I don’t get the “patriots” that wave a flag in one hand and shake a fist at the Navy with the other for making noise while doing FCLP’s at NOLF Coupeville.

You would think they would realize that Johnny jet has to get the hang of flying the ball before he goes to the ship so he can get back aboard safely.

That is what bouncing, touch and goes, or as it is officially called Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) is all about and it saves lives. You can make up sleep.

By the way, they have to bounce late because the sun stays up later and it is a must for a first tour pilot to get six nighttime successful FCLP’s, not all passes (approaches) count, if he is off the glide slope, too fast or too slow he is waved off and goes around to try again, just like on the ship.

I live nine miles south of NOLF, love to hear’em. But then again I am retired Navy, 30 years’ service.

David Christopherson

Coupeville