in ER.No one has the right to put an expiration date on you... I am so glad to see a man who has the knowledge and heart to pass along the information and in`s and out`s of becoming a pilot,in order for these young people coming up to fulfill their dreams.We are all in this together......I have a friend who was the Pilot of a B17 who still flies,with a second man because of his hearing,but they always immediately turn the plane over to him. Never give up!!!
AF guys will always say the F-16...Naval guys will always say F-18...A nonbiased answer would be nice, but it totally depends on which variant of both...From my understanding the F-16 is a superior Dogfighter(but dogfights in modern times would be extremely rare) and the F-18 is more expensive, underpowered by comparison, but more versatile, and has a BVR advantage in aerial combat.. Basically in an F-18...Dont get close to a 16
An F-18s only hope is its Radar and its AMRAAMs...which is a lot to be hopeful for...But the 16 is less capable at BVR, but also has AMRAAMS so it's not bad at BVR, and if they get close, I'm putting money on the more maneuverable, higher thrust to weight F-16
@@goochy4560 and why would an aircraft with a massive acceleration and energy advantage, put itself in a position to have to allow the F-18 to exploit its only dogfight advantage?
Your successful career is the definition of grit. It’s the key to success in life. "This quality of being able to sustain your passions, and also work really hard at them, over really disappointingly long periods of time, that's grit," says Angela Duckworth, a psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania who coined the term "grit.”
Wow! Amazing career. As a former Aerospace Medical Technician for the Navy, I did hundreds of flight physicals and waivers for NAMI. If there is one thing I learned, supply and demand is everything. Whenever we had a shortage of pilots, a lot of waivers got approved. All you had to do was breathe and you got your "upchit."
Your comment gave me a clear picture of conditional recruiting Love from Pakistan I also want to become a fighter pilot in PAF May Allah Almighty help us all in their ambitions
Its awesome the career you've had. Hope you enjoy or are enjoying the T-38. My Stepfather is a lead mechanic on the 38's out at Shepherd. He's been there ever since Clinton shut down Reese. I grew up on the flight line back then. Sure miss the sound of those birds.
Mover - Once again, an excellent video. AF Res to Navy Res back to AF Res is definitely not the norm. BTW, say hello for me to Matt Tucker; former -38 FAIP in your new red air squadron. He's a class act. Cheers - Twister
Peter, study hard but you won't know how well you will do until you are actually in training. Never under estimate your abilities. I did. Last year in college I had the opportunity to climb all over a Phantom and sit in the cockpit. Came away pretty depressed thinking I could never fly anything like that. First check ride in UPT I was #28 of 50 pilots, just an average pilot. Then the light bulb came on and on each successive check ride I scored in the top 3%. Graduated in the top 5% and ended up with a Phantom after all. Roger Locher was #1, look him up in Wikipedia.
Haha, I see homestead speedway right there.... I used to live in the "vineyards" right off campbell and 147th.... your flight path (for landings) was right over my house.... being military, I loved it.....neighbors werent so happy, but they got used to it....
"There is no limit", only in America this is true, everywhere else they make aviation so difficult to get into, both in military and the civilian sector, in the States whether you fly a C172 or an F18 or a B747 you are treated the same by ATC. Just only this, shows you something. But perseverance and setting up your goals will eventually bring results. Got my PPL in my early thirties in Europe, the CPL/CFI in my mid thirties in U.S,, instructed for two years, then back to Europe, since then 21 year career at an airline flying A320. From the very beginning it was always "Make "em tell you No". Your videos and your story are so motivating for getting more people to the amazing world of aviation.
You have an awesome story. Totally admire your perseverance and grit. My dream way back when was to fly Air Force, but age was a factor back then (26 1/2 yrs old). I was prior enlisted (didn't know about age waivers for prior service, pre-internet). So the Navy was my other route (29 1/2 yrs old) was the max age. That seemed doable. Make a long story short, got discouraged and went into Army ROTC, commissioned (combat arms), retired three years ago - no regrets! Your story brings back those wonderful memories and hope. Very motivational. The younger folks can learn a lot to not give up. Thanks for sharing!
Wow! You really let yourself go for the Independence Day cameo :D It's amazing to hear about all the different types of planes you have had the opportunity to fly and the high and lows of your career (that's not a BALT reference either!).
Hey mover, I just want to say you really Inspire me to keep pushing for my dreams. Ever since I was little I wanted to fly hornets but when I became a sophomore I found out I had a stigmatism and 20/40 vision. I kinda of gave up on my dream but seeing these videos and hearing your story I have never been so motivated. Thank you so much for sharing and I look forward to flying one day
As a 23 year old flight instructor wanting to join the reserves, this channel is a God send! Answering a lot of questions recruiters don't answer. One question though, how did you contact units when applying? Is cold calling the best method?
Find a unit having a hiring board and then follow their instructions. Bogidope.com, flyingsquadron.com/forums, and guardreservejobs.com are great resources. Good luck!
