Living the dream

Recently, I got the chance to interview Mr. Ed Hamill. Mr. Hamill is a retired US Air Force Colonel with 30 years of service and 2,200 F-16 flying hours, including combat time. Currently, he flies for a major airline as a First Officer in the Airbus 319, 320 and 321, and also does airshows. He started flying competition and airshow aerobatics in 1999, and since then, Mr. Hamill has safely completed over 400 performances all across North America.

I feel truly humbled and honored to have had the opportunity to ask him some questions and thrilled that he was willing to take time out of his busy schedule to share his story with me.

Mr. Hamill, you have had such an incredible career. You are an airline pilot, an airshow pilot, and a retired Air Force F-16 fighter pilot with combat time. It sounds like a dream career to me and I’m sure many others. Could you perhaps start by introducing yourself and letting us know how you first got into aviation? What motivated you?

Thank you, Noah for this opportunity to talk to you about flying airplanes. I was introduced to aviation at an early age. My grandfather was a military and civilian pilot, along with my grandmother who is one of the original 99s. Then in high school, my dad offered to me to get my private pilot license at the same time he got his, so after growing up, looking at airplanes through the chain-link fence at the local airport, we both went through training together and got our private pilots license.

That was a special time. It was at the age of 14 going to an airshow with my dad, that I saw a fighter jet fly overhead. It was just a simple, straight and level flyby, and afterburner, and that one flyby changed my life forever. I knew at that point that at some point in my life I wanted to be a fighter pilot. So I looked at steps to becoming a fighter pilot, and the first step was to go get your private pilot license and see if this whole flying airplanes gig was the right gig for me.

After I got my license, I accumulated a couple hundred hours in piper warriors, Beechcraft, sundowners, and eventually piper Dakota’s. I also got a job as a line technician at the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) at John Wayne airport in Orange County, California. There, I fueled airplanes, including commercial airliners, and met several pilots who offered to take me up in their corporate airplanes.

Then I decided I wanted to fly fighter jets, specifically at 16s in the Air Force, so I went to San Diego State University and joined Air Force ROTC detachment, which resulted in getting commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force after graduation. Then I entered Air Force pilot training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas and was fortunate enough to get a 16s and I went through training at Luke Air Force Base, in Phoenix, Arizona.

So, what did it take to become a fighter pilot? And what was that experience like?

Becoming a fighter pilot takes persistence and good timing, along with hard work, and being in good physical shape. After pilot training in the Air Force, I was fortunate to get the S 16, which I did my training at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona in 1994. Then off to Kunsan air base in South Korea, where I spent my first year as a fighter pilot and I learned a lot about the fighter pilot culture. After Korea, I was assigned to Spangdahlem air base in Germany.

My advice to those that want to be a fighter pilot is to set goals, work hard, and never give up. Sometimes, if you hear the wrong answer, you might be talking to the wrong person. You will hear the word no a lot. Get used to it. There are many hoops and many struggles along the way, but if you really want something, you need to stick with it. My dad always told me: "The harder you work, the luckier you get". Well, I can tell you that the harder you work, the more fortunate you may be. You open the door for more opportunities with hard work and persistence. Actually, flying the airplane and being a fighter pilot in combat is up to you, but getting there will take focus and commitment.

What skills and knowledge have been most important for you as a fighter pilot?

The ability to compartmentalize is a strong skill that I believe makes you not just a better fighter pilot, but a better pilot in general. Situational awareness is a big part of that. Each phase of flight, you prioritize different things, and that is how you succeed. For example, when you first get to a new squadron, sometimes the best advice is to keep your mouth shut and listen, and there are times where you need to speak up, but that is true, no matter where you are.

You have also worked as an F16 instructor pilot. What was your most important piece of advice to student pilots?

Listen, learn and let your actions speak for themselves. Study hard, know the regulations, not just to keep yourself in line, but to help look out for others. As an instructor, I emphasize that this is a team sport, even though we are single seat fighters, we work as a team, and look out for each other in every phase of the operation. If you take a humble and modest approach, and do your best for others, then you have a better chance of succeeding.

