My first C-130 flight...

Yesturday I accomplished my first C-130 flight mission. It was a training mission with various lessons to accomplish for all aircrew members. I didn't know exactly what to expect since it was my first actual flight, and it was surprising to say the least. We started our flight a little behind schedule due to maintenance issues which grounded us for about 2 hours...and that was boring just sitting and waiting to takeoff. Once we were airborne, we were to join a formation in flight but found ourselves about to collide into another aircraft. To avoid the collision, the pilot immediately nose-dived into a sharp turn which made my stomach leave my body and my mind to wonder if my time on earth was about to end...needless to say since I am writing this, the pilot gained control and we continued our training mission. We continued practicing different operations, which I can not discuss in detail, but there was so much going on I couldn't keep track to what the heck we were doing; all I could here is the pilots, navigators, engineer, and towers talking about coordinations and countdowns to turn...I figured out fast when I would hear "5, 4, 3, 2, 1, turn"...that meant to "hold on!"...the turns are not easy, I got thrown a few times in the back.

My instructor told me I did good for my first time, but I know I did horrible. There is about seven different people talking on one interphone system, and it is hard to keep straight to what is expected of me in the back of the plane. There are numerous "checks" I am required to do to confirm aircraft status, but the crew moves so fast threw the checks I had difficulty keeping up. So, I need to study some more and help prepare for my second flight Monday. Although gliding across at 1,000 feet is very awesome, it is more work than I realized...and will require time for me to master the skill of aviation operations. Wish me luck for my next flight...I need it.