Pilot Mayday "Dispatching" - F/A-18's Crash

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RussR

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While traveling thru NC on the ICW this AM, our VHF blared MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY from a military plane calling about 2 F/A-18's who crashed off the coast. Kudos to a VERY professional pilot who calmly described the situation, stated the Lat & Long SLOWLY several times, advised that the CG had been called & that assets where in-route, but asked for any area vessels to respond. Then, as flying around at hundreds of miles/hour & at thousands of feet called vessels within sight & directed them to the 2 crash sites. He further directed the closest vessel (a fishing boat) to the first 2 victims, had them evaluate their conditions, then directed the fishing boat to the 2nd set of victims who had set off smoke signals. In the end, all 4 pilots were successfully rescued by CG helicopters from the fishing vessel.

Surprising that the pilot's VHF signal was VERY strong at 30+ miles away & he did a fantastic job - could teach the CG a thing or two about clear, concise comms without useless repeating of times, questions & info.

As a side rant, even with an active mayday in progress - the pilot directing the fishing boat to the downed pilots on channel 16, numerous boats were on high power with their irreverent ICW passing conversations...

Again, a very WELL DONE to the pilot & glad the 4 downed pilots are all o.k.

Russ
 
Typically I can transmit 160 to 220 miles on VHF above 18,000 feet. 30 miles from the air is not difficult. If I am aircraft to aircraft, I can often reach out 350 to 400 miles.
 
GeeBee- Do you get that range at high altitude using standard marine max. of 25 watt transmit power?

If so , I'll think about swapping in an 18,000' tall boat VHF antenna. :D With a little blinking light at the top for safety , of course.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Sandy

In the latest photos of the plane that was pulled from the Hudson it looks intact as if it glided in at safe angle so it's harder to see how the unfortunate death occurred. Engine must have been fully stopped as only one prop blade appears bent.

Click to expand...


That is a P-47 from another story.

But I agree, it looks like there is very little damage to the aircraft.

George
 
quote:
Originally posted by gcolton

quote:
Originally posted by Sandy

In the latest photos of the plane that was pulled from the Hudson it looks intact as if it glided in at safe angle so it's harder to see how the unfortunate death occurred. Engine must have been fully stopped as only one prop blade appears bent.

Click to expand...


That is a P-47 from another story.

But I agree, it looks like there is very little damage to the aircraft.

George

Click to expand...


Whoops, sorry, my mistake switching between stories.
I'll delete that post.
 
Dave, not hot dogging, training. That's what they do, simulate dog fighting. All four Aviators ended up at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. Fortunately, no serious injuries,
 
quote:
Originally posted by Sandy

GeeBee- Do you get that range at high altitude using standard marine max. of 25 watt transmit power?

If so , I'll think about swapping in an 18,000' tall boat VHF antenna. :D With a little blinking light at the top for safety , of course.

Click to expand...


Typically pushing 16 watts. Line of sight is a wonderful thing. I find the only real limitation on air to air is earth's curvature.

The other day at about N55W045 I talked to a another flight at W025. I was at 40,000' however.
 
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