Am I in the simulator, or what?

Approach, March, 2003 by Samuel Schick

Crew coordination was key to the successful outcome of this unusual emergency. I had my hands full at the end of the cat stroke, and my copilot responded just how we had briefed an in-flight engine shutdown--although the communication method was a little nonstandard. He then helped me hold the left rudder in until we could figure out what was going on. The CICO pulled out the pocket checklist, backed us up, and coordinated with the ship.

The air-control officer and radar officer backed up the CICO, provided altitude backup to make sure we didn't get wet, and had the checklists ready. The next time you are flying along fat, dumb and happy, get ready for that FRS flashback: "Am I in the simulator, or what?" Then think again--it is reality.

Cdr. Schick is the executive officer of VAW-113.