You have to do some research, then make contact with the unit(s) you're interested in. Find out who the unit CO is and write a short coherent letter stating your interest. Don't blow smoke about how good you are, because even if you got picked you've got a lot of hurdles in front of you, as Mover has explained. Basically you have to "make the sale" on why a particular unit should select you for one or two slots a year from dozens of applicants. My opinion is that you start your bid with the flying unit itself rather than a recruiter. If squadron refers you to unit recruiter, fine - but at least they know your name.
Great video. Super interesting. You are living the dream that many of us would love to do. Very cool story as far as how persistence pays off. That's how life is and applies to many occupations. Looking forward to your upcoming videos.
When watching one of your earlier videos I noticed your last name and just muzed the thought "that boy's got to have Louisiana connections in some manner " Then watched your final F18 flight video , not only was I right ,but you flew out of and later over many areas I was raised up in as a kid especially when flying over Lakefront airport as well as Lakefront Blvd. the field you flew out of looked to be that of the old NAS in Belle Chase if correct I used to sneak thru the woods and snakes and mud and other critters and just sit for hours outside the perimeter fence just waiting for one single plane to fly or just listening to all the different engine types being spooled up and ran while being maintenanced there .I think NO had a NAS closer to the city proper memory fades me on that one .Belle Chase NAS was more maintenance facility if I recall . (1967-68). Your family's last name Lemoine of which I am kin to some and friends with others funny in Louisiana you can be both and not one or the other sharing that name will know each other. I didn't discover that my first wife and I were 5th cousins until after we divorced ...7 months is a long marriage when your 19 ....her G'pa was my uncle its gets confusing from there Louisiana the best place on earth to be from , live elsewhere for a lifetime and never call that address your home only Louisiana until death , hurricanes , tornados , and water do us part . Wishing you all the best in your future . BTW airline wings are a hell of a lot better than no wings and we can talk about the percs, pay and and problems with it somewhere down the line . 30n years next door to Nellis AFB I still love the noise and the everyday free airshows probably have evehn seen you at some time passing over my house ....grinnin . Health and Happiness to you Mr Lemoine
I am very happy to hear about your future video ideas as I'm sure they will answer many questions I have. Keep up the good work sir I look forward to what's coming next.
I'm in the uk and nobody really makes these types of videos for the RAF but always enjoying the USAF and C.W lemoine point of view I don't really have the gear and resources to fly in cesnas gliders stuff like that I can't play DSC I only play war thunder recommend u try brilliant game good ww 2 aircraft and Cold War era jets tanks helicopters and ships. Watching you C.W lemoine really inspires me to do more even at a young age
Man, thanks for your service! Sad about being out of the fighters for the time being but the T-38 isn't all that bad honestly. Can still go upside down ;) I pray someday I'll get a shot. We'll see.
Damn this is an inspiring story. Every adversity coming at you from every direction and you just keep finding a way to succeed. Im gonna share this with my sons.
My grandma ( God rest her soul) always told me, "you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to." You sir, have hit road block after road your entire career and continued to press on. That my friend, is the real story, and as much as we all love aviation, that is the story you should be telling.
Grandfather was a Colonel Dennis J O'Brien in the Air Force and he flew multiple planes, missions, and even flew Air Force One one time. He had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. I love your stories and videos. Always wish I could of became a pilot.
My brother's story is very similar to yours, with respect to your AF career. He went to OCS in the late 70's, taking a path like yours. He was hitting the age limit (25) though, and needed letters of recommendation from the Governor and a senator. He flew F4's wild weasels mission (G's), then the F-16 when he turned 40. Ever run across Jim 'Dibbs' Dibble? He retired a major. He also had to fight to fly at different points in his career. Perseverance!
I absolutely love your videos. I'm 16 and want to fly fighters, and also have been thinking about my career afterwards, especially looking at the airline piloting industry. You have helped understand better the transition, and motivated me to work towards my goal. Thank you.
Great story--glad it worked out for you. I flew (civilian) for many years and then went to med school, and got away from flying. I actually have a friend whose son is in (I think) the squadron you're going to. Sounds like a great mission, and good luck to you!
Wish you had more subs...u really inspire me to apply to be a fighter pilot! Subsed to you btw love your channel so much...RESPECT to a LEGEND like you! :))
Great great story. Thanks again. "So I go back to my T-38 ops desk to see whats up and there is an old acquaintance now flying F-22s telling me they are short of experienced fighter pilots....."
Great Story and Video... Inspiring! I too wanted to be a Fighter Pilot specifically fly the F-5E Checked Flag Aggressor Squadron. I went through AFROTC and gone bad advise from Cadre and missed my chance to get my pilot slot. Many years later, joined ArNG and studying now for my private Helo license.
