Almost lost my lunch

[yoda]

Started last solo PPL cross country today @ 1015 heading up to Tupelo. Conditions were pretty much MVFR once I got above 2000 ft. Proceeded to 4,500 and got about 18 miles out of Tupelo. I came up on a cloud and inexperience told me to go over it rather than under it. Big MISTAKE!! Once I got over the cloud, a updraft lifted the plane up 500 feet from my "used to be" altitude and then dropped me 1000ft into the cloud. I somehow navigated out and RTB'd. While on my way, called the nearby AFB and told them my intentions and why I was diverting back. They asked me to describe the "turbulence" I had experienced as moderate or severe. I replied "As shaken as I am right now, I would consider a good fart to be severe turbulence!" The controller laughed back "Rodger!" I told Chewy about it and he said the same thing happened to him and that all of us need a humbling situation like that. Honestly, I could've gone my whole life the way I was before and never complained! I was still very shaken when another guy, who is studying for his ATP, said "that is why I will never fly with someone who doesn't think that they are the best pilot ever," to which I told him "at the time, i was the best pilot in that damn airplane!"

[Airmale]

Sounds like a trip! Where are you going to flight school at? I see you are near Tupelo so it must be Mississippi. That has happened to all of us at some point. Don't worry about it, pick yourself up, dust off and jump back in the cockpit. As for the "fart" statement, probably not a good idea to say to ATC, but I've said worse!

[yoda]

I am going to Accessible Aviation in Columbus, Ms. I see the 105 is your avatar. Did you fly them?

[Airmale]

I flew 3 tours in Vietnam in the 105. I volunteered for 2 and was handed the first. I enjoyed it. I was never shot down until I went to the F4. I was kept at the Hanoi Hilton for 16 months until the war ended. I went from fighters to heavies in the early 80s and then retired some years later. All in all, it was very fun.

[yoda]

Geeze!!!!!!!!!!! 16 months! Thank you for your service! Guess what I went thru today wasn't so bad afterall.

[falconvalley]

Originally Posted by Airmale

I flew 3 tours in Vietnam in the 105. I volunteered for 2 and was handed the first. I enjoyed it. I was never shot down until I went to the F4. I was kept at the Hanoi Hilton for 16 months until the war ended. I went from fighters to heavies in the early 80s and then retired some years later. All in all, it was very fun.

Thank You so much for your service!

Where were you deployed to/from when you were in the F4? My dad was deployed out of Florida to Thailand back in the late 60's, early 70's.

[falconvalley]

Originally Posted by yoda

Started last solo PPL cross country today @ 1015 heading up to Tupelo. Conditions were pretty much MVFR once I got above 2000 ft. Proceeded to 4,500 and got about 18 miles out of Tupelo. I came up on a cloud and inexperience told me to go over it rather than under it. Big MISTAKE!! Once I got over the cloud, a updraft lifted the plane up 500 feet from my "used to be" altitude and then dropped me 1000ft into the cloud. I somehow navigated out and RTB'd. While on my way, called the nearby AFB and told them my intentions and why I was diverting back. They asked me to describe the "turbulence" I had experienced as moderate or severe. I replied "As shaken as I am right now, I would consider a good fart to be severe turbulence!" The controller laughed back "Rodger!" I told Chewy about it and he said the same thing happened to him and that all of us need a humbling situation like that. Honestly, I could've gone my whole life the way I was before and never complained! I was still very shaken when another guy, who is studying for his ATP, said "that is why I will never fly with someone who doesn't think that they are the best pilot ever," to which I told him "at the time, i was the best pilot in that damn airplane!"

Glad everything worked out fine. Way too many are too proud to RTB and end up RTB forever

[MusketeerMan]

Sounds fun!!!

BTW...you'd know it if you were ever in moderate or severe turbulence...

[yoda]

hopefully next time I have some experience under my belt!

[Chris_Ford]

Originally Posted by Airmale

I flew 3 tours in Vietnam in the 105. I volunteered for 2 and was handed the first. I enjoyed it. I was never shot down until I went to the F4. I was kept at the Hanoi Hilton for 16 months until the war ended. I went from fighters to heavies in the early 80s and then retired some years later. All in all, it was very fun.

Seriously? If true, and it's not a hassle, you need to write this up... It would be a fascinating read (if it doesn't hit too close to home)

[Murdoughnut]

Originally Posted by Airmale

I flew 3 tours in Vietnam in the 105. I volunteered for 2 and was handed the first. I enjoyed it. I was never shot down until I went to the F4. I was kept at the Hanoi Hilton for 16 months until the war ended. I went from fighters to heavies in the early 80s and then retired some years later. All in all, it was very fun.

There was a really good show on the Military Channel about 105 "Wild Weasel" crews running SAM diversion flights. Interesting stuff. I salute your service and balls of steel

[triple7]

I second that....Id love to read about your experiences in Vietnam......Thank you for your service sir...seriously.

[MQAAord]

Originally Posted by Airmale

I flew 3 tours in Vietnam in the 105. I volunteered for 2 and was handed the first. I enjoyed it. I was never shot down until I went to the F4. I was kept at the Hanoi Hilton for 16 months until the war ended. I went from fighters to heavies in the early 80s and then retired some years later. All in all, it was very fun.

Where were you stationed during your Vietnam service?

[Mike Lewis]

That's an F-86D in the avatar, and NOT an F-105.