Author: sothereiwas

Sheriff joins Fig and Repete to tell how his interest in aviation was initially sparked. Then he relays how it evolved from some wild adventures in light civil aircraft to his pursuit and success in becoming a Naval Flight Officer flying in military tactical jets. There is one specific story in light civil planes that was described then and now as: ‘We were on a mission from God!’ Sheriff recounts […]

Fig and Repete recount their time in VMA-223 with Colonel Mitch Triplett. Col. Triplett passed away this week and the show is dedicated to him. The consummate Marine, Aviator, Leader; “Trip” will be missed by all and remembered fondly. Some funny ATC interactions are recounted and then we lead into the prior-teased tale of the “Fig-Dog”. Not for the feint of heart, this really happened… and how it didn’t turn […]

This week’s show is dedicated to the memory of Retired Navy Captain James “Sinzy” Sinz. A former Commanding Officer of both Repete and this week’s guest, Pester, Sinzy was an exceptional leader who cared deeply about setting the example, providing guidance when needed, and helping his Sailors and Marines whenever he could. Capt Sinz’s obituary can be found here. Captain Sinz: Fair Winds and Following Seas, Sir. Rest well knowing […]

Spaz joins Fig & Repete to tell of his time with the VMA-331 Bumble Bees before the squadron was “flamed-out” (Decommissioned); some of his time in 223; and what happened to cause him to return a Harrier to the tax-payers in many thousands of pieces. Spaz has some great stories to share and is not shy about doing so. Not always a patient man, he describes himself as caffeinated at […]

This is the second half of our interview with Chaz – Navy S-3 Pilot and now Retired from the majors. Chaz has had an amazing career and is a raconteur extraordinaire! From hilarious to tragic and everything in between. Enjoy the show and please write us with any comments and questions at Fig@SoThereIWas.us or Repete@SoThereIWas.us.

Luke Joins hosts Fig & Repete to talk about his journey from the midwest to the Naval Academy. He tells how he became a Marine heavy helicopter pilot and Harrier pilot. He recounts a couple of brushes with disaster and how he avoided jumping out of a Harrier right before leaving active duty. There is a saying in aviation: It’s better to be lucky than good. But when your luck […]

Sinbad joins hosts Fig & Repete to recount flying low and fast; terrorizing livestock and breaking glass. But it was a good enough show to get him a ‘free pass’ from the local highway patrol 35 years later! Going ‘green’ on a maintenance check flight gets a new meaning!

Join Fig & Repete as they welcome “Auto” for more fun aviation stories. The real story behind Auto’s callsign. There’s a saying in aviation about landing gear up: There are those who have and those who will. In this episode there’s a story about one who . . . did.