Sir, Thank you for your passionate video. I have also been in a similar situation to where I was PQ/NAA by NAMI when I went through the initial flight physical as an officer candidate back in 2011 due to racking up numerous speeding tickets on my motorcycle during my college years (displayed immaturity). In 2013, the decision of NAA was overturned however I was never afforded an opportunity thereafter to access into aviation from my MOS. Even with a PFAR of 9 on my ASTB along with my PPL, the Marine Corps’ best interest was to keep me in the communication field. Unlike your situation, I never got to experience military flight but it was a fault of my own for doing dumb stuff when I was young. At this point, quickly approaching 30 years of age in a few months, I am highly considering about joining the ranks of warrant officers in the Army National Guard to fly helos once I’m done with my current deployment. With many regional airlines offering rotor-transition programs, maybe someday I will have a chance to sit in the right seat of an Embraer. Again, thanks for sharing your story. -Capt Anonymous, USMC
You're videos are very inspiring! I'm currently stationed at Barksdale AFB, I have been enlisted for around 7 years now and working towards my BA. Hoping to apply to make the transition from enlisted to officer and one day fly fighters!
Crazy, I bet you know my cousin, though we may be a little older than you. He was stationed at Luke, flew F-16's and retired not long ago as a Lt. Col. (CS Farmer) and also flies for airlines now. Long ago he took me out to fly the familiarity and dogfight sim against him (early 00's?). I thought of myself as quite the stick (but apparently only in Falcon 4!, LOL) but I was ultimately glad to see I wasn't even good enough to carry his diaper. But what an honor and treat. He also took me to sit out on the flight line that day. This wasn't far from where we used to sit in the middle 80's as teenagers, but OFF the base, sitting on the hood of our aunt's car with my cousin saying someday he'd be flying those F-16's. We also went to see the first Top Gun together in the theaters - this kid dreaming of being a fighter pilot someday. He sure the hell did. You guys had one hell of a day job and the proof of that is all the movies made about fighter pilots over the decades. And thank you (both) for risking your lives and your service to our country.
@C.W. Lemoine Please let me know which aircraft you felt you were more lethal in. The F-16 or the F-18 ?.. I know it's possible you had different roles in both ,but if they were wing to wing with similar loadouts ,which cockpit would you be climbing into to engage AA with ?.
Outstanding career management, Mover! Thanks for sharing. I wouldn't mind your vlogging some on your writing methods and experiences. I'm writing my first novel... just finished chapter 5.
I believe some of those Block 30 GE powered F-16's came over from the 704th TFS back at Bergstrom when it was still an AFB before the City of Austin made it into their commercial airport; my friend's dad used to fly those around Austin up until the USAFR decided to move them out to Homestead in 1996. Loved growing up in Austin when Bergstrom was still a AFB, always enjoyed the F-4's and F-16's in particular, not to mention all the other military tactical air jets that would fly over all the time.
I noticed a common theme where its who you know. Right place, right time, right friends in the right places. I’m waiting for your vid on your F22 check ride :)
I know a guy who went to Top Gun and retired from the hornet, tomcat and f4. He also flew the f16. He said the f16 was very maneuverable as long as it was clean. He said as soon as you added tanks, bombs etc it became very slow and lost several g’s of capability.
Great story, way to hang. You are much more gracious to the military paper pushers than they deserve. I have seen so many great careers and entire units ruined by bureaucrats behind desks. Maybe its just me but the military has been eating its own since the eighties and outstanding patriots seem to be disposable, and they wonder why we have these constant cycles of "shortages".
Awesome Videos. I am a new subscriber to your channel. I noticed when you took off in the F-15 for a cross country hop, that you had one missile loaded on your aircraft. Is that for the possibility that you may have to respond to a possible hijacking and would rather have the option (all be it a shitty one... thanks for taking that responsibility for your nations security) of shooting the hijacker down rather than ramming him? I think it would be an interesting topic of what the protocol's are for that situation on American soil and your personal feelings on wartime bombing missions ....and of course the loss of life that goes with it .... even though they are our enemy. Again ' keep up the great work and I look forward in checking out your book series.
Congratulations on all the breaks going your way. I was a Tomcat pilot. When I applied to the airlines in 83, they turned me down saying I only had centerline-thrust experience. Seems there was a glut of pilots in that was a mid-cycle of the typical airline pilot 20-year career path. Consequently they only wanted guys with exactly perfect attributes. The cold calculus of supply and demand
Great to see someone who knows how everything works based off personal experience explaining how to start a career and succeed. Much like everyone else in your comments, I want to be a fighter pilot and appreciate your videos! As for a question goes, before you took your first step in the direction of flying in the military, did you know what you had to do or who you had to talk to to get where you wanted to be or was it just a learning process and reaching out to people to lead you in the right direction?
Ok, I just remembered I have a picture of a F16 framed & signed by "Hooter" from 2002 that he gave to my mom to give to me. Almost thought it was your signature. Just went & looked, LOL.
Watching your other videos I thought you were very down to earth and an awesome pilot. Now knowing about your father, your brother, your condition and your bureaucratic battles I have the utmost respect for you personally. Only the best prevail through overwhelming adversity. 👍👍
