Carrier Aircrew Chronicles

Aircraftprofiles
  • 0.0 (0)
  • History
  • Updated Semiweekly

Carrier Aircrew Chronicles brings you the stories of the men and women who lived and worked in the demanding world of aircraft carrier aviation. Hear firsthand accounts from Naval Aviators, Naval Flight Officers and aircrew—from first traps and night landings to combat missions, close calls and unforgettable flights. We also explore the aircraft, carriers and history behind their stories. Real people. Real aircraft. Real stories from carrier aviation.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Carrier Aircrew Chronicles - Ep. 2: One foot over the line. Told by William Schild

    On January 8, 1973, during a WESTPAC deployment aboard USS Midway, Naval Flight Officer William Schild and his crew returned from an early-morning mission in their EKA-3B Skywarrior—the legendary “Whale.” The approach looked normal. The ball was centered. They caught the three-wire.But they touched down 24 feet right of centerline.In this episode of Carrier Aircrew Chronicles, William Schild tells the story of that remarkable carrier landing and the flight deck accident that followed. The episode also features William’s own original 8mm footage from the deployment aboard USS Midway, offering a rare personal glimpse into life and flight operations at sea during the final period of the Vietnam War.

  2. Aug 23

    Carrier Aircrew Chronicles - Ep.1: The day I became a Naval Aviator. Told by Chip Stapleton

    Carrier Aircrew Chronicles - The day I became a Naval Aviator Every Naval Aviator remembers their first aircraft carrier landing—but for Chip Stapleton, it came with an unforgettable punchline.What was supposed to be a routine first carrier qualification quickly turned into a "trick or treat" landing. Low on fuel, there would be no practice pass, no warm-up, and no second chance. Either catch the wire... or head back to shore.It's a story about pressure, precision, and the unique humor that binds generations of Naval Aviators.Watch the full episode of Carrier Aircrew Chronicles to hear Chip's unforgettable first carrier landing story and more incredible tales from the flight deck.

  • 2 Episodes

About

Carrier Aircrew Chronicles brings you the stories of the men and women who lived and worked in the demanding world of aircraft carrier aviation. Hear firsthand accounts from Naval Aviators, Naval Flight Officers and aircrew—from first traps and night landings to combat missions, close calls and unforgettable flights. We also explore the aircraft, carriers and history behind their stories. Real people. Real aircraft. Real stories from carrier aviation.

Information