After leaving the US Air Force, you became an airline pilot. That must be a very different experience from being a fighter pilot. How does the experience of flying a large Airbus with hundreds of passengers compare to your experience as a fighter pilot? What is it that you like most about both jobs?

Even though the airplanes are completely different, I find a lot of similarities in being a fighter pilot, and working as an airline pilot. You look out for each other in both environments, and while the airplanes fly completely differently, whether it is a two ship, or 4 ship of F-16s or it is two pilots in the cockpit at the airline, we always practice mutual support and backing each other up. Honestly, flying at the airline is more of a job for me, because it enables more time for family and activities, like golf, and the occasional airshow.

When did you decide to start doing airshows? Did you require any additional training for that?

From that airshow at age 14, I knew that I would eventually come full circle after flying fighter, jets, and want to get into the airshows. When I got back to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona to be an instructor in the F16, I looked up an airshow performer whom I had seen fly before I even went into the Air Force. And it took a couple months of convincing, but he took me under his wing, and showed me the ropes of the airshow business. This was not just about how to fly the airplane, but how to do good for the airshow industry and help grow this magical world of airshow flying.

I started with competition slime, as well as airshow flying and built a strong foundation that will hopefully serve me well into the future. After flying full-time airshows from 2003 to 2009 and part time at 16s, I sold the airplane and dove back into military service. I retired from the military in 2019, and now with my partnership with Folds of Honor, I am back on the airshow circuit. My entire mission of getting back in the airshows in the Biplane is to raise awareness and money for Folds of Honor. Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to the family members of fallen and disabled, first responders and military.

That's beautiful. Thank you so much for your service.

What advice would you give young students like me who dream of becoming a pilot and joining the Air Force?

My strongest recommendation is to be around airports, whether you get your pilot license or help fueling airplanes or help with the operations of an airport, be around it and get familiar. Also set goals, whether it’s large goals or small goals, set goals and work hard to achieve them. That will include studying hard and getting through classes and getting the best grades that you can. Also, surround yourself with good people. The best measure of a person are the friends that they keep. So hang out with other people that have the same goals that you do and back each other up just as you will in a fighter squadron, or an airline cockpit later on down the road.

Thank you for that. I will definitely take that to heart. Before we close, can you tell me what has been the most memorable moment of your career journey to date?

I have been blessed and fortunate to have many memorable moments in my aviation career. From my first operational at 16 squadron in Korea to flying in Germany and all over Europe, then flying my first airshow in 1999 in the same biplane that I’m flying today, then being invited to fly at Oshkosh Wisconsin at the EAA airventure.

You've had a truly incredible and inspirational journey... Is there anything else you’d like to share?

First of all, thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts on aviation. I think the key deviation and any time in life is to keep your priorities straight. Surround yourself with good people and listen to them. Faith, family and friends are a strong foundation to a successful career in aviation, or anything you do in life. I wish you the best of luck in your journey, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions that I could help out with. Thank you and Godspeed.

Thank you Sir. It's been a great honor.

All about VFR flying

If you are about to being your journey as a student pilot, one of the things you will start hearing about early on in your training is VFR versus IFR. So, let’s talk about what that is all about!

Aircraft flying in the National Airspace System operate under two basic categories of flight: Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).

Visual Flight Rules means that the aircraft is intended to operate in visual meteorological conditions (i.e., nice and clear weather). You should avoid clouds, heavy precipitation, low visibility, and otherwise adverse weather conditions under VFR. Most general aviation flying and flight training take place in visual meteorological conditions.

Instrument Flight Rules implies that the flight may operate in instrument meteorological conditions (meaning cloudy or otherwise adverse weather conditions). However, many aircraft may operate under IFR while completing the entire flight in visual meteorological conditions. Just because you can fly in the clouds or less than acceptable weather under IFR doesn’t mean you should!

IFR flying has many benefits. Often the equipment on board allows for very precise flight along a route that is more direct than the twists and turns that might be required to dodge airspace and some weather under VFR. IFR also allows an aircraft to depart in weather that is less than required for VFR, and enter the clouds once the IFR clearance has been received. It allows pilots to get above the clouds to smoother air, and air traffic control provides a watchful eye and will bring to attention any potential traffic hazards.

