This article was difficult for me to write. The purpose of any Approach article is to spread the word: for pilots and NFOs to share their mistakes with fellow aviators to make naval aviation as safe as possible. Most articles talk about mistakes made before or during a flight; my mistake occurred after one. On Aug. 30, 2000, I was the pilot under instruction (PUI), working on my second syllabus flight for my UH-3H FCF qualification. The crew conducted a thorough brief, checked the books in maintenance control, did the weight and balance, and headed out to what would be the roughest day of my life. "
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