Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, MD -- When it comes to her job as and engineer in the NAVAIR F/A-18 TACRECCE and Radar program, Lori Gallo is usually up front; however, as a passenger recently in an F/A-18D Hornet and an F/A-18F Super Hornet, she took a back seat. Gallo was able to take the flights through VX23’s Selected Passenger Program.

“It’s amazing to be up there,” she said. “Being strapped in the backseat was overwhelming but awesome. The plane is extremely maneuverable, and I had quite a ride on each of the three flights I’ve taken.”

But the flights are not just for kicks. During each sortie Gallo has been an active participant in test flights for carrier suitability and carrier landing system approaches. “Flying in the airplane and operating the systems and seeing them work are my dreams. Sitting in the simulator when we are ground testing is one thing, but being up in the air and seeing all the systems working puts my job in perspective.”

Gallo has worked for NAVAIR for 13 years. As part of her current job with the TACRECCE and Radar Team, within 4.11.6.1, Gallo looks at the fleet’s system requirements and coordinates the contracting purchasing, integration, and flight testing of those systems.

Gallo said the flight gear was bulky and felt a bit awkward at first, but she soon figured out how to effectively move around the cockpit while checking out the equipment. “The F/A-18F cockpit is very impressive,” she said. “The new color displays are wonderful. I’ve sat in the cockpit for ground tests, but to see the screen up and running was amazing.”

VX-23 manages the Selected Passenger Program, and candidates must be approved by their competencies. Before taking the flights, Gallo went through a rigorous program of ejection seat training, altitude familiarization, and survival school. She also had to swim and tread water in full flight gear.

“The ‘device’ portion of survival school took place at NAS Norfolk,” Gallo said. “I did a parachute drag and untangled myself from a chute. I also did a helicopter hoist and dunker. The helo dunker was the most challenging. It was like a giant can with windows and seats in it. The whole thing was dropped into the pool and then tipped over. It was definitely an experience. I was very happy when I passed.”

The effort to get through the training was definitely worth it, Gallo said. She also said all of the pilots expressed their appreciation for how the Selected Passenger Program forges the relationship between aviators and those who support them.

“I’ve learned a lot on these flights,” Gallo said. “It’s been a great training experience, and not only has it been a great morale booster, it has changed the way I look at my work.”

For more information pertaining to this story contact Denise Deon Wilson at 301-481-6263.

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Caption: Lori Gallo prepares for flight with pilot Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Fortescue.