Page 180 - Never Fly Solo

13

Release Brakes!

Conquer the Fear Barrier That
Holds You Back

The flashing taxi lights reflect off my canopy and light up
my cockpit with a warm glow. It’s eleven p.m., and the moon-
less sky is blanketed with stars—a beautiful night to fly. Wait-
ing nervously for the tower’s clearance to take off, I silently
review the departure procedures in my head. The mission has
been briefed, and the objectives are clear. I’ve already “chair
flown” the mission a dozen times in my head. I know by heart
the tactics, radio calls, and threat-reaction procedures to
defeat the missiles that will soon saturate the airspace we will
be navigating.
I look to my left and right and see the three other mem-
bers of my formation. Yoda, the four-ship flight lead, is to my
left. To my right are Pigpen and Shooter. We’ve trained
together for this mission, and now it’s time to execute. I’m
filled with courage and confidence, knowing I won’t be flying
solo. We are one team, one mission. We are wingmen.

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