IFR provides efficiency, additional safety, and usually consistent contact with air traffic control, but it requires that pilots follow an exact pre-determined/pre-planned flight route. Deviations are allowed in case of emergencies, diversions, traffic and weather avoidance, but generally air traffic control expects you to fly the route and altitude you were given, which is called a clearance.

VFR flying, however, provides you the freedom of flying any route and altitude you choose, barring specific airspace limitations. General aviation enthusiasts flying for fun will often fly VFR. Pilots will also be limited to VFR if their aircraft is not equipped with the required equipment for IFR flight, or if they do not hold the required instrument rating to act as pilot-in-command on an IFR flight plan.

Choosing whether to fly VFR or IFR depends on several factors, including equipment available on the aircraft, current and forecast weather conditions, and the goals of the flight. However, as a student pilot you will fly VFR when conducting cross country flights with your instructor.

Here are some useful tips and insights that I found which may help you in VFR flying:

1. Flight Planning:

Flight planning is the foundation of every successful VFR flight. At the beginning your instructor will do the flight planning for your, but as you get closer to your solo flight, you will have to start taking on that responsibility.

First, begin by assessing the weather conditions, checking NOTAMs (Notice to Air Missions), and studying sectional charts. Identify landmarks, waypoints, and airfields along your route. Consider airspace restrictions and regulations that may affect your flight. A well-thought-out flight plan sets the stage for a smooth and efficient VFR journey.

2. Pre-Flight Checks:

One of the most important factors for a safe flight is the Pre-Flight Checks. It’s important to inspect the aircraft for any visible damage or malfunctions. Verify fuel levels, oil quantities, and control surfaces. Ensure that navigation and communication equipment, as well as lights, are in proper working order. This may initially take you a while, but with time you will become more proficient.

3. Sectional Charts and Navigation:

Sectional charts are indispensable tools for VFR pilots. Familiarize yourself with the symbols, abbreviations, and legends on the charts. Learn to interpret different airspace boundaries, obstructions, and navigation aids. Plan your route using visual landmarks, rivers, highways, or mountains. You can use pilotage (navigation by reference to landmarks or checkpoints) and dead reckoning techniques to maintain course and track your position. Regularly cross-reference your position with sectional charts to ensure accurate navigation. This is much easier if you have avionics that allow a better situational awareness.

4. Weather Considerations:

Weather awareness is vital for safe VFR flying. Stay informed about current and forecasted weather conditions along your route, using METAR or ATIS. Monitor temperature, cloud cover, wind speed, and visibility. Avoid flying in marginal weather, such as fog, thunderstorms, or strong crosswinds. You are the pilot in command so make the decision of flying with your current capabilities and not the aircraft's limitations. Be prepared to divert or delay your flight if weather conditions deteriorate. Always prioritize safety over pressure and schedule!

5. Traffic Scanning and Collision Avoidance:

Maintaining situational awareness and vigilance for other aircraft is critical during VFR flights. Continuously scan the sky for traffic, both visually and using the aircraft's instruments. If you have passengers, brief them on helping you find other aircrafts to avoid collision. Actively look for other aircraft, especially near airports or high-traffic areas. Stay vigilant, communicate intentions clearly on the radio, and be prepared to take evasive action if necessary. 6. Communications and Radio Procedures: Personally, I find speaking on the radio the most stressful part of flying, but establishing effective communication is something you learn to do over time and it is essential for safe VFR operations. Familiarize yourself with standard phraseology and radio procedures. Practice concise and clear radio transmissions. Prioritize listening to ATC communications and be prepared to comply with instructions. If ever confused don’t be afraid to ask again and/or speak slower. When communicating with other pilots, use plain language and be aware of frequency congestion. Good communication enhances situational awareness and promotes airspace safety. 7. Emergency Preparedness:

Finally, even with good planning, emergencies can occur at any time during the flight. Be prepared for contingencies. Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures specific to your aircraft and always brief before departing or landing. Practice emergency maneuvers such as stalls will prepare you to react faster in case of an emergency. It is important to learn to aviate, navigate, and communicate effectively under stress. Always prioritize flying the aircraft over communication, if you’re under too much workload in an emergency situation!

Meet the man who's done it all...

I've had the immense honor of interviewing Mr. Richard McSpadden and I can't even begin to express how impressed I am! Mr. McSpadden started flying as a teenager and has logged over 5,000 hours flying a variety of civilian and military aircraft. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, including as commander and flight leader of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds where he led over 100 flight demonstrations flying the lead aircraft. Currently, he serves as Senior Vice President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and leads a team of certified flight instructors and content creators who develop and distribute aviation safety material to advance general aviation safety industrywide.

Mr. McSpadden, you have had such an incredible career. You were a commander and flight leader at the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and today you are Senior Vice President of AOPA. Could you please tell the audience a little bit about your career path and what motivated you to get into the field of aviation?

My father was a huge influence on my decision. He started taking flight lessons in his 40s, when I was a freshman in college. He was a hard-working man and I’d never seen such joy in him. He encouraged me to take it up and I found that many of the skills I’d honed in my life up to that point harmonized. Flying was immediately rewarding to me and something I thought I could do well and would enjoy.

You were a commander at the US Air Force Thunderbirds, which is my absolute dream job. Could you let us know what the experience was like?

This is always a tough question. I never feel like I do it justice. Imagine yourself dripped in red, white and blue, flying corner to corner in this country you love and swore an oath to defend, in one of the most advanced flying machines ever built, representing the most dominant and respected Air Force in the world. I loved every minute of the job: representing the power, pride, and precision of the USAF; commanding an organization; and flying the lead jet on a team stacked with exceptional aviation talent. When you close your eyes and dream of what that must be like, in reality it’s far more than you can dream.

It sounds like the honor of a lifetime and the greatest experience I can imagine! Could you please tell us more about what your current work entails?

I lead a small team of certified flight instructors and content providers that work to advance aviation safety. We impact how pilots fly by influencing how they think through engaging and educational content. We also get involved with advocating for aviation safety with government entities and local authorities and organizations. And we engage in research on aviation safety and produce the annual report on general aviation safety that’s used throughout the industry to measure trends and set aviation safety strategy. It's another dream job.

What is that you like most about your current job?

It’s hard to say what I like most. There’s a lot to like. I have a great boss; an incredibly skilled and passionate team at ASI and we work among a deeply talented and committed team here at AOPA. It’s fun and rewarding to work among a group of people so committed to protect and grow general aviation and keep it safe. I also get to do a lot of traveling and fly with a lot of interesting and very talented general aviation pilots in some cool airplanes.

What skills and knowledge have been most important for your career in aviation?

It changes, through the years as you progress. When I started my USAF career, I was a pilot, a technician. The most important skill was to be the very best pilot I could be and I worked hard at it. Then, progressing through the ranks and moving up, my piloting skills were the ante to stay in the game, but to advance I needed to learn teamwork, leadership and managing skills. People skills and human psychology gets more and more important the higher up you move in an organization. Now, I’m not the best pilot in the room or the brightest aviation expert. My critical skills are to find those people and help them thrive. Move obstacles out of their way, help them hone their goals to harmonize with the organization and find the resources to help them bloom. It’s fantastically rewarding.

What advice would you give young students like me who dream of joining the Air Force?

Do it! The Air Force has a motto: "Service before self". That simple guidepost will teach you so much about yourself and about life.

What has been the most memorable moment of your incredible career journey to date?

I have so many great memories, it’s hard to choose a single one. The best of them involve people. Flying with my dad and teaching each of my children how to fly are fond memories I’ll cherish forever. I did some fantastic flying in the F-15 with some colleagues I respected immensely. Huge influences on me beyond flying. We had a lot of great moments on the Thunderbirds, yes the flying, but we met with some amazing people, living inspirational lives. Here at AOPA I’ve done just incredible flying that you can only do in this country with some unbelievably talented and fun…really fun people. That’s the thing about aviation. It will change your life. Not primarily due to flying. It’s the people you meet. Passionate, positive people that are attacking life!

Thank you, Sir. This has been such an inspiring interview and I am now even more excited about pursuing a career in aviation! Thank you for taking the time to respond to my questions. It's truly been an honor and a